Menopause and hair loss

Do your locks seem thinner lately? It’s not just you: up to half of women will experience hair loss at some point. And it becomes more common during menopause.

Here’s what to know about menopause and hair loss.

Key Takeaways

• Hormonal shifts during menopause can lead to hair loss.
• But this isn’t the only contributing factor: your genes and lifestyle can also play a role.
• Medical treatments and lifestyle changes may help.

Does menopause cause hair loss?

Yes, it can. Hormonal shifts during menopause can alter your hair growth cycle, leading to shedding.

But this isn’t the only factor contributing to hair loss during this time. Your genes and lifestyle also play a role.

How long does menopause hair loss last?

You can’t change your genes or reverse the biological changes that happen during menopause. So, unless you treat it, hair loss due to those factors is generally there to stay. 

But if your lifestyle or habits are the culprit, you may be able to remove the root cause. Here, regrowth might happen within a few months.

What causes hair loss during menopause?

Let’s dive in.

Hormone shifts

Oestrogen drops in the run-up to menopause, which shifts the ratio between oestrogen and androgens (male hormones). You would then have more androgens, including one called DHT, in relation to oestrogen than you did before. DHT causes your hair follicles to shrink over time, so your hair becomes thinner and less dense.

Plus, oestrogen acts on hair follicles and extends the growth phase of your hair cycle. Its declining levels are thought to play a role in hair loss, but we still aren’t entirely sure how.

Your genes

Hair loss is also related to your genes. Women with female pattern hair loss (aka hereditary hair loss) may be more sensitive to the effects of DHT.

Stress

Sometimes, stressful events (like going through a breakup) can disrupt your hair growth cycle and cause temporary shedding. But usually, your hair will grow back within a matter of months.

What does menopausal hair loss look like?

With hair loss due to genetic predisposition and hormones, you'll typically notice thinning across the top of your scalp first. You might notice that your center part becomes wider. Hair loss may then slowly spread outwards (though the hairline is generally preserved).

If your hair loss is temporary, for example due to stress or illness, it can shed from all over the scalp. Here, it might feel like your hair is getting less dense overall, rather than coming out in patches or a specific pattern.

Treatments for menopausal hair loss

The good news is that there’s treatment available for hair loss during menopause.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is the only medicine licensed for female pattern hair loss in the UK. It boosts blood flow to the hair roots, which can encourage growth. Research shows that it can improve hair count and scalp coverage in women.

Spironolactone

It’s normally used to treat fluid retention, but sometimes, spironolactone is used off-label for hair loss. That’s because it blocks androgens from working. In one study, it visibly improved hair loss in both pre- and postmenopausal women. Ask your provider if it's right for you.

What else helps with menopausal hair loss?

These things might help, too.

• Eat well. Some nutritional deficiencies are linked to hair loss (like protein and iron) while a healthy, balanced diet keeps your hair strong and healthy. For some women, targeted supplementation can help avoid deficiencies.
• Be kind to your hair. Harsh hair treatments or styling can make your hair break and fall out.
• Try microneedling. Studies suggest this can stimulate hair growth, and can be even more effective when combined with minoxidil.

Will hair loss from menopause grow back?

Happily, it’s possible for your hair to grow back.

• If you have female pattern hair loss, medical treatments like minoxidil can help.
• Hair loss due to stress is usually temporary.
• Removing the root cause of hair loss, such as a poor diet, can drive regrowth within months.
• There’s some research supporting use of oestrogen HRT to treat hair loss, but more evidence is needed. It’s not usually prescribed for hair loss alone.

When to see your doctor

If your hair loss is bothering you, that’s enough of a reason to see your doctor.

Yet if it comes on suddenly, your hair is falling out in clumps, or you have other symptoms like an itchy scalp, it’s best to check in with them. These could be signs of infection or another underlying health issue.

Feel like yourself again

There’s help available for hair loss. Our industry-leading experts at Voy can make you a personalised plan to get your hair back.