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Two-thirds of post-
menopausal women deal with thinning hair or bald spots. When
production of progesterone slows down dramatically, pattern baldness
becomes noticeable. Hair loss in women is also caused by low thyroid
function, stress, scalp/dermatologic issues or is hereditary.
When progesterone
levels fall, the body responds by increasing production of adrenal
cortical hormones that convey male-like properties. During the
menopause years, testosterone combines with the enzyme 5 alpha
reductase to create DHT, and DHT can be responsible for female
pattern baldness.
Hair loss in women is
common, but is usually different than in men. Women rarely get bald
spots and hair loss is more diffuse. It is usually an overall
thinning effect. Hair loss can make a woman feel less feminine and
can cause depression and even anxiety.
If you are
experiencing hair loss, the use of progesterone may help stop the
hair loss. Some women begin to regain the hair they lost. Since hair
growth is a slow process, it may take 4-6 months for any positive
results to be apparent.
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