Key Points
- Hot flashes and hair loss are two symptoms you may experience during perimenopause.
- If you experience hot flashes, keep a portable fan handy. A fan can help you feel more comfortable, and may reduce the severity of a hot flash.
- If you experience significant facial hair growth during perimenopause, consider waxing.
Symptoms of Perimenopause – H
Hot flashes
In perimenopause, one of the most common symptoms is hot flashes. Hot flashes are a sudden sensation of warmth or heat that spreads over the body. A hot flash creates flushing of the skin, especially on the face and upper body. Hot flashes vary in intensity among women; some are furnace-like, while others are nothing more than a small flush similar to blushing. Hot flashes are the body's reaction to a decreased supply of the hormone estrogen, which occurs naturally as women approach menopause.
Hair loss or thinning on head, pubic, or whole body; increase in facial hair
Hair loss is a symptom of perimenopause. Hair loss during perimenopause can be associated with estrogen deficiency, since the hair follicles need estrogen. Hair loss can be a sudden or gradual loss or thinning of hair on your head or on other parts of your body. You'll notice more hair in your brush; your hair may also get drier and more brittle. If you experience health problems along with hair loss, it could signal other issues. Make sure you consult your doctor.
Tips for Dealing with Hot Flashes and Hair Issues
If you're dealing with hot flashes or hair issues related to perimenopause, then we're here to help. Let's check out some ways that you can deal with hot flashes and hair issues.
Keep a portable fan around to use. When you experience a hot flash, turning a fan on yourself can help. Obviously you can't carry a fan with you everywhere you go, but having one that you can easily move around your house is a good idea. Keep it with you in your bedroom while you sleep, in case you experience a hot flash during the night.
Try to stay at a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase the frequency or severity of hot flashes. If you're currently overweight or obese, speak to a doctor or a nutritionist about a diet plan that can help you lose weight. Avoid jumping on any dieting fads; a lot of them lack scientific backing, and some may do more harm than good. In addition, avoid any dieting programs or ads that promise you'll lose a certain amount of weight in a certain timeframe. Everyone loses weight differently; there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Quit smoking. Smoking can worsen hot flashes. If you currently smoke, talk to your doctor about quitting. Quitting smoking will provide you with a host of benefits to your health, beyond just reducing the severity of your hot flashes. Quitting can be hard, but it is perfectly doable on the right plan and with good support.
Hair transplants. If you lose a significant amount of head hair during perimenopause and it doesn't return, a hair transplant may be a good option for you. Hair transplants are often costly, but they are effective at treating hair loss. Speak to a cosmetic surgeon if this interests you.
Waxing. If you experience a significant increase in facial hair, you can always turn to waxing for help. Waxing your facial hair is painful and can be expensive, but it might be worth it for you if excess facial hair is affecting your self-esteem. You can get a professional wax done at many salons, or you can purchase a self-waxing kit. If you choose to get a professional wax, make sure you choose a location that's safe and clean. If you choose to do it at home, read reviews on the self-waxing kit of your choice and follow all the directions.
Perimenopause Symptoms A to Z
Perimenopause Information
Do not take the content of this article as professional medical advice. It's important to exercise due diligence when obtaining relevant information in matters pertaining to your health. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.