Menopause and Hair Loss

Author: Cathy Taylor

 

The onset of menopause can often lead to hair loss and has long been a part of aging that many women fear the most. These days many more women are also experiencing thinning and bald spots as they mature, and both men and women are reaching out for new solutions. Even though there is no real ‘cure’, there are many things that can be done to help.

Both hormones and genes are to blame for menopause causing acute hair loss, as is the aging process. Confirming the causes of your loss with a competent and experienced dermatologist is the first step in determining your best treatment options.

It’s possible to have temporary loss of hair caused by physical stress, emotional stress, thyroid abnormalities, medications and hormonal changes (such as androgens and estrogens during menopause) normally associated with females. Tension on the hair by prolonged use of hair weaving or corn rows can also cause permanent loss.

There are autoimmune disorders such as Alopecia Areata that cause patchy loss of hair often in small circular areas in different areas of the scalp. Alopecia Totalis is a total loss of hair on the scalp and is considered an advanced form of Areata. Alopecia Universalis is total hair loss of the entire body. People with diseases such as diabetes and lupus have also reported losing hair as a result.

It’s normal to shed some hair each day as about 90 percent of the hair on your scalp is growing at any one time during a normal phase that lasts for 2 to 6 years at one time. Some women notice they are losing hair about 3 months after delivering a child. This is related to a hormone loss and is usually temporary.

Several medicines have been known to cause hair loss such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines used for gout and in chemotherapy to treat cancer. Also, the use of vitamin A, birth control pills and antidepressants has been known to cause hair loss.

Male pattern baldness is usually inherited from your genes. An over abundance of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is an active form of testosterone, within the hair follicle can create this type of hair loss. Current medications are aimed at slowing this common type of baldness including Minoxidil which is commonly called Rogaine and is available without a prescription. Both men and women can apply this product to the scalp. Another medicine, Finasteride, and called Propecia is available in pill form without prescription but is meant only for men. It can take up to 6 months in order to tell if these medications are helping.

Remember, the onset of menopause can often lead to hair loss and has long been a part of aging that many women and men fear the most. Even though there is no real cute, there are many things that can be done to help. Select the Hair Loss Doc Shop to locate a doctor near you.

About the Author

Cathy Taylor is a marketing consultant with over 25 years experience. She specializes in internet marketing, strategy and plan development, as well as management of communications and public relations programs for small business sectors. She can be reached at Creative Communications: creative–com@cox.net or by visiting www.menopauseinfo.org or www.internet-marketing-small-business.com

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Easing menopause naturally

Author: Anonymous

 

IF MENOPAUSE IS A NATURAL PHASE of womanhood, why not treat the symptoms the natural way? Although some healthcare providers recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as the standard treatment for menopause, there remains much controversy on the advantages and risks associated with the treatment.

If natural is the way you would like to go, here are seven alternatives that are tried and proven by many women around the world:

TAKE MORE GOOD BACTERIA: To help with metabolism and utilization of oestrogen during menopause, it is essential to have Lactobacillus and Bifidus (good bacteria) cultures in our intestines. Some believe these “good” bacteria help reduce the occurrence of yeast infections. You can find a good dose of these helpful bacteria in various nutritional formulas in the supermarket.

PUMP UP ON CERTAIN VITAMINS AND MINERALS: According to registered pharmacist Steven D. Ottariano in his book, Medicinal Herbal Therapy: A Pharmacist’s Viewpoint, certain vitamins and minerals can be advantageous for menopausal women. These include:

• Vitamin E (400-8001U daily) - helps reduce night sweats and hot flashes

• Vitamin C (1,000-2,000mg daily) - aids in the absorption of vitamin E and decreases capillary fragility

• Calcium citrate (1,500mg daily) - helps circulate lipid concentrations in postmenopausal women

• Magnesium (500-750mg daily) - aids in the proper absorption of calcium

WATCH YOUR DIET: Women who are entering the menopausal phase have to monitor their fat intake, as due to the loss of oestrogen (a woman’s natural heart protection) her risk of heart disease will go up. This is why every woman should limit her consumption of meats high in saturated fats such as beef and chicken as these meats might reduce the body’s ability to metabolize oestrogen.

Also avoid foods high in caffeine and carbonated beverages which contain phosphorous and can elevate bone loss. Limit your intake of excessive sugary foods as these restrict your liver’s ability to metabolize oestrogen and impairs the immune system.

Healthy foods include Soya which contains phytoestrogens. Grains, wheat, brown rice, almonds, cashews, oats, tofu, and fresh fruits and vegetables are also highly recommended for menopausal women.

GET PLENTY OF EXERCISE: This is probably the best way of addressing menopausal symptoms, and every other physical problem known to women. Regular exercise (at least three or four times a week) helps prevent osteoporosis, heart disease and reduce the risk of many types of cancer. It improves a woman’s overall health and well-being throughout every phase of her life.

NATURAL PROGESTERONE AND OESTROGEN: Many women count on progesterone for effective menopausal symptom management. It is available in the market in compounded prescriptions. Some women prefer using a cream product over an oral form as the former method requires a lower dose (because it does not have to be metabolized by the liver). Furthermore, natural progesterone causes virtually no side effects. As for oestrogen compounds, there are three types available by prescription from pharmacists - Estrone, Estradiol and Estriol. Natural oestrogen compounds can contain a combination of these three kinds of oestrogen.

The most common formulation is called Tri-oestrogen made up of 10 per cent Estrone, 10 per cent Estradiol, and 80 per cent Estriol. A combination of two types of oestrogen compounds is called Bi-oestrogen.

RED CLOVER ISOFLAVONE: Red clover isoflavone supplements have been shown to have a significant positive effect on the rate of bone loss, boost cardiovascular health, and may offer protection against breast cancer. The findings is based on a research published in the September 2000 issue of the Journal of the British Menopause Society.

Further evidence suggests that red clover reduces the occurrence of hot flashes, one of the most common complaints of menopausal women.

BLACK COHOSH: In olden days, black cohosh was used by native Americans to treat gynaecologic symptoms. Europeans have also used the herb extract since the 19th Century. Its widespread use was based on observations that black cohosh successfully relieved menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, dizziness, fatigue and palpitations. Lately, clinical studies have shown that it has beneficial effects on our bones too.

The health-promoting properties of black cohosh have been extensively researched to demonstrate its safety and effectiveness. The extract is taken from the root to produce standardized black cohosh formulations. Women can now get the safe, clinically proven herbal supplement at any traditional food, drug or mass retail store.

When taken according to proper directions, the supplement has little or no side effects. Every woman should consult a doctor or a pharmacist before she begins black cohosh supplementation.

All menopausal women are different, and it may take some time for you to find the best form or combination of treatments to suit your needs. Again, a healthy lifestyle can make a real difference to how you feel and prevent some of the long-term effects of oestrogen deficiency (e.g. heart disease and osteoporosis).

Equally important too is having a positive outlook on life; to help you cope with the changes in your body.

About the Author

www.medical-explorer.com

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Menopause, Just What Is It?

Author: Barbara C. Phillips, MN, NP

 

Just what is this thing called menopause? And what does it have to do with you?

Simply stated, menopause is a biological event that marks the end of a woman’s menses and hence her natural reproductive cycle. Perimenopause is defined as the period beginning with the signs of approaching menopause and ending about 12 months after “the menopause”.

Worldwide, menopause has as a variety of meanings. Each and every woman’s experience is based on her physical and emotional well being as well as her social and cultural environments. While some view menopause as a decline in status, others see it as a rite of passage. In other words, there are huge physical, emotional and social influences involved in your experience of menopause and aging.

That said, what you really want to know is – “What will I experience”?

This is tricky, as the answer is different for every woman. Some women barely notice a warm flush, while others have an intense reaction. So as you read some of the more common occurrences, please keep in mind – you will do you own thing.

• Power Surges, night sweats (they can be all day!) and chills
• Insomnia, and/or poor quality of sleep
• Urinary frequency, discomfort and sometimes leakiness
• Vaginal dryness, irritation and possibly discomfort with sexual activity
• Moodiness. Perhaps some irritation, nervousness, anxiety and depression.
• Diminished libido (sexual desire)
• Memory issues! Some women call this “the pause” (among other things).
• Joint pain and stiffness
  In case you think all the reactions are negative, take a look at some of the more positive and more important changes that happen to women.
  • Freedom
  • Joy
  • Greater sense of Creativity
  • A sense of peace that has not been previously been present.
  • Wisdom that only comes to those with time and conscious living.
    Just as there are many responses to the onset of menopause, there are many approaches you can take to meet these changes. As with anything, you must weigh any risk against the benefit (this is especially true when you consider hormone therapy), your belief system, and finally, you must find something that works for you.

    Most approaches are common sense and actions we need to take daily. Others are meant to challenge your thinking and open your mind. Possible ways to approach menopause include:

    • Healthy food and fluid intake.
    • Nutriceuticals such as vitamins and herbal supplements
    • Exercise at least 30 minutes daily.
    • Traditional Chinese Medicine such has acupuncture, Chinese herbs, Qi Gong and Tai Chi
    • Adjust your attitude! Laugh and have fun. Hang out with your girlfriends and delight in NOT being 25 again!
    • Meditation, visualization and biofeedback
    • Natural, Bio-identical and pharmaceutical grade hormone therapy
      This is a time of your life where you can count on change, and the growth that comes from it. As the power surges through our bodies, we grow into the women we are meant to be. We fulfill our goals and move on to make new ones. While our focus is inward, our outward gaze sharpens and our dreams are manifested for all to celebrate. It really is a magnificent time.

      About the Author

      ©2005 Barbara C. Phillips, MN, NP, a Nurse Practitioner with nearly 30 years experience is the Founder of OlderWiserWomen, LLC. She asks: Are you living with Vibrant Intent? Do you want to experience the Joy, Magic, and Wisdom of Successful Aging? You are invited to Celebrate with us as we explore these issues and more. http://www.OlderWiserWomen.com

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