Will HRT help prevent my hair loss?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment used to relieve symptoms of the menopause. It works to replace hormones that are at a lower level as you approach the menopause.

Today, we’re going to look into HRT and the benefits the treatment can have. Many women are hopeful that the treatment can help in preventing hair loss.

What is the menopause?

The menopause is when a women stops have periods and are no longer able to get pregnant naturally. The menopause is a natural part of ageing and it usually happens between the ages of 45-55, this happens as a woman’s oestrogen levels decline.

Most women will experience menopausal symptoms, some of which can be quite severe and have a significant impact on your everyday activities. Common symptoms include; hot flushes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping, low mood, anxiety, reduced libido, and problems with memory and concentration.

Menopause and hair

The menopause can affect the body and hair in different ways, however, most of these changes are caused by the decreasing levels of oestrogen. Along with symptoms such as hot flushes and mood changes you could see an increase in facial hair, as well as seeing your hair thin and your hairline recede and an increased amount of hair loss.

Oestrogen keeps the hair in the growth phase of the hair growth cycle, and the reduced levels cause the hairs cycle to shorten. With the change in the hair growth cycle it means hairs will shed faster than new ones grow – causing the hair to thin.

Can HRT prevent hair loss?

Hormone replacement therapy can be taken in many forms; tablets, skin patches, gels and implants that work to relieve menopausal symptoms by replacing oestrogen.

Although it is generally only prescribed as a last resort for menopausal symptoms, HRT is a common and effective hair loss treatment for some women – as long as they are menopausal or post-menopausal and are not at higher risk for adverse effects from HRT.

By working to increase the levels of oestrogen, it can also help your hair growth cycle to resume its normal cycle and in turn, stop any hair loss or thinning related to the menopause.

If you would like more information on female hair loss you can take a look at this informative page, here.

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