Through my anti-aging skincare practice, menopause and skin conditions is always a big topic. "Please give me the anti wrinkle cream that works best", is the battle cry that is heard loud and clear.
In addition to deciding which anti-aging lotions and paraben free skincare products suit them best, consulting women on the changes of their skin as they go through menopause is often accompanied by questions on thinning hair and hair loss.
And you might be surprised to find out that there is a major relationship between thinning hair, menopause and skin complaints.
When women begin to enter menopause skin tone begins to change due to hormonal fluctuations. The skin becomes much more dry and rigid, it may start to sag with a noticeable increase in wrinkles - all which is often due to the breakdown in collagen from decreased estrogen production.
Hair loss is known as alopecia, and along with thinning hair can happen for many reasons in both men and women. By far the biggest reason I see in my clients is hormonal imbalance; whether related to imbalance of the estrogen, progesterone and testosterone ratio's, and overactive thyroid and even emotional, physical or mental stress.
In regards to hormones, there is a major culprit known as DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is actually a hormone metabolite (breakdown by product of hormone metabolism and synthesis) Research does show that in people who are balding they do find elevated levels of DHT in their scalps.
DHT has been shown to be responsible for shrinking the hair follicle and also tends to create a wax like substance around the hair.
Although with any hormonal condition it’s all about balance. Hormones hold each other in check. And when you are talking about balance you are talking about your hormones, how your hormones are being metabolized and enzymatic activity.
When the DHT is the culprit, which it often is, due to changes of the hormonal and nutritional environment, and enzyme called 5-alpha reductase meets up with testosterone to increase the amount of DHT that is produced.
Obviously it is important to get to the reason for the hair loss. Is it thyroid, estrogen imbalance, or something else like an infection?
As you can see, a healthy hormone balance which often becomes unbalanced in our over-toxic and over-committed society, and then add on top the fluctuations and life changes, menopause and skin and hair health can benefit greatly from addressing things form the inside out.
If you need information on hormonal balance, one of my favorite books is What You Must Know About Womens Hormones, by Dr Pamela Smith, and if you are Apple savvy, check out iHormones in the apple app store.
Lastly, we know toxins are an issue in our health and our beauty, so always look for toxin free and paraben free skincare products.
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