Diagnosis

• Before changes in hair growth are blamed solely on the hormonal fluctuations of menopause, thyroid levels, medications, heredity and recent traumatic events should be examined.
  
  

History

• Hair will grow and shed regularly, so it is normal to have some hair loss. Age and certain conditions slow the regrowth of hair, but not the shedding.
  
  

Treating Hair Loss

• In addition to Hormone Replacement Therapy, soy isoflavones (which have an estrogen-like effect) have been shown to help menopausal women with thinning hair. Many products are also available without a prescription to help with hair growth for both men and women.
  
  

Excess Hair

• It is not unusual for women who are dealing with losing hair on their heads to begin to see an increase in unwanted hair. Menopause can change hair growth on the face, too, as there is a decrease in estrogen.
  
  

Considerations

• While treating hair loss, it is important to also keep an eye on diet, since too little protein can increase thinning hair. If large amounts of hair is lost or growth is unusually slow, notify a physician.