Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesTreatmentDiagnostic TestsWhen to See a ProviderFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Diagnostic Tests
When to See a Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
Menopause and hair loss go hand in hand for many people. Studies show slightly more than half of all females experience some degree of menopause-relatedhair thinningor loss.
By definition,menopauseoccurs when menstrual periods have stopped for at least 12 months. However, the hormonal drops that cause hair loss can begin years before menopause is official (perimenopause) and last long after the change is complete (postmenopause).
This article provides an overview of menopause and hair loss. It discusses the hormones that can cause hair to fall out and strategies for combating menopausal hair loss.
EyeEm / Getty Images
Symptoms of Menopausal Hair Loss
Hair loss from menopause may not be obvious at first. Humans lose an average of 50 to 100 strands of hair a day.During perimenopause, hair shedding starts to ramp up. The first signs of menopause-related hair loss are subtle:
Because the hair loss occurs slowly, it can take time for the changes to be noticeable in the mirror. Your part may start to widen, your ponytail might look thinner, and your hair can take on a flatter, lack-luster appearance.
Menopause-related hair loss can occur in other parts of the body as well. Many females notice hair growth slows or stops on their legs, arms, and armpits.Pubic haircan also begin to thin leaving bald spots. Even your eyelashes and eyebrows may thin out during menopause.
Hair Loss (Alopecia)
Causes of Menopausal Hair Loss
Hormonal fluctuations are the chief cause of hair loss associated with menopause. Menopause-related hair loss can occur during any of the three stages of menopause:
During perimenopause,estrogenandprogesteronelevels begin to decline. These hormones play a role in promoting hair growth, density, and fullness. When they drop, it leads to thinning hair that doesn’t grow as quickly as before.
A decrease in progesterone and estrogen also sparks an increase inandrogens. These are male hormones that are found in females in smaller amounts than in males. Androgens can cause the hairfollicleson the head to shrink, resulting in a type of hair loss known asandrogenic alopecia.
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Can Menopause Cause Excessive Hair Growth?In some cases, when androgens are higher than they should be, females can also develop “peach fuzz,” or excess hair on their chin, along with thinning or loss of hair on the head.
Can Menopause Cause Excessive Hair Growth?
In some cases, when androgens are higher than they should be, females can also develop “peach fuzz,” or excess hair on their chin, along with thinning or loss of hair on the head.
What Medications Can Cause Hair Loss?
Medications prescribed to manage symptoms of menopause do not typically cause hair loss, and may in fact help to prevent hair loss. However, medications that treat other conditions that are common in females over the age of 40 can contribute to hair loss.
Types of drugs that can cause hair loss include:
Microneedling for Hair Loss: At-Home vs. Professional Results
How to Treat Menopausal Hair Loss
Treatments for menopausal hair loss may include lifestyle modifications, medications, and professional treatments.
Thinning Hair: How to Stop Hair From Falling Out
Rogaine
Rogaine (minoxidil), an over-the-counter hair-loss treatment for male pattern baldness, may help people with androgen-related hair loss as well. Research shows topical Rogaine treatments can promote hair regrowth with female-pattern baldness, which can occur during menopause.
Rogaine comes in different formulas for males and females, as both a serum and a foam. Minoxidil is also available as generic or off-brand products. The main difference between the versions is the dosage strength:
Common side effects of topical minoxidil include itching, dryness, flaking, or burning. While severe symptoms are rare, call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience weight gain, swelling of the face, trouble breathing, lightheadedness, fast heartbeat, or chest pain.People who are pregnant should not use topical minoxidil.
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Prescriptions
Oral medications that may be prescribed for hair loss in females includefinasterideand spironolactone.
Finasteride, sold under the brand name Propecia, is commonly prescribed for male pattern baldness. Some research shows finasteride can help to regrow hair loss in females as well.Finasteride is also used to treathirsutism, androgen-related unwanted hair growth on a female face, chest, or back.
Spironolactoneis a drug used to treat acne that may be effective for menopausal hair loss. While it doesn’t appear to help regrow hair, research shows it can prevent further hair loss and improve the quality and thickness of hair for about 40% of people with female pattern baldness.
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Microneedling
A newer therapy for hair loss is known as microneedling. Microneedling can be done in a dermatologist’s office or at home. However, it’s best to talk with your healthcare provider first before using it yourself.
More commonly used for treating scars, the technique involves a roller with hundreds of tiny needles that poke microscopic holes in the skin. This controlled injury prompts an immune system response that may help to promote hair growth.
The research on microneedling for hair regrowth focuses on androgenetic alopecia. A 2020 review of studies found microneedling shows promise for increasing hair density, thickness, and quality of hair.Combining microneedling with topical minoxidil is recommended for best results.
What Is Microneedling?
Laser Treatment
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Hair Transplant
If menopausal hair loss is severe, ahair transplantcan help. A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that moves hair from one part of your body (commonly the back of the head) and implants it into bald spots.
It can take up to a year to see the full results from hair grafting. Additional surgeries may be needed over time to fill in new bald patches.
Deciding to Have a Hair Transplant
Reduce Stress
The hormonal changes from menopause can cause your stress levels to rise. When that happens, it can be difficult to rebalance the hormones. What’s more, stress is a common cause of hair loss.
To keep stress in check, you can try stress-reduction techniques such as:
In addition, getting regular exercise can help reduce stress.Walking, cycling, dancing, and hiking are low-impact options than can help keep your stress levels down.
Why Is Exercise Important for Menopausal Hair Loss?Exercise aids in the management of menopausal symptoms. It improves sleep, boosts brain power, and helps maintain a healthy weight.It can also relieve stress-induced hormone imbalances that may contribute to menopausal hair loss.
Why Is Exercise Important for Menopausal Hair Loss?
Exercise aids in the management of menopausal symptoms. It improves sleep, boosts brain power, and helps maintain a healthy weight.It can also relieve stress-induced hormone imbalances that may contribute to menopausal hair loss.
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Eat a Balanced Diet
Diet plays a vital role in hormonal balance. Research has found those who experience hair loss during menopause may not be getting all the nutrients they need.Eating a well-balanced diet that is high in nutrients can aid in the reduction of hair loss.
Some specific nutrients you should be incorporating are:
Menopause Diet: Foods to Support Changing Hormone Levels
Gentle Hair Care
To prevent further damage to your hair, practice gentle hair care. Avoid using heated styling tools, including blow dryers, straighteners, curling irons, and hot curlers. Don’t tease your hair, which can cause breakage.
You should also avoid dying your hair, when possible, and choose an all-natural dye if you need to.
Using a conditioner that is hydrating and nourishing for your hair will also promote healthier hair and encourage hair growth.
If your hair is prone to tangles, keep it tied up in a ponytail, bun, or braid when possible. However, avoid pulling hair too tight, which can cause hair to break.
How to Style Thinning HairIf your hair is beginning to thin, you can style it in a way that makes the hair loss less noticeable. This could include changing where you part your hair, cutting your hair shorter to create more volume, or adding some dimensional layers. This could give the illusion of thicker and fuller hair while hiding any hair loss you may have.
How to Style Thinning Hair
If your hair is beginning to thin, you can style it in a way that makes the hair loss less noticeable. This could include changing where you part your hair, cutting your hair shorter to create more volume, or adding some dimensional layers. This could give the illusion of thicker and fuller hair while hiding any hair loss you may have.
Natural Remedies for Menopause That Actually Work
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of Menopausal Hair Loss?
Blood tests are sometimes used to determine the cause of hair loss in menopausal and perimenopausal people. These include checking the following hormone levels:
Your healthcare provider may run additional tests to rule out other potential reasons for the hair loss.
How to Grow Your Hair as Fast as Possible
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you are experiencing hair loss, talk to your healthcare provider. While menopause is commonly associated with hair loss, other conditions that can cause hair loss include:
These conditions should be ruled out as part of the diagnostic process for menopausal hair loss.
Summary
About half of all females experience some degree of hair loss associated with menopause. The primary cause is a drop in hormone levels that begin during perimenopause and continue through the post-menopausal years.
Hormones like estrogen and progesterone affect the rate of hair growth, the volume of individual strands, and the rate of hair shedding. Other health factors can contribute to hair thinning, so discuss excessive hair shedding with your healthcare provider to rule out other causes.
Keeping your hair looking healthy after menopause can be a challenge. In addition to hair thinning, hormonal changes can cause hair to become brittle and break more easily.Avoid over-shampooing or over-styling your hair, use a nourishing conditioner, and get regular trims to keep hair looking healthy. Switching up your part or going for a shorter hairstyle can help to camouflage hair thinning.
Keeping your hair looking healthy after menopause can be a challenge. In addition to hair thinning, hormonal changes can cause hair to become brittle and break more easily.
Avoid over-shampooing or over-styling your hair, use a nourishing conditioner, and get regular trims to keep hair looking healthy. Switching up your part or going for a shorter hairstyle can help to camouflage hair thinning.
Various vitamins and minerals play a role in hair health and may help with menopausal hair loss. Vitamins A, C, and B complex along with minerals zinc, iron, selenium, silicon, magnesium, and calcium promote hair growth and fullness.Ensuring adequate protein and healthy fat consumption can also help keep hair looking healthy and prevent hair loss.
Various vitamins and minerals play a role in hair health and may help with menopausal hair loss. Vitamins A, C, and B complex along with minerals zinc, iron, selenium, silicon, magnesium, and calcium promote hair growth and fullness.
Ensuring adequate protein and healthy fat consumption can also help keep hair looking healthy and prevent hair loss.
Biotin is the most commonly recommended supplement for treating and preventing hair loss.Also known as vitamin B7, several studies suggest biotin may help to prevent or reverse hair loss in people with a biotin deficiency. However, it is unclear whether biotin can improve hair growth and volume in people with adequate biotin levels.Other supplements that may help boost hair health in menopausal people include collagen, keratin, fatty acids, and saw palmetto.
Biotin is the most commonly recommended supplement for treating and preventing hair loss.
Also known as vitamin B7, several studies suggest biotin may help to prevent or reverse hair loss in people with a biotin deficiency. However, it is unclear whether biotin can improve hair growth and volume in people with adequate biotin levels.
Other supplements that may help boost hair health in menopausal people include collagen, keratin, fatty acids, and saw palmetto.
Hormonal fluctuations associated with menopause are a common cause of hair loss for females over the age of 40. Other possibilities include:Adrenal insufficiencyAnemiaNutritional deficienciesA side effect of certain medicationsStressThyroid disease
Hormonal fluctuations associated with menopause are a common cause of hair loss for females over the age of 40. Other possibilities include:
Hair loss can be a side effect of certain medications. These include:AnticoagulantsAnticonvulsantsAntidepressantsAnti-thyroid medicationBeta-blockersChemotherapy and tamoxifenDisease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)Gout medication Zyloprim (allopurinol)Parkinson’s medications Levodopa and BromocriptineRetinoids
Hair loss can be a side effect of certain medications. These include:
21 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Chaikittisilpa S, Rattanasirisin N, Panchaprateep R, et al.Prevalence of female pattern hair loss in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study.Menopause. 2022;29(4):415-20. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000001927American Academy of Dermatology Association.Do you have hair loss or hair shedding?Fabbrocini G, Cantelli M, Masarà A, Annunziata MC, Marasca C, Cacciapuoti S.Female pattern hair loss: A clinical, pathophysiologic, and therapeutic review.Int J Womens Dermatol.2018;4(4):203-211. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2018.05.001National Institute of Aging.What is menopause?NIH: Office on Women’s Health.Menopause basics.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Introduction to Menopause.Goluch-Koniuszy ZS.Nutrition of women with hair loss problem during the period of menopause.Menopause Review.2016;15(1):56-61. doi:10.5114/pm.2016.58776Blume-Peytavi U, Shapiro J, Messenger AG, et al.Efficacy and safety of once-daily minoxidil foam 5% versus twice-daily minoxidil solution 2% in female pattern hair loss: a Phase III, randomized, investigator-blinded study.J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(7):883–9.Rogaine.Rogaine.National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Minoxidil topical.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss: Diagnosis and treatment.Iamsumang W, Leerunyakul K, Suchonwanit P.Finasteride and its potential for the treatment of female pattern hair loss: evidence to date.Drug Des Devel Ther. 2020;14:951–9. doi:10.2147/DDDT.S240615Burns LJ, De Souza B, Flynn E, Hagigeorges D, Senna MM.Spironolactone for treatment of female pattern hair loss.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020;83(1):276–8. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2020.03.087Ocampo-Garza SS, Fabbrocini G, Ocampo-Candiani J, Cinelli E, Villani A.Micro needling: A novel therapeutic approach for androgenetic alopecia, A review of literature.Dermatol Ther. 2020;33(6):e14267. doi:10.1111/dth.14267American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Hair transplantation and restoration: What hair transplant procedures are recommended for women?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss: who gets and causes.Hamer M, Endrighi R, Poole L.Physical activity, stress reduction, and mood: insight into immunological mechanisms.Methods Mol Biol.2012;934:89-102. doi:10.1007/978-1-62703-071-7_5Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Benefits of physical activity.Brough KR, Torgerson RR.Hormonal therapy in female pattern hair loss.Int J Womens Dermatol.2017 Feb 24;3(1):53-57. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.01.001Patel DP, Swink SM, Castelo-Soccio L.A review of the use of biotin for hair loss.Skin Appendage Disord. 2017;3(3):166–9. doi:10.1159/000462981Phillips TG, Slomiany WP, Allison R.Hair loss: common causes and treatment.Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(6):371–8.
21 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Chaikittisilpa S, Rattanasirisin N, Panchaprateep R, et al.Prevalence of female pattern hair loss in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study.Menopause. 2022;29(4):415-20. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000001927American Academy of Dermatology Association.Do you have hair loss or hair shedding?Fabbrocini G, Cantelli M, Masarà A, Annunziata MC, Marasca C, Cacciapuoti S.Female pattern hair loss: A clinical, pathophysiologic, and therapeutic review.Int J Womens Dermatol.2018;4(4):203-211. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2018.05.001National Institute of Aging.What is menopause?NIH: Office on Women’s Health.Menopause basics.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Introduction to Menopause.Goluch-Koniuszy ZS.Nutrition of women with hair loss problem during the period of menopause.Menopause Review.2016;15(1):56-61. doi:10.5114/pm.2016.58776Blume-Peytavi U, Shapiro J, Messenger AG, et al.Efficacy and safety of once-daily minoxidil foam 5% versus twice-daily minoxidil solution 2% in female pattern hair loss: a Phase III, randomized, investigator-blinded study.J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(7):883–9.Rogaine.Rogaine.National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Minoxidil topical.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss: Diagnosis and treatment.Iamsumang W, Leerunyakul K, Suchonwanit P.Finasteride and its potential for the treatment of female pattern hair loss: evidence to date.Drug Des Devel Ther. 2020;14:951–9. doi:10.2147/DDDT.S240615Burns LJ, De Souza B, Flynn E, Hagigeorges D, Senna MM.Spironolactone for treatment of female pattern hair loss.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020;83(1):276–8. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2020.03.087Ocampo-Garza SS, Fabbrocini G, Ocampo-Candiani J, Cinelli E, Villani A.Micro needling: A novel therapeutic approach for androgenetic alopecia, A review of literature.Dermatol Ther. 2020;33(6):e14267. doi:10.1111/dth.14267American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Hair transplantation and restoration: What hair transplant procedures are recommended for women?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss: who gets and causes.Hamer M, Endrighi R, Poole L.Physical activity, stress reduction, and mood: insight into immunological mechanisms.Methods Mol Biol.2012;934:89-102. doi:10.1007/978-1-62703-071-7_5Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Benefits of physical activity.Brough KR, Torgerson RR.Hormonal therapy in female pattern hair loss.Int J Womens Dermatol.2017 Feb 24;3(1):53-57. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.01.001Patel DP, Swink SM, Castelo-Soccio L.A review of the use of biotin for hair loss.Skin Appendage Disord. 2017;3(3):166–9. doi:10.1159/000462981Phillips TG, Slomiany WP, Allison R.Hair loss: common causes and treatment.Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(6):371–8.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Chaikittisilpa S, Rattanasirisin N, Panchaprateep R, et al.Prevalence of female pattern hair loss in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study.Menopause. 2022;29(4):415-20. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000001927American Academy of Dermatology Association.Do you have hair loss or hair shedding?Fabbrocini G, Cantelli M, Masarà A, Annunziata MC, Marasca C, Cacciapuoti S.Female pattern hair loss: A clinical, pathophysiologic, and therapeutic review.Int J Womens Dermatol.2018;4(4):203-211. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2018.05.001National Institute of Aging.What is menopause?NIH: Office on Women’s Health.Menopause basics.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Introduction to Menopause.Goluch-Koniuszy ZS.Nutrition of women with hair loss problem during the period of menopause.Menopause Review.2016;15(1):56-61. doi:10.5114/pm.2016.58776Blume-Peytavi U, Shapiro J, Messenger AG, et al.Efficacy and safety of once-daily minoxidil foam 5% versus twice-daily minoxidil solution 2% in female pattern hair loss: a Phase III, randomized, investigator-blinded study.J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(7):883–9.Rogaine.Rogaine.National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Minoxidil topical.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss: Diagnosis and treatment.Iamsumang W, Leerunyakul K, Suchonwanit P.Finasteride and its potential for the treatment of female pattern hair loss: evidence to date.Drug Des Devel Ther. 2020;14:951–9. doi:10.2147/DDDT.S240615Burns LJ, De Souza B, Flynn E, Hagigeorges D, Senna MM.Spironolactone for treatment of female pattern hair loss.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020;83(1):276–8. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2020.03.087Ocampo-Garza SS, Fabbrocini G, Ocampo-Candiani J, Cinelli E, Villani A.Micro needling: A novel therapeutic approach for androgenetic alopecia, A review of literature.Dermatol Ther. 2020;33(6):e14267. doi:10.1111/dth.14267American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Hair transplantation and restoration: What hair transplant procedures are recommended for women?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss: who gets and causes.Hamer M, Endrighi R, Poole L.Physical activity, stress reduction, and mood: insight into immunological mechanisms.Methods Mol Biol.2012;934:89-102. doi:10.1007/978-1-62703-071-7_5Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Benefits of physical activity.Brough KR, Torgerson RR.Hormonal therapy in female pattern hair loss.Int J Womens Dermatol.2017 Feb 24;3(1):53-57. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.01.001Patel DP, Swink SM, Castelo-Soccio L.A review of the use of biotin for hair loss.Skin Appendage Disord. 2017;3(3):166–9. doi:10.1159/000462981Phillips TG, Slomiany WP, Allison R.Hair loss: common causes and treatment.Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(6):371–8.
Chaikittisilpa S, Rattanasirisin N, Panchaprateep R, et al.Prevalence of female pattern hair loss in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study.Menopause. 2022;29(4):415-20. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000001927
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Do you have hair loss or hair shedding?
Fabbrocini G, Cantelli M, Masarà A, Annunziata MC, Marasca C, Cacciapuoti S.Female pattern hair loss: A clinical, pathophysiologic, and therapeutic review.Int J Womens Dermatol.2018;4(4):203-211. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2018.05.001
National Institute of Aging.What is menopause?
NIH: Office on Women’s Health.Menopause basics.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Introduction to Menopause.
Goluch-Koniuszy ZS.Nutrition of women with hair loss problem during the period of menopause.Menopause Review.2016;15(1):56-61. doi:10.5114/pm.2016.58776
Blume-Peytavi U, Shapiro J, Messenger AG, et al.Efficacy and safety of once-daily minoxidil foam 5% versus twice-daily minoxidil solution 2% in female pattern hair loss: a Phase III, randomized, investigator-blinded study.J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(7):883–9.
Rogaine.Rogaine.
National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Minoxidil topical.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss: Diagnosis and treatment.
Iamsumang W, Leerunyakul K, Suchonwanit P.Finasteride and its potential for the treatment of female pattern hair loss: evidence to date.Drug Des Devel Ther. 2020;14:951–9. doi:10.2147/DDDT.S240615
Burns LJ, De Souza B, Flynn E, Hagigeorges D, Senna MM.Spironolactone for treatment of female pattern hair loss.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020;83(1):276–8. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2020.03.087
Ocampo-Garza SS, Fabbrocini G, Ocampo-Candiani J, Cinelli E, Villani A.Micro needling: A novel therapeutic approach for androgenetic alopecia, A review of literature.Dermatol Ther. 2020;33(6):e14267. doi:10.1111/dth.14267
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Hair transplantation and restoration: What hair transplant procedures are recommended for women?
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss: who gets and causes.
Hamer M, Endrighi R, Poole L.Physical activity, stress reduction, and mood: insight into immunological mechanisms.Methods Mol Biol.2012;934:89-102. doi:10.1007/978-1-62703-071-7_5
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Benefits of physical activity.
Brough KR, Torgerson RR.Hormonal therapy in female pattern hair loss.Int J Womens Dermatol.2017 Feb 24;3(1):53-57. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.01.001
Patel DP, Swink SM, Castelo-Soccio L.A review of the use of biotin for hair loss.Skin Appendage Disord. 2017;3(3):166–9. doi:10.1159/000462981
Phillips TG, Slomiany WP, Allison R.Hair loss: common causes and treatment.Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(6):371–8.
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