The strangest of symptoms can happen during the Menopause, some you can treat and find remedies for and others you cannot. Some of the symptoms can show as we get older anyway but can be exacerbated and made worse by the Menopause. Some of these include Hair loss, brittle nails and Body Odour!
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Hair Loss:
Due to lowered Oestrogen and Progesterone levels, hair loss can be quite significant. Both of these hormones help our hair to grow faster and stay on our scalp/head for much longer. Hair can become much thinner and grow much slower with declining hormone levels. Hair may also start to fall out in clumps when brushing your hair and can lead to bald patches, having a massive effect on a woman’s self-esteem which is understandably upsetting.
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Treatment:
- Speaking to your GP as early as possible after noticing the hair loss is vital. This will help determine the cause, it may be a nutrient deficiency and can be easily sorted out with a supplement.
- Your GP may do a blood test to check your thyroid and iron levels, again these can be sorted with medication.
- HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) can be an option, especially if there are other menopause symptoms it could help treat as well.
- Avoid stressful situations, if possible, this can play a huge part in hair loss with anxiety and depression, so keep your stress levels at a minimum. Audible have some great podcasts that you can listen to to distress!
- Exercise is great for a healthy lifestyle and makes you feel happier and stronger, this helps with a good hormonal balance promoting hair growth. Click here to view sportswear and equipment to get you started!
- Healthy eating and having a well-balanced diet are great for preventing hair loss.
- Drink green tea and take Vitamin B6 and Folic Acid supplements, these are are good for hair growth. This supplement called “Maxi Hair” from Natures Best has been recommended to me for hair and nail maintenance! As well as Biotin supplements!
- Drink plenty of water and keep hydrated.
- Avoid using heat tools, hairdryers, straighteners and curling rods etc as these cause breakages and make the hair weaker also causing it to dry out.
- Hair growth supplements also come highly recommended like these from Amazon!
Always see your GP if you are losing hair in an unusual pattern, or rapidly and have any pain or other scalp issues.
Brittle Nails:
During Menopause, many women find that their nails become drier and more brittle, this is again down to hormone changes. They can also become flaky and prone to splitting and chipping. Oestrogen helps regulate fluid levels in the body and imbalances in Oestrogen result in dehydration, weakening your nails protective layer of Keratin, leading to brittle nails.
Treatment:
- Eat a balanced diet, a lack of nutrients including Vitamin B, Calcium, and Folic Acid can contribute to dryness, splitting and flaky nails.
- Include plenty of protein, fatty acids, Omega-3, and Vitamin C in your diet too.
- Taking a nail supplement, can help protect your nails and make sure you have all the nutrients you need. Biotin is recommended for nail maintenance!
- Make sure your nails are kept well moisturised by using a good quality hand cream. Especially after showering or washing your hands to avoid them drying out.
- Wear gloves when you are doing chores.
- Keep your nails well-manicured, short nails can also help reduce the risk of breaks and splitting. You can also get nail defence gloss which helps to strengthen nails!
Body Odour:
Hormone imbalances and body Odour go hand in hand, Oestrogen levels lowering can trigger hot flushes and night sweats meaning you sweat more which turns into more Odour. With high levels of stress and often anxiety at this time, this can make you sweat too. Sweat itself is Odourless but combine it with bacteria on your skin and it starts to smell. Anxiety sweat is produced by the apocrine glands, which are found under your armpits and groin areas, bacteria love these sweaty areas. When stress, anxiety and hormones settle down the body Odour will do too.
Treatment:
- Cleansing wipes are great to carry around and you can freshen up anytime. Use one that is pH balanced and is as natural as possible.
- Zinc and Magnesium supplements can help other body Odour too.
- Fabrics that allow your skin to breath i.e. cotton, wool and silk are great for keeping you cool and sweat free.
- De-stress as much as you can to avoid sweating, yoga and walking are great ways to ease stress and unwind.
- Avoid red meat, spicy food, garlic, and sugary foods as they can release compounds through the skin that contribute to Odour.
- Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated, if you do not drink enough then you are likely to sweat even more.
- Natural deodorants like this one can work wonders and keep unpleasant smells away, but still allow you to sweat naturally.
See your GP if the Odour is starting to impact badly on your life, they can prescribe prescription strength deodourants and Botox to paralyze sweat glands. They will also check for other issues, such as your thyroid.
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*DISCLAIMER*This page does not provide medical advice; it is intended for informational purposes only and is based upon my opinion and experiences. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on The Executive Menopause Coach website. Always seek professional medical advice.
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