Perimenopausal hair loss

tracy bethel
May 27
3 min read

Updated: Jun 7

I am 51 years old, and a few months ago, I noticed significant hair shedding. I initially noticed it in the shower, then on my brush, and eventually, I realized I was leaving hair behind wherever I sat. I am not seeing bald spots or thinning out of my hair yet, but I have read that the sooner you can start repairing your hair follicles, the better. I am going to do a 3 month experiment and then report back.

So, why is this happening? Estrogen plays a role in maintaining hair growth, and in the protection of hair follicles. As we start to have a decrease in estrogen, hair follicles may shrink or become damaged. Hair follicles that have not been severely damaged can repair themselves and begin new hair growth again. Sometimes hair follicles are just dormant, but not dead and they can wake up and start growing hair again, too. So, I am going all in and doing several things to repair and wake up my hair follicles!

LED LIGHT
LED red and blue light can stimulate hair follicles, increase blood flow to the scalp, improve overall scalp health, and possibly extend the growth phase cycle. Most clinical studies have been performed on men, but one study done on females found a 37% increase in hair growth in the active treatment group as compared to the placebo group. (Randomized Controlled Trial Lasers Surg Med. 2014 Oct;46(8):601-7. doi: 10.1002/lsm.22277. Epub 2014 Aug 13.) The Solaris brush has vibration plus red and blue light. Ideally you use daily for about 10 minutes. The red light stimulates hair growth with an increase in circulation, while the blue light kills bacteria for better scalp health. The vibrations further enhance circulation and blood flow. Goal: About 2-5 minutes of blue light + 5-10 minutes of red light/daily. This tool is super easy to use. You can brush while watching your favorite show!

TAPPING/LITTLE HAMMER
Hair follicles are influenced by hormones, so reducing stress through the taping technique to soothe your nervous system is an effective way to address hair loss. Moreover, tapping or hammering enhances blood circulation and improves lymphatic drainage, helping to eliminate toxins and support a healthier scalp. I have visible growth in my brows by simply hammering. It has been more effective than any serum, and way less expensive! For scalp health and hair growth the goal is to tap all around the scalp for about 5-10 minutes/daily to calm the nervous system and increase circulation.

SUPPLEMENT
Banyan Botanicals Healthy Hair is a mixture of cooling, detoxifying, and rejuvenating herbs that aid in maintaining healthy liver function and the body's natural detoxification process. The purpose of this supplement is to foster bodily conditions that promote thick, shiny, and healthy hair. Healthy Hair supplement is gluten, soy, and dairy free. The ingredients consist of these herbs: Bhringaraj, Amla Fruit, Gotu Kola Aerials, and Hibiscus Calyx.
TOPICAL APPLICATIONS
Banyan Botanicals Healthy Hair oil is crafted from organic oils using Ayurvedic techniques to promote healthy and strong hair. Bhringaraj Leaf is knows in Ayurveda as "the ruler of the hair" and is traditionally used to encourage healthy hair growth, better sleep, and a calm mind. I will be applying once a week and sleeping in the oil as a hair mask.

*Use an old t-shirt to cover your pillow case when sleeping in hair oil.
* To avoid a greasy appearance, apply shampoo to dry hair before washing.