Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. Peri menopause and menopause can bring about various changes but one common yet less spoken about symptom is hair loss. For many women, the experience of hair shedding in menopause and peri can significantly impact their confidence or overall well-being. In this article we will explore the causes of hair loss during menopause and what helps stop it falling out. We’ll also do a deep dive into the most effective treatments to stop menopausal hair loss and promote regrowth.
What Causes Hair Loss During Menopause?
Understanding the underlying causes of menopausal hair loss is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies for regrowth and managing expectations. The primary culprit behind this condition is the hormonal shift that occurs as women transition into menopause, but other factors such as genetics, stress, and dietary deficiencies also play significant roles. Below are the main causes of hair fall out during menopause:
- Hormonal Changes: The primary cause of hair loss during menopause and peri menopause is hormonal fluctuation, particularly the decrease in oestrogen and progesterone levels. These hormones play a crucial role in maintaining hair growth cycles. As their levels decline, hair growth slows down, and hair strands become thinner and more brittle. Additionally, the relative increase in androgens, or male hormones, can cause hair follicles to shrink, leading to hair thinning and increased hair shedding.
- Genetics: Family history can influence the likelihood of experiencing menopausal hair loss. If your mother or grandmother experienced significant hair loss during peri and menopause, you might be predisposed to similar patterns.
- Stress: Emotional and physical stress can exacerbate hair loss. The transition into peri and then menopause often comes with its own set of stressors, including changes in sleep patterns, mood swings, and anxiety, all of which can contribute to hair loss and fall out.
- Diet: Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamins and minerals such as iron, vitamin D, and biotin, can impair hair health. A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining healthy hair during menopause.
Symptoms & Signs of Menopausal Hair Loss
It’s normal to shed 50 to 100 hairs per day, but if you observe clumps of hair falling out or significant thinning in a short period, it could indicate menopausal hair loss. The pattern of menopausal hair loss typically presents as diffuse thinning across the scalp rather than localised bald patches. This type of hair loss often manifests through a range of symptoms that can be subtle at first but become more noticeable over time. These include:
- Increased Shedding: One of the earliest signs is increased hair shedding. This is where you find more hair on your pillow, in the shower drain or on your hairbrush than usual.
- Hair Thinning: Thinning of the hair across the scalp is another common symptom. It leads a to a reduction in overall hair volume and density.
- Widening of Hair Parting: Women may observe a widening part line or see more of their scalp when styling their hair.
- Hair Condition: The texture of the hair can also change, becoming finer and more brittle, making it prone to breakage.
Best Treatments for Menopausal Hair Loss
Effectively managing menopausal hair loss usually involves a combination of medical treatments, topical solutions and supplements to support regrowth. The best treatments known for menopause related hair shedding are:
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT can help balance hormone levels, potentially reducing menopause hair loss and fall out. However, it is not appropriate for everyone and requires a thorough discussion with your medical provider to understand the benefits and risks associated with HRT.
- Androgen Blockers: Medications such as Spironolactone, Finasteride and Dutasteride can help counteract the effects of androgens on hair follicles and reverse hair loss. These are available by prescription only and may be used in oral or topical form as part of a wider medical hair loss treatment.
- Minoxidil: This is a widely used topical treatment that can promote hair regrowth. Minoxidil is available over-the-counter in lower strengths and by prescription for higher strengths or when compounded with other hair loss ingredients like androgen blockers or Tretinoin. Applying Minoxidil to the scalp can help stimulate hair follicles and increase hair density over time.
- Professional Treatments: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy are used to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair regrowth. They are both medical treatments which have some research backing but more evidence is required to establish a case for more widespread adoption.
- Hair Transplants: This is a surgical option for severe menopause hair loss. Transplants involve moving hair follicles from one part of the body to the scalp. In the right hands they can be effective but results are variable, there are risks and it is an expensive procedure.
- Scalp Treatments: Regular scalp massages and treatments like rosemary hair oil can improve blood circulation to the follicles thus promoting healthier hair growth.
- Vitamins: Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is essential for hair health. Using biotin and other hair-healthy vitamins like vitamin D and iron can support regrowth.
- Herbal Remedies: There is some evidence that natural supplements like saw palmetto may help balance hormone levels and reduce androgenetic hair loss.
How to Support Hair Health During Menopause
Supporting hair health during menopause requires a holistic approach that encompasses dietary adjustments, stress management and proper hair care routines. The key ways you can help improve the health of your hair and reduce loss during menopause are:
- Balanced Diet: A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins is vital for healthy hair. Nutrients such as iron, vitamin D, biotin and omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in maintaining healthy hair. Incorporating foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fish and eggs can provide these essential nutrients.
- Reduce Stress: Managing stress is equally important, as chronic stress can exacerbate hair loss. Practices such as yoga, meditation and regular physical exercise can help reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity improves blood circulation, including to the scalp, which can support hair growth. Maintaining overall health through a balanced lifestyle contributes to healthier hair.
- Hair Care: Using gentle hair care products, avoiding excessive heat styling, and minimising harsh chemical treatments can protect hair from damage. Regularly trimming the ends and using a wide-tooth comb can also help reduce breakage. Regular scalp massages with oils like coconut or argan oil can also promote better circulation, improve scalp health and encourage hair growth.
How to Stop Hair Falling Out & What Results to Expect
Early treatment, as soon as you notice signs of hair thinning, can prevent further hair loss and provide best results. That’s why it’s important to seek help as soon as you notice hair thinning especially if associated with peri or menopausal symptoms. Consulting with a medical professional will exclude an underlying health condition or other cause and provide you with a complete set of treatment options. This includes prescription, over the counter and professional treatments. This is important as often most people will need more than one treatment to help manage menopause hair loss.
Hair regrowth can vary depending on the individual and the treatment used. Generally, noticeable improvements can take three to six months, with continued progress over a year. Whilst hair loss treatments can promote regrowth that significantly improves hair density and health, they may not restore hair to its pre-menopausal state. As such, its important to set realistic expectations.
Menopause hair loss is common but nonetheless may cause a great deal of anxiety and worry. However, it is possible to manage and even reverse hair thinning during this period. The best solution varies from person to person and requires a combination of hair regrowth treatments, health and lifestyle measures. Your medical provider will help you address any underlying medical problem and choose the most effective treatments. Ultimately, consistency, patience and early treatment will put you in the best position to stop and treat menopausal hair loss.
We know that menopause hair fall out and the journey to regrowth are deeply personal. This is why we created personalised hair loss and regrowth treatments through our online skin clinic. Our doctors provide bespoke hair loss treatments using actives such as Minoxidil, Spironolactone, Finasteride, Dutasteride and Tretinoin. We also treat skin concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma and signs of skin ageing with bespoke skincare treatments. Start your virtual consultation and begin your journey to great hair today.
