Menopause is the period when a woman stops menstruating for 12 months consecutively. It generally occurs in women in the age gap from 40 to 50. A woman undergoing menopause can experience headaches, insomnia, hot flashes, urinary tract infections, tender breasts, reduced sex drive, decreased bone mass, stiff joints, and hair thinning.

Typically, bald spots do not appear, and thinning occurs in the front, sides, or top of the head. Hair loss while brushing and showering is also common. Menopausal women have lower levels of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones affect hair growth. Decreased female hormones can lead to an increase in androgens (or male hormones). Androgens shrink hair follicles, resulting in weaker roots. All of these factors contribute to hair loss. Here are some treatments for thinning hair for women in menopause.

1. Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle modifications are the simplest treatment option for thinning hair. Eat foods rich in protein, fatty acids, iron, and zinc. Vitamins A, B, D, and E also aid hair growth and strength. Eggs, beetroot, spinach, and ginger also benefit hair growth. Remember to reduce your alcohol intake. Besides including these in your diet, add gentle oil massages to your self-care routine. The best options include almond, coconut, castor, jojoba, or olive oil. These oils stimulate hair roots and encourage healthy hair growth. Hair masks containing eggs, beetroots, and aloe vera as the primary ingredients improve hair’s health and leave your hair shiny. Wash hair in lukewarm water and dry it gently. Do not use heat-producing electrical products like hair dryers and hair straighteners, or rub them roughly.

2. Hair transplant surgery

This surgery involves a surgeon moving small plugs of hair, each with few hairs, to the bald parts of the scalp. It works best on male pattern baldness, but women with hair loss (related to menopause) can also benefit.

3. Medication

Minoxidil is the most commonly prescribed drug for hair loss. It would help if you took it as a 2% solution. It works by prolonging the growth phase of hair, giving it more time to grow to its full density. The effects appear in three or four months. Sometimes low iron content can worsen hair loss. Iron improves hemoglobin levels, which improves blood circulation in the scalp. Thus, iron supplements can help reduce hair loss. For hormone-related hair loss, doctors may prescribe spironolactone or oral contraceptives. These reduce the level of male hormones, androgens circulating in the body. Obstructing it stops the weakening of hair roots.

4. Alternative treatments

Hair loss does not typically call for transplants or medication. Sometimes home remedies work as well. Warm herbal oils stimulate blood flow and promote hair growth. Research shows Chinese hibiscus, ginseng, and brahmi have the best results for healthy hair growth. The juices of ginger and onion also spur hair follicles and build thickness and length. Natural aloe vera gel contributes to hair growth by regulating scalp pH levels.