What Are the Treatments for Postmenopausal Hair Loss?

Hair loss in women is often an embarrassing and frustrating experience that women endure after going through menopause. Women between 45 and 55 will go through this period of transition in which her ovaries stop producing eggs and her menstruation slows down or stops completely. While it may be a joy to not have to deal with a monthly menstruation any more, women may face hair loss, hot flashes, night sweats, nausea, headaches and a plethora of more uncomfortable conditions.

Topical Treatments

• Recovering hair lost during menopause is not an exact science. Try various methods until you achieve the results you desire. Topical treatments, often sold over-the-counter or available from your doctor by prescription may provide answers. For hair loss, find a topical ointment with estradiol as one of the main ingredients, such as Crinohermal. Ask your pharmacist for recommendations about topical treatments, including ingredients known to regrow your hair.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a common treatment during and after menopause that helps aid in recovering the estrogen lost during menopause; this is helpful for hair loss and other side effects from the hormonal changes. HRT's are typically available in pills or creams which a doctor may prescribe it or you can buy it over the counter. While HRT's are common, be aware of the potential risks, which may include breast cancer, heart disease and a higher probability of having a stroke.

Minoxidil

• Minoxidil, also known as Rogaine or Avacor, is sold over-the-counter in topical form and not only helps prevent hair loss but can help stimulate regrowth after menopause. Traditionally, men use Rogaine, but there is also Rogaine meant specifically for women and may work well following menopause hair loss.Ask your local pharmacy for a Minoxidil application like Rogaine, following the directions for treatment.

Natural Treatments

• Natural treatments include using a variety of phytoestrogen and non-estrogenic herbs to treat the hair loss following menopause. Phytoestrogen herbs, such as black cohosh and dong quai, treat low hormone levels but only use them post-menopause as they can also replace missing estrogen hormones during menopause and are thus not recommended for hormonal imbalance issues. Non-estrogenic herbs such as macafem, contain no estrogen but help to promote natural hormones in your body which may aid in hair growth.