We all want thick and glossy hair, however as we get older, hair loss and thinning hair can become a real concern. And the closer you get to perimenopause and menopause the more your hair begins to suffer.

So, what’s going wrong? Well as with so many health issues that affect women, much of this is down to hormonal changes.

As you approach perimenopause often in your late thirties and then in the following years post menopause, women’s egg supply declines leading to a sharp fall in oestrogen and progesterone.

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However, not only is oestrogen needed for bone and heart health, it is also essential for hair health too.

This is why women approaching perimenopause and menopause will start to notice hair loss and significant thinning.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom as Clinical Nutritionist, Suzie Sawyer from Aminoscience says we can take two key supplements to help reverse our hair health and prevent hair loss.

Collagen

Collagen helps to produce keratin, the superstar of hair growth, which in turn needs vitamin C to do its work. Vitamin C is rich in all fruits and vegetables, hence another great reason for enjoying a rainbow diet. However, vitamin C is water-soluble and easily lost during food preparation and cooking, so a supplement may provide additional support. Ideally one paired with collagen for the ultimate hair growth tool.

Biotin and B Vitamins

Biotin has become synonymous with healthy hair and is one of the most effective vitamins to encourage hair growth. You can find it in eggs, organ meat, whole grains and nuts, or a good supplement. However, Biotin isn’t the only important B Vitamin you should consider. Other symptoms leading into the perimenopause years can include heavy bleeding, causing iron deficiences, iron is needed for hair growth, and it is also responsible for delivering crucial oxygenated red blood cells to the scalp.

In addition high levels of cortisol produced as a woman approaches the menopause can also aggravate stress, which in turn can aggravate hair loss. Vitamin B5 can help with normal mental performance and to help the stress response.

Don’t Forget Your Protein

Eating sufficient protein is essential. Proteins are made up of amino acids and the hair is especially rich in cysteine, with approximately 18% of keratin being produced from this key amino acid. Indeed, it’s the main structural protein in hair. Oats, eggs and brazil nuts are great to include in your diet for stronger glossier hair, as they help produce cysteine. While meat and dairy are rich in methionine the other key amino acid needed for hair growth.

However Suzie adds, “As with everything, it’s important to be consistent with nutritional intake as results won’t be noticed overnight, but certainly over two or three months, your hair can be restored to its former glory!”

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