If you’re going through menopause, you’ve probably experienced symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. But unfortunately, the symptoms don’t necessarily end there. Menopause can also bring about unexpected changes such as hair loss and thinning.
For example, you may feel like your scalp is more exposed than usual or your hair is much sparser than before. However, although menopausal hair changes can be stressful, some treatments can help manage this aspect of menopause.
Learn about the causes of hair loss during menopause, the signs to look out for, and the treatments that can help. For more information, check out our list of the best hair growth products for women from dermatologists and trichologists.
What causes hair loss in women during menopause?
Dr. Shilpi Khetarpal, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, tells Yahoo that hair loss during menopause generally occurs due to gradual changes in hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. Estrogen plays an important role in promoting hair growth and thickness, so low levels of estrogen can cause hair follicles to thin over time, leading to hair loss.
Genetics also plays a role in menopause, Khetarpal said. Androgenic alopecia, commonly known as male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness (depending on whether you’re male or female, respectively), is caused by hormones and genetics and causes women to lose their hair during menopause. This may be the cause. This can be caused when estrogen levels drop and hair follicles thin, and it may be more common in some women than others based on genetic factors.
What does hair loss during menopause feel like?
When women experience hair loss during menopause, it’s common for them to report an increase in scalp exposure because there’s less hair covering, Khetarpal says. Women are not reporting any change in hair loss, but rather a more gradual increase in hair loss, she added.
“Women also tend to maintain a frontal hairline and have a wider parting,” says Khetarpal. Hair on the back of the head is not easily affected by genetics, so the hair of menopausal women generally tends to be thicker at the back of the head and thinner at the top.
She also points out that oil glands are under the control of testosterone, so low testosterone levels can make your hair dry, brittle, and prone to frizz.
How to reduce hair loss during menopause
Khetarpal says the first step is to address nutritional and vitamin deficiencies to control menopausal hair loss. She recommends taking a daily multivitamin and, if you don’t eat red meat two to three times a week, taking an iron supplement.
There is also an FDA-approved over-the-counter minoxidil topical that can be applied to the scalp daily. These topical topicals can help slow hair loss while promoting hair growth.
Oral minoxidil is also an option, but it must be prescribed by your doctor. This may affect hair follicles to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss, Khetarpal said.
You may notice that the parting of your hair has widened due to hair removal. (Getty).
What is the best shampoo for menopausal hair loss?
If you’re looking for a product to slow hair loss, Khetarpal recommends getting an over-the-counter shampoo with ingredients that help hair growth. Look for shampoos that contain zinc pyrithione and ketoconazole to quickly start the process of getting your doctor’s appointment.
Best products for menopausal hair loss
If you’re looking for additional products to slow hair loss and promote hair growth, check out these products we’ve tested and reviewed.
Which vitamins help with menopausal hair loss?
If you are deficient in vitamins in some important areas, you may be more likely to notice hair thinning or hair loss. To give your hair the vitamins it needs to maintain its strength, Khetarpal recommends taking a multivitamin or similar supplement to prevent or correct deficiencies in the following areas:
Are there any effective treatments for hair loss during menopause?
Here are some treatments that may help with menopausal hair loss.
Hormone replacement therapy: HRT may be used to replenish estrogen levels during menopause. This helps control hair loss.
Low-level laser light therapy: Devices such as laser hair combs are non-invasive and use red light to stimulate hair growth.
Topical treatments or oral medications: Minoxidil can be used to help with hair growth.
Dietary supplements: You may benefit from taking supplements containing biotin, zinc, and other vitamins that support hair growth. Here are some of the best vitamins and supplements for hair growth in 2024.
Hair transplant: Khetarpal says this option should be a last resort. Transplantation involves minimally invasive surgery that moves hair follicles from one area to another.
Is there a way to prevent hair loss during menopause?
As always, the cause of your hair loss should be addressed with your healthcare provider. However, there are some things you can do at home to prevent hair loss.
Treat your hair gently: Taking gentle care of your hair can minimize hair damage and breakage. Avoid excessive heat when styling your hair using heat tools and avoid using harsh chemicals on your hair. If you often wear your hair up, avoid tight hairstyles such as high, slicked back ponytails.
Manage stress: Stress can increase hair loss, so try practicing mindful activities like yoga and meditation to balance your mood. Seeking medical treatment can also help manage stress.
Massage your scalp: Massaging your scalp increases blood flow to your hair follicles, promoting hair growth and reducing hair fall.
Take precautions: Rather than waiting for hair loss to occur, Khetarpal recommends starting topical minoxidil early, taking multivitamins, and using medicated shampoos.
Are you still experiencing menopause? Find out if your hair loss may be caused by COVID-19 and what to do about it. We will also introduce the best hair growth products for men.
