Empowering Women Over 40: Understanding Hair Loss

You are not alone!. Hair loss affects approximately 8 million women in the UK. It can feel frustrating and have a big impact on your self confidence. Understanding why hair loss happens and what can be done helps women take control and to find solutions that work.

Thinning hair on a woman’s scalp, close-up view

Why Hair Loss Happens After 40

Hair loss in women over 40 is common but it's not inevitable. Several factors can contribute to this change:

• Hormonal shifts: Around this age, oestrogen and progesterone levels drop, especially during perimenopause and menopause. These hormones help hair grow and to stay thick. Lower levels of either can lead to thinner hair and slower growth.

• Genetics: Female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) can start or worsen after 40. This causes gradual thinning, mainly on the top and crown of the head.

• Stress and lifestyle: Chronic stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep affect our hair health. Stress can trigger telogen effluvium, a condition where hair falls out more than usual.

• Medical conditions: Thyroid problems, anaemia, and autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata can also cause hair loss.

• Hair care habits: Frequent heat styling, harsh chemicals, and tight hairstyles can damage hair and lead to breakage or loss.

  
  

Signs to Watch For

Recognising early signs helps address hair loss before it worsens:

• Noticeable thinning on the scalp, especially at the crown or part line

• More hair shedding than usual during washing or brushing

• Widening part or scalp becoming more visible

• Hair feels finer or weaker than before

  
  

If these signs appear, it’s a good idea to consult your GP or healthcare provider, being referred to a dermatologist can help to identify the cause.

How to Support Hair Health After 40

Taking care of hair and scalp can slow hair loss and improve hair quality. Here are practical tips:

• Balanced diet: Eat foods rich in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C, D, and E. These nutrients will support your hair growth. Examples include, leafy greens, nuts, eggs, and fish.

• Gentle hair care: Use mild shampoos and conditioners. Avoid excessive heat styling and chemical treatments. Let hair air dry when possible.

• Scalp massage: Massaging the scalp increases blood flow, which may encourage hair growth.

• Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to reduce stress related hair loss.

• Regular check-ups: Monitor your health conditions that you notice affects your hair and treat them promptly.

  
  
  
  

Lifestyle Adjustments to Consider

Small changes in your daily habits can make a difference:

• Avoid hairstyles that pull on the hair, like tight ponytails or braids.

• Use a wide-tooth comb to reduce breakage.

• Protect your hair from sun damage by wearing hats or using UV-protectant sprays.

• Stay hydrated to keep hair and scalp healthy.

  
  

When to See a Specialist

If hair loss is occurs suddenly, is patchy, or it's accompanied by other symptoms like itching or pain, seek medical advice. A dermatologist or trichologist can perform tests to diagnose the cause and recommend treatment.

Final Thoughts on Hair Loss After 40

Writing down and keeping a note of the times you started to notice changes in your hair is not only beneficial for you but also enables you to give more detailed information to your GP or dermatologist. I have been through this myself and as devastating as it is, there is always hope. If you don't know where to start, I have created a Toolkit Journal For Women Dealing With Hair loss. This is to help women to keep track of their symptoms and reclaim their confidence. It's the journal I wished had existed when I went through my own struggle with hair loss. Please see the Toolkit Journal page for more details.

If you found this post helpful, please leave a comment below!

Wishing you a healthy and happy week

Joanna xx