Menopause Hair Changes

Menopause Hair Loss: Why Hair Thins and What Helps

Menopause hair loss is hair thinning or more hair fall that many women notice during perimenopause and after menopause. It often shows as a wider parting or thinner hair on the top of the head. It is linked to falling estrogen and family genes. Other causes, like low iron or thyroid problems, are also common and easy to check.

Please note: This page shares general health information in simple words. It is not medical advice. Every body is different, so talk to a doctor or gynaecologist before you try any treatment.

Key Facts About Menopause Hair Loss

Hair thinning is a common change during and after menopause.
It usually shows on the top of the head and along the parting.
Falling estrogen and family genes play a part.
Low iron, thyroid problems and stress can also cause hair fall.
A doctor can check for these with blood tests.
Treatments are available, so see a doctor early.

What Does Menopause Hair Loss Look Like?

You may notice:

A wider parting
Thinner hair on the top of your head
Your ponytail feeling thinner
More hair on your pillow, comb or in the shower drain
Hair that is drier, finer or breaks more easily

Menopause hair loss usually does not cause bald patches. If you have round bald patches, see a doctor, as this can have other causes.

Why Does Hair Thin During Menopause?

Estrogen helps hair grow for longer. When estrogen falls, hair may grow for a shorter time and fall out sooner. The balance between estrogen and other hormones also changes. In some women, this makes hair roots slowly shrink, so hair grows back thinner.

This kind of thinning often runs in families. It is called female pattern hair loss.

What Else Can Cause Hair Loss?

Menopause is not the only cause of hair fall. Other common causes include:

Low iron
Thyroid problems
Stress, illness or surgery. This can cause a lot of hair to fall at once a few months later. It usually grows back.
Losing weight quickly or not eating enough protein
Some medicines
Tight hairstyles that pull on the hair

This is why a doctor may suggest blood tests before deciding on treatment.

Hair Thinning in Menopause: How to Care for Your Hair

Gentle care can help reduce breakage and make hair look fuller. Try these:

Use a mild shampoo and a conditioner.
Avoid tight ponytails, buns and braids.
Use a wide-tooth comb and be gentle with wet hair.
Use less heat from hair dryers, straighteners and curlers.
Be careful with hair dye, bleach and chemical treatments.
A shorter or layered haircut can make hair look fuller.

Eat well for your hair:

Include protein at every meal, like dal, eggs, paneer, curd, fish or chicken.
Eat iron-rich foods, like green leafy vegetables, chana, rajma and dates.
Eat plenty of vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds.

Do not take hair supplements without checking with a doctor. Too much of some vitamins can cause harm.

What Treatments Can a Doctor Suggest?

A doctor or skin specialist (dermatologist) can find the cause and suggest treatment.

If you have low iron or a thyroid problem, treating it may help your hair grow back.
For female pattern hair loss, there are medicines you put on your scalp. A doctor can tell you if one is right for you. Some treatments are not safe for women, so do not use them without advice.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not given just for hair loss. But it may help some women who take it for other menopause symptoms.

Treatment works best when started early, so do not wait too long.

Sirona Skin Balancing Cream

Menopause can change your skin as well as your hair. The Sirona Skin Balancing Cream is a face and body cream for dry menopausal skin. It has shea butter, hyaluronic acid and ceramides. It is not a hair product and does not treat hair loss. Read more about menopause skin changes.

When Should You See a Doctor?

See a doctor if:

You are losing a lot of hair suddenly.
You have bald patches.
Your scalp is itchy, red, sore or flaky.
You also feel very tired, cold or have heavy periods.
Hair loss is upsetting you.

Related Terms

Shop menopause care: Sirona Menopause Collection

Sources

NHS. Hair loss. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hair-loss/
NHS. Symptoms of menopause and perimenopause. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/
Kamp E, et al. Menopause, skin and common dermatoses. Part 2: skin disorders. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2022. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10092853/
Sirona Skin Balancing Cream product page. https://thesirona.com/products/skin-balancing-cream

Disclaimer: This page is for general information only. It is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified doctor. It was written by the Sirona Content Team using the trusted medical sources listed above. Always talk to your doctor or gynaecologist about your symptoms and before starting any medicine, supplement or product. If you have heavy bleeding, chest pain, trouble breathing or severe pain, get medical help right away.