How to Treat Menopause-Related Hair Loss

Dermatologist Noah Scheinfeld estimates that up to 75 percent of menopausal women suffer from female pattern hair loss. Menopausal women with this condition often see extensive hair loss from the top of their head. They also might notice that individual strands of hair become smaller in diameter, which increases the appearance of excessive hair loss. According to Scheinfeld, the role of hormones in female alopecia is not yet understood, and therefore there are limited options in treating menopause-related hair loss.

Step 1
Visit your doctor. It is easy to assume your hair loss, like your hot flashes, is a symptom of menopause, but it could have other causes. Your doctor can examine your scalp and review your general health to ensure there are no underlying medical causes for your hair loss.

Step 2
Talk to your doctor about using minoxidil if there are no underlying medical causes for your hair loss. Minoxidil, commercially known as Rogaine, is the only FDA-approved drug for treating female pattern hair loss. You can purchase the 2 percent topical product over the counter at many drugstores and some beauty supply stores.

Step 3
Use minoxidil as directed. In most cases, you apply minoxidil topically twice a day to the scalp in the area where you are experiencing thinning. It might take up to four months before you see any type of regrowth, and if you stop applying the minoxidil you probably will lose any hair that you have regrown.

Step 4
Take 300 mcg of biotin supplements daily. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, biotin supplements have been shown to have limited ability to regrow hair in children. No clinical data conclusively proves that taking biotin can cause hair in women to regrow. However, biotin is an essential B vitamin connected with the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and amino acids needed to manufacture the protein the body uses to create skin, hair and nails. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplement.

Step 5
Massage your scalp regularly to increase the blood flow. Increasing the blood flow to your scalp can help encourage the delivery of more nutrients to your hair follicles, which might help to encourage hair regrowth. You can massage your scalp yourself using the pads of your fingertips or visit an acupuncturist who can use a special tool to increase the blood flow in your scalp.

Step 6
Use aromatherapy to encourage hair regrowth. Lavender, rosemary, thyme and cedarwood are traditionally used to encourage hair growth. Mix one to two drops of these essential oils into a carrier oil like jojoba, and apply to your scalp one to two times a week for the best results.

Herbal Shampoos for Hair Growth

Herbal shampoos contain essential oils that can promote hair growth and help premature balding and thinning hair. If you can't find a commercial shampoo that uses the herb you need, you can make your own by mixing 9 ounces of distilled water with 3 ounces castile soap, 1/4 teaspoon jojoba oil and 25-to-30 drops of the essential oil of your choice. Examples of essential oils that promote the growth of hair are basil, peppermint and rosemary, reports herbalist Rosemary Gladstar in "Family Herbal -- A Guide to Living Life With Energy, Health and Vitality."

Basil
Basil (Ocimum basilicum), is member of the Lamiaceae, or mint, family. When added to shampoo formulas, basil essential oil helps stimulate blood circulation in the scalp, which promotes hair growth, says the website Aromatherapy at Home. It is also an antimicrobial agent that will help treat dandruff and flaky scalp and will reduce oiliness that can cause fungal infections. When applying basil shampoo, massage it into your scalp in circular motions and let it permeate your entire head for at least five minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.

Peppermint
Peppermint (Mentha pipperita) is a common ingredient for hair growth shampoo formulas. Another member of the mint family, peppermint essential oil also increases the blood flowing to your scalp, which stimulates the hair follicles to grow hair faster. It also promotes the production of natural oils from your scalp to give your hair a moisturizing coating that will make your hair stronger and less susceptible to dryness, says acupuncturist David Crow in his book "The Pharmacy of Flowers."

Rosemary
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a third member of the Lamiaceae family that when used as an essential oil in shampoos helps increase hair growth. Folk medicine tradition uses it as a remedy for premature baldness, says Crow, and it strengthens the hair shaft as it stimulates circulation, making your hair look thicker and healthier.

Sage
A fourth member of the mint family, sage (Salvia officinalis) is used as a stimulant for growing hair in shampoo formulas. The essential oil has the same qualities as rosemary essential oil and is useful in balancing the amount of oil in the scalp, reports the website Ananda Apothecary. Its use is contraindicated during pregnancy and for young children.

Avocado for Hair Growth

Avocados are a fruit whose many health benefits are becoming more widely known. One benefit avocados offer is preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth. They can also be used to improve the condition of your hair by acting as a moisturizer for dry or damaged hair. Avocados were first used for this purpose by early Egyptians.

Vitamins
Vitamin deficiency can cause hair loss or hair to grow slowly. Avocados are high in vitamins B and E, which work at the cellular level to protect and strengthen hair. Vitamin B is essential for hair growth. Vitamin E helps repair damage on the scalp, which may slow or prevent hair growing. Healthy hair grows half an inch every month. Using avocado in a conditioner or as a hair mask are the best ways to promote regular hair growth.

Hair loss
Hair loss may be a result of vitamin deficiency or of external stresses on your hair. Hair loss occurs when hair becomes dry and damaged from exposure to extreme heat, sun or cold. You may also contribute to hair loss and damaged hair by using chemically loaded hair products or styling tools such as hair dryers or curling irons. Avocado conditioner and masks are also an effective natural remedy for treating hair loss and improving the condition of your hair.

Avocado Conditioner
Using an avocado conditioner promotes hair that feels soft and is more elastic. The high-fat content of avocados makes hair less dry and prone to breakage. After washing your hair with shampoo, apply the avocado conditioner and leave for five to 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Make your own avocado conditioner by mashing avocados into a paste and adding enough water to make a paste-like solution.

Avocado Mask
For hair that is severely damaged or dry, try an avocado mask. Combine one chopped avocado and one egg yoke in a bowl. Add enough water to make a workable paste. Apply the mixture to damp hair and massage into the hair and scalp. Pile hair on top of your head and leave for 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water.