Perimenopause is characterised as the period or years or months leading up to menopause. Changes in menstruation vary widely between women, however most women experience some irregularity in their periods before they end.
Many women experience a range of symptoms during perimenopause, including:
The reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone begin to decline naturally for most women around their late 30s. Menstrual periods usually become irregular over the following years until the ovaries stop releasing eggs and menopause begins.
Menopause can lead to changes in you hair such as hair loss, dryness or thinning, breakage and slowed growth. Whilst this is due to low female hormone levels (oestrogens and progesterone) and an imbalance with androgens (testosterone), other factors can also contribute to this such as everyday stress, nutrient deficiencies, starting new medications and genetic predisposition.
While hormonal imbalances may be the primary cause of hair loss for menopausal women, stress can also be a factor.
Women experiencing higher stress levels are likely to have elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which may further contribute to hair loss or thinning.
Reduced oestrogen levels can trigger mood changes in some women. It can be a good idea to incorporate practices such as meditation, breath work and yoga in order to combat stress.
Eating a balanced diet with plenty of lean protein, healthy fats, leafy greens and fresh fruits and vegetables is a great idea for overall health. A healthy diet also provides nutrients that contribute to healthy, strong hair.
Certain nutrients including iron, vitamin Bs and C, folic acid and essential omega-3 fatty acids all play a role in supporting hair health.
Good sources of essential omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, tuna, fish oil, flaxseed oil and chia seeds.
