Don’t Let the Menopause Put Your Hair On Pause
Reaching the menopause should be a moment of empowerment, reflection and renewed focus. So why is it so often a time of stress, hiding and retreat?
The experts from Hair Divine natural hair growth supplement look at the issues faced around this time, particularly with regards to our hair.
As your crowning glory, your hair is often a defining feature of who you are. We all know how our mood can be dragged down on a ‘bad hair day’ – knocking onto how we project ourselves and often even how much energy we put into our day.
But what happens when our bodies enter a time of transition, from one that we feel is vital and full of youth to someone we don’t yet recognise?
Pic: iStockphoto
And what impact does this period in our lives have on our hair?
Far from being a time of retreat, menopause should be focused on renewal and rebirth. Thankfully, there is now far more focus – both socially and economically – on women going through this period of transition, and a move towards empowerment, rather than making these ladies feel ‘past it’.
Hot flushes, mood changes and night sweats are just some of the symptoms associated with menopause.
But how much are the changes to your hair mentioned?
Your ‘new’ hair
The menopause can have a real impact on hair and changing hair patterns, which becomes noticeable in a woman’s mid-40s. Hair changes are another side effect of shifting hormone levels during this period in life and can often be the most obvious external impact of menopause on a woman’s body. This includes hair loss for some women.
As we age our hair inevitably thins and loses its lustre. In combination with the other effects of menopause, this can have a real impact on your confidence.
These changes can mean a whole new approach to how you work with your hair, often feeling like you suddenly have someone else’s hair instead of the locks you’ve known for so many decades.
Here are some tips for managing your ‘new’ hair, and some wellbeing tips to help the inner you too during this time of change:
Wellbeing tips to help the inner you and your hair
Take time to learn about your new hair, and how best to look after and manage it:
- Do you need to change your haircare routine?
- Do you think it will benefit from being washed more or less frequently?
- Gauge whether you need to condition your hair more or less than your old routine.
Pic: Shutterstock- Consider the products you use. Now is the time to be looking at focused products for your new texture/ thickness – from shampoos to serums, and hair supplements.
- Experiment with new hair styles. If you don’t have the confidence, then why not book out some time with your hairdresser so they can give you some easy ‘salon style’ hints and tips?
- Decrease stress where possible. This will help all symptoms of the menopause and your general health.
- Exercise regularly and discover new hobbies – whether that’s helping you to relax or keeping a good flow of blood around the body
- Eat a well-balanced diet – vitamin D and calcium are two crucial vitamins to support hormone shifts during the menopause, so take time to plan out a diet that supports the intake of both. Check out our Happy Tummy Buddha Bowl recipe.
- Hydrate – one of the effects of decreased oestrogen can often be dryness. Drinking plenty of water helps counteract dehydration, as well as reduces the bloating from hormone changes.
A time for positive change
Pic: Shutterstock
Menopause represents a significant change in a woman’s life, but this can be a great opportunity to build relationships and discover new sides to yourself.
Try to find a good support network of women who can share their experiences and whom you can talk to about your own challenges.
It is one of many natural stages in a woman’s life. If you are going through it, then don’t forget that it should be a time for renewal, reconnection and celebration. Have confidence in yourself, and let your hair shine even on the dullest of days.
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