Why Women Lose Hair During Menopause—And What You Can Do About It
Hair loss during menopause is more common than many women realize—and often more distressing.
As hormone levels shift, particularly estrogen, these changes can have a profound effect on hair texture, growth, and overall scalp health. Whether you’re experiencing thinning hair, increased shedding, or dryness, understanding the connection between menopause and hair loss is the first step to finding relief.
Dr. Neda Mehr, a board-certified dermatologist at Hoag, shares expert insights into what causes menopausal hair loss, how to recognize it, and the best ways to treat and prevent it. That way, you can take control of your hair health during this important stage of life and feel confident.
What causes women to lose hair during menopause? During menopause and perimenopause, estrogen—the hormone responsible for maintaining skin’s collagen thickness—begins to decline. Since our hair follicles reside in our collagen layer of the skin (the dermis), and estrogen is responsible for keeping this layer thick and healthy, the “home” of the hair follicle shrinks as estrogen declines, leading to weaker follicles and increased hair shedding.
This change, combined with hormonal imbalances and genetic predisposition for thinning hair, contributes to the noticeable thinning many women experience. As a board-certified dermatologist, I emphasize that early intervention with medical and lifestyle treatments can help support scalp health and preserve our hair density.
What does menopausal hair loss look like? During perimenopause and menopause, women most often notice a gradual thinning of the hair rather than distinct bald patches. This can appear as a widening of the part line, reduced overall density, and increased shedding—especially when washing or brushing.
These changes often begin in the early 40s and become more pronounced with the decline of estrogen during menopause. Women with a family history of hair thinning may experience these changes earlier due to genetic predisposition.
What is hair like during menopause? Most women notice their hair becoming significantly drier during menopause. This is because the dermis, or collagen layer of the skin, houses both the hair follicles and the sebaceous (oil) glands. As estrogen declines, the collagen layer thins, reducing the space available for both follicles and oil glands. With less natural oil production, hair often becomes dry, brittle, and thinner in texture during this stage of life.
How can you reduce hair loss in menopause? If a woman is experiencing significant hair loss, the first step is to evaluate for underlying health issues with a comprehensive blood panel. This should include vitamin D, thyroid function, iron and ferritin, as well as zinc and copper levels. Hair often reflects internal health, and conditions like anemia, thyroid imbalance, or low vitamin D can contribute to shedding.
If these are normal, I recommend increasing protein intake to about 1 gram per kilogram of body weight, since hair is made primarily of keratin, a protein. Supporting overall wellness with quality sleep and limiting inflammatory foods such as gluten, sugar, and alcohol is also important. From a treatment perspective, topical or oral minoxidil can improve blood flow to hair follicles, and red-light therapy devices may further stimulate circulation and growth.
Are certain shampoos best to use while in menopause? Because many women experience drier, more fragile hair during menopause, I recommend using a gentle, hydrating shampoo that is free of sulfates and parabens, as these ingredients can be irritating. Additionally, instead of traditional conditioner, using an oil-based hair mask after each wash can restore moisture and improve manageability.
What vitamins help hair loss during menopause? Before starting any supplements, it’s important to consult your physician to check for underlying deficiencies. If present, correcting these can make a meaningful difference. Key nutrients for hair health include iron, vitamin D, zinc, and biotin. A daily multivitamin that contains vitamin D, zinc, and collagen may also support overall hair strength.
However, patients should be cautious not to “double up” by taking both a multivitamin and a separate hair vitamin, as this can lead to excessive intake of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin D.
Are there any treatments to stop or reverse menopausal hair loss? Yes. The first step is confirming that the hair loss is truly related to menopause and not another underlying medical condition. Once diagnosed, treatment often focuses on improving blood flow to the scalp and supporting follicle health.
Topical minoxidil is FDA-approved for hair regrowth, and in some cases, dermatologists may prescribe low-dose oral minoxidil off-label, which many patients find easier to use consistently as a long-term therapy.
In addition, low-level laser light therapy can stimulate circulation and cellular activity in the scalp, further supporting hair density. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has also shown significant benefits in stimulating hair growth and improving thickness in menopausal patients.
Can you prevent hair loss during menopause? While the natural decline in estrogen and progesterone during menopause cannot be avoided, certain strategies can help slow or minimize hair loss. For some women, hormone replacement therapy may help stabilize these shifts.
In addition, maintaining scalp health through proper hair care, low-level laser treatments, or in-office options such as PRP therapy can improve thickness and volume.
Just as importantly, supporting hair from within is essential—this includes a protein and antioxidant-rich diet, regular exercise to boost circulation, and prioritizing quality sleep. Together, these measures provide the foundation for healthier hair during perimenopause and menopause.
