Laser hair removal during menopause: what you need to know?

Laser hair removal during menopause: what you need to know

Laser hair removal is a very safe method of removing unwanted hair, but it requires a special approach during menopause. During this time, a woman’s body undergoes significant hormonal changes. The safety of laser hair removal during menopause becomes particularly relevant, as the changed hormonal background may affect the procedure’s effectiveness. Moreover, it’s important to consider possible contraindications for hair removal during this period to avoid unwanted side effects. In this article, we will discuss the features of laser hair removal during menopause, how hormones affect hair growth, and what precautions can make the procedure as safe and effective as possible.

What is the effect of menopause on hair growth?

Before discussing how menopause affects hair growth, it is important to understand the difference between “climacteric” and “menopause,” although they are often used as synonyms. Climacteric is a long period (about 3-5 years) that includes perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. Climacteric usually begins around the age of 50. Menopause, in turn, refers to a specific moment during climacteric when a woman has not had menstruation for a year. This period is characterized by significant hormonal changes that affect all systems of the body, including hair growth.

During climacteric, especially in the perimenopausal stage, there can be a hormonal imbalance. Estrogen levels begin to decrease, while testosterone becomes more active. This leads to increased hair growth in unusual places, such as the face or chest, in some women. However, with the onset of menopause, when estrogen and other hormones are at their lowest, the active growth of hair gradually stops.

Among other symptoms of menopause, hot flashes, night sweats, reduced bone density, dry skin, and mood swings can be observed. All of this occurs due to fluctuations in hormone levels and its subsequent decrease, which also affects the condition of the hair. A lack of estrogen and progesterone reduces the rate of cell division in hair follicles, causing hair to become thinner and sparser, especially on the body.

Hormones and laser hair removal: effect on procedure effectiveness

How are hormones related to laser hair removal? The effectiveness of laser hair removal largely depends on the hormonal background, as hormones control hair growth cycles. Body hair goes through three growth stages: anagen (active growth), catagen (transitional phase), and telogen (resting phase). Laser hair removal is most effective during the anagen stage.

Hormones such as estrogen and testosterone regulate how many hairs enter the anagen phase. Hormonal fluctuations can speed up or slow down hair growth, affecting the number, density, thickness, and color of the hair.

Laser hair removal typically requires a series of procedures with intervals of a few weeks to catch all the hairs gradually entering the active growth phase. A stable hormonal background helps maintain the results of laser hair removal for a longer period, making the procedure predictable and effective.

Laser hair removal during climacteric and menopause

During the climacteric period, before menopause, hormone levels in a woman’s body become unstable, which can affect hair growth in various ways. As a result of hormonal fluctuations, some women may notice increased hair growth, while others may experience a slowdown in hair growth. These changes make the process of laser hair removal during this period less predictable. However, laser hair removal is not contraindicated during this time and can be very beneficial, especially if hormonal changes have led to more intense hair growth. During climacteric, laser hair removal of areas like the abdomen, face, or chest may become relevant.

With the onset of menopause, when estrogen and other hormone levels are consistently low, hair growth on the body generally slows down, and new hairs become thinner. Based on this, laser hair removal during menopause can be particularly effective. For some women, only 1-2 sessions after menopause are enough to achieve a lasting result: hair growth completely stops. The safety of laser hair removal during menopause is also unquestionable when performed in a reliable salon. Thus, menopause can make laser hair removal not only safe but also highly effective.

Contraindications for laser hair removal during menopause

Many women are also interested in the contraindications for hair removal during menopause. There are no specific contraindications for laser hair removal concerning women in the climacteric and menopause periods. The main limitations remain the same as for other age groups, but there are a few specifics to consider for women over 50.

The main contraindications for laser hair removal include:

1. Gray hair. Laser targets the pigment melanin, so the procedure will be ineffective on gray hairs that lack pigment. This can be a particularly relevant contraindication during menopause as the percentage of gray hair increases with age.
2. Cancer, especially in the skin area, as laser exposure can stimulate undesirable processes in affected areas.
3. Active skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis, as laser exposure may worsen skin condition and cause irritation.
4. Diabetes. Due to the increased risk of complications related to slow healing.
5. Taking photosensitizing medications. Some drugs increase the skin’s sensitivity to light, which increases the risk of burns and pigmentation.
6. Hair pulling. Methods of hair removal that damage hair follicles (waxing, sugaring, epilators, etc.) should not be used for a month before the procedure, as they disrupt the hair growth cycle and reduce the effectiveness of laser treatment.
7. Varicose veins. Especially when treating areas with prominent veins, such as during laser hair removal on the legs, as this can lead to discomfort and even complications. However, varicose veins are not a contraindication when using Moveo dynamic hair removal technology.

We recommend consulting with a doctor before the procedure to rule out possible individual contraindications for hair removal during menopause.

Laser hair removal during menopause: conclusion

Laser hair removal during menopause can be an effective and safe method for removing unwanted hair. Hormonal changes during climacteric affect hair growth, which sometimes requires additional sessions or adjustments to the treatment schedule. However, the effect of menopause on body hair growth is generally positive—it slows down, and the procedure becomes even more effective. Before starting a course of treatments, it is important to consult with a doctor and consider possible contraindications, such as gray hair, which the laser cannot remove. Overall, laser hair removal during menopause can provide a convenient and long-term solution to unwanted hair problems.

If you’re interested in laser hair removal in the bikini area or other areas in Kiev, check out our offer and schedule a free consultation right now!