|
Metabolic Storms and Hair-icanes
Hormones, Health, and Hair:
What’s Really Going On?
|
|
|
In this issue
What's Happening
Reversing Metabolic Dysfunction in Menopause
Shannon’s Story
Simon Says
Hormones and Hair Health:
Part 1: Why Hair Thins in Perimenopause
My Menopause
|
|
|
|
|
|
What's Happening?
Almost Ready for Takeoff!
Launching soon: A Hormone Community for Women Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause.
Join a private, expert-led community where you can connect with Dr. Valorie, Dr. Maki, and other women navigating the same hormonal journey. Real answers. Real support.
We are looking at having live office hours, webinars and a safe space for interaction.
If you’d be open to it, I’d love to hear what would make this space feel helpful, valuable, or worth showing up for. Just hit “reply” to this email—even a few words would mean a lot.
Want to be the first to jump on board?
Become a member
Would you like to work with Dr. Davidson for HRT prescriptions? Apply to join our HRT Membership program. We only prescribe for members in Washington, California, Arizona, Utah, and Hawaii. By application only.
Dr. Valorie and Dr. Maki have Gone Social:
Come join the conversation!
|
|
|
AI is my Friend not My Writer:
But I do not use AI to write any of my articles. I love using AI for morning affirmations with a little self help recommendations. But I cannot fathom the thought of having AI write an article with my name as the author. It just doesn’t feel authentic to me. So please bear with my run on sentences, redundancies, wordiness, and my general ‘squirrel’ writing. I enjoy it and want to produce content that helps women in perimenopause and menopause.
- Xo DrValorie
|
|
|
Reversing Metabolic Dysfunction in Menopause
Shannon’s Story
|
|
|
Remember Shannon from newsletters #5 and #6?
Recap on Shannon:
Shannon is 55 years old, menopausal (since 50), and now is a metabolic mess. It is not her fault. It is the combination of hormonal changes in menopause, coupled with the silence surrounding how these changes can affect us. It is time we talked about how menopause might be having a bigger impact on our health than just a few pounds and hot flashes.
Combine menopause with the stress of everyday life, society, ultra-processed foods, lack of time, and lack of exercise, and that is why so many women have age-related chronic conditions after 50. Did you know that women have a lower risk of heart disease than men? That is until they reach menopause, at which point the risk remains the same.
That is because hormones play a crucial role in protecting the heart, as well as our brain, bones, metabolism, and overall risk of disease. But off my soapbox and back to Shannon. Because everywhere you look, you will see Shannon; you might even see her in yourself.
Shannon:
Want to hear an embarrassing story? I was shopping at Bel-square the other day and there was this cute shop that had really cute clothes in the window. I loved this blouse with the flowing bottom, and the neckline had these little flowers on it. And I am a sucker for anything purple. I walked in, and while I was looking at the blouse, the gal who worked there came up to me to help.
And she asked me, ‘HOW FAR ALONG AM I?’
What? I look around, and it's a maternity store!
There was a part of me that was pleased. I am 55 years old and certainly not…fertile. But I have really nice skin that I take good care of and my hair is long, thick, and blond (thank you Angie, my hair expert). She thought my 55 year old self would be preggie, is kinda a compliment right?
No, it is my belly. I have a hard round belly, and I look pregnant. So this is not an embarrassing story, it's a sad story.
It’s Not About Appearance, It’s About Risk:
Visceral Fat is Bad, Muffin-top is Not.
Why is it sad? It's not about the weight. We don’t have to be cut and jacked to be healthy. There are plenty of people that are healthy and have weight on them. However, there is a significant difference between superficial fat and visceral fat.
Shannon had visceral fat. Visceral fat is deep inside your abdomen and will wrap itself around your organs (liver, intestines, and pancreas). Unlike subcutaneous fat, visceral fat is metabolically active and is very inflammatory. It secretes inflammatory cytokines that disrupt metabolic and hormonal signaling.
Visceral fat dramatically increases your risk for:
- Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- High cholesterol (especially triglycerides)
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
- Dementia
Menopause and Chronic Disease Connection:
Estrogen and progesterone naturally will distribute fat deposition to the hips and thighs. I know it can be annoying, but this is not dangerous fat. When estrogen levels drop, fat storage shifts to more visceral fat accumulation. Even women with ‘normal’ BMI can carry dangerous levels of visceral fat.
Estrogen can help regulate your cholesterol levels. That is why it is so common to see cholesterol rise in menopause regardless of diet and exercise.
Estrogen also helps improve insulin sensitivity. Better insulin sensitivity makes it harder to gain weight and easier to lose it. This is why it is so easy to gain weight in menopause and almost impossible to lose it.
Estrogen also helps keep higher levels of nitric oxide, which keeps your blood vessels flexible and your blood pressure down.
Estrogen is very neuroprotective, helping to reduce your risk for dementia. Progesterone is effective at modulating GABA, which helps with sleep and brain health.
Not to mention, both estrogen and progesterone are protective for bone health.
No one told Shannon what would happen after menopause. No one mentioned that the decline in hormones, especially estrogen would put her at an accelerated risk for chronic disease. I know a lot of this gets dismissed as ‘aging,’ ‘you’re getting older, or ‘no one lives forever.’ However, that is the thing: while we might not live forever, we can live feeling better. And we have the tools to make that happen.
|
|
|
Want to see what happened next with Shannon?
Inside the full version, I’ll walk you through her personalized HRT plan.
It’s one thing to talk about hormone health—it’s another to see it in action.
Upgrade to the full newsletter here and get the rest of the story.
|
|
|
Simon Says:
|
|
"Let’s do one thing that is just for you. Pick one thing today that makes you happy to be supporting your health. Whether it's drinking more water. Parking farther away to get in more steps. Meditating for 10 mins instead of doom scrolling. Do one thing today. Because it’s making micro-moves that change your habits, not an overhaul." |
|
|
|
Hormones and Hair Health:
Part 1: Why Hair Thins in Perimenopause
|
|
|
This article is part one of a three-part series about hair thinning and shedding.
Part 1: This article discusses perimenopause and hair thinning.
Part 2: Menopause and Hair Loss (newsletter #8)
Part 3: Lab Tests for Hair Loss (newsletter #9)
Are you in your 40s and feel like your hair is thinning?
Have you tried hair vitamins, supplements, and lots of expensive hair care products?
In this article, I am going to explain why perimenopause causes hair loss and what you can do about it.
I know it may seem superficial, but women are genuinely concerned about their hair. We are not like men who look sexy with a shaved head or a little recession.
For us ladies, it can be a dread just to run your fingers through your hair, and it feels like there is more than there should be. Or terrified to wash your hair because of all the hair that comes out.
This is not about aging; it is about hormones.
If you are familar with my writing, then you know I love stories. So let me introduce you to Nicole.
Nicole:
Seriously, why is my hair everywhere? I shed like a dog. And I am not talking doodle; I shed like a Siberian husky in a Las Vegas summer. Hair is everywhere. I can hardly believe I still have any hair on my head. It's clogging up the shower, all over the bathroom floor, in the car, and even on my food!
My mom says it because I am older. Ugh, older? I'm only 42, and don't even get me started on the fatigue, extra 6 lbs, sleep stuff, and mood. Mood, well, I'm pissed bc I spend way more money on my hair than I ever did, and it looks like crap, and it's falling out. My hair gal says there are no bald spots, and there are some baby hairs. Unfortunately, the baby hairs are gray. So now I use these hair care products that cost more than my first car. Wow, I sound like a real crab. I guess that's perimenopause.
The Science Behind Why You Are Losing Your Hair:
(promise to keep it short and not boring)
Low Progesterone:
In perimenopause, the ovaries are still functioning but are starting to become a little tired by this stage. This can begin in your late 30s and extend into your late 40s (or early 50s for some of us). That is a long time to deal with the symptoms of perimenopause. Not to mention the stress it can cause to our hair. In perimenopause, there is less ovulation, which leads to a drop in progesterone. Progesterone happens to be a star when it comes to hair health. The drop in progesterone can trigger a cascade of other hormone changes, which can disrupt your hair growth.
Estrogen is Erratic:
In perimenopause, the estradiol levels can be spiking and crashing erratically. These ups and downs of estradiol can also lead to hair shedding, slower growth, and damaged hair.
Testosterone is converting to DHT
When the progesterone drops and the estradiol become erratic there can be an increase in DHT (dihydrotestosterone).
DHT is a potent contributor to:
- Shrinking hair follicles, hence thinner, more fragile hair
- Increased shedding, hence less hair
- Increased sebum production causes oily scalp, blocked follicles, inflammation, itchy scalp, and even conditions like scalp acne.
- The part in your hair widening and widening.
Want to know what actually helps?
In the full article, I cover the lab tests to run, how to interpret your progesterone levels, what kind of HRT supports hair (and when), the best nutrients and foods for growth, and how to naturally block DHT. If you’re tired of guessing—and your hair is too—join the paid newsletter and get the full roadmap.
Join the Progress Your Hormones paid newsletter and get instant access to the full article
|
|
|
I have worked with women for over 20 years with HRT, perimenopause, and menopause. I started in my early 30’s, even before I was in perimenopause. And now, here I am at 52 and struggling to understand my own menopause.
Not every woman has the same experience; some experience typical hot flashes, while others sweat profusely, and others experience only a slight flush. Sleep issues, mood issues, brain fog, joint pain, hair thinning, and libido issues. We are all unique in our experiences during this hormonal transition.
However, I have recently realized that I have been grappling with an experience that I couldn't quite put my finger on.
But you know how wordy I can be, so let me elaborate…
I asked my husband the other day, ‘Have I always been this intense?’ He laughed and said, ‘No, you are actually less intense.’
Which kind of made me feel annoyed because I have been feeling really intense.
My stress threshold has gotten short. But not with everything. Normally, I am very patient, and I still am. I don’t mind traffic; I have no problem waiting in long lines or waiting for people. I have no problem giving up my place in line for someone, walking behind someone who might be slower than me, and hitting every red light on my way to a destination. I really don’t mind.
But I have been getting annoyed easily and irritated, but I haven't been able to figure out what is bothering me until the other day.
I am easily bothered by noise. I feel like I have no noise tolerance.
My lovable dogs, their barking really winds me up, and they are only happy to see me. The birds chirping makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. For the last 9 months, I have been battling with my husband about the volume of the TV. I say it's too loud; he says it's too quiet. We keep the closed captions/subtitles on at all times. Even in the morning, I whisper and don’t even realize I am.
Has menopause given me hyperacusis or noise-hypersensitivity?
Throughout my career, I have spoken with many patients about how noise can be overwhelming. But I just never put it together about myself.
This is not the superpower I would have picked; I am aware of the sound of traffic, and I can distinguish between a car, a truck, and a utility vehicle. I can hear a dog bark from what seems like miles away. I can listen to my dog’s nails going click, click, click on the wood floors, and it's so annoying. I am even aware of my fingers typing on these keys, and why are they so loud?
I am on HRT. And the magic of HRT is it can be adjusted to fit the individual, so I need to adjust my HRT so I can better filter some normal everyday noise. But why does this happen in hormonal transitions/changes? Estrogen and progesterone can help regulate how your brain processes sound.
They help modulate your neurotransmitters, GABA, Serotonin, and Glutamate.
Glutamate: This is an excitatory neurotransmitter. It can help with learning and memory. It helps the brain perceive and respond to stimuli. Too much can be overwhelming.
GABA: This is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. It helps with relaxation and sleep. It helps you feel content and at peace.
Serotonin: This can be both inhibitory and excitatory as a neurotransmitter. It can help reduce anxiety and put you in a place of emotional ease.
When estrogen and progesterone drop, especially in early menopause (or late perimenopause), these neurotransmitters can become dysregulated. Glutamate can go into overdrive without the serotonin and GABA to buffer it. Then, your ability to filter out noises that you normally wouldn't hear decreases.
That is why you can become hypersensitive to noise. Background noise feels intrusive, and sounds that never used to bother you before are right in your face (or ears, so to speak).
- DrValorie
|
|
|
Disclaimer
All content found in this newsletter, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats, was created for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website, newsletter, articles, and blog is to promote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various health topics. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested in discussing your health concern regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
|
|
|
