Signs Menopause Is Causing Hair Loss

Menopause can cause noticeable hair thinning, increased shedding, and changes in texture due to hormonal shifts. Estrogen levels drop, leading to shrinking hair follicles, while a relative increase in androgens can make hair finer and drier. These changes often occur gradually and are distinct from other causes of hair loss.

Key signs include:

Thinning hair on the crown, top, or sides of the head.
Widening part or more visible scalp.
Texture changes, such as dryness, brittleness, or altered curl patterns.

These symptoms often coincide with other menopausal changes like hot flashes, night sweats, and irregular periods. If hair loss is rapid, patchy, or accompanied by scalp redness or discomfort, it may point to other medical conditions and should be evaluated by a doctor.

Treatment options for menopause-related hair loss include:

Topical Minoxidil: Improves blood flow and extends the hair growth cycle.
Prescription Spironolactone: Blocks androgens to reduce thinning.
Oral Minoxidil: Promotes regrowth but requires medical supervision.
Hormone Therapy: May indirectly support hair health by stabilizing estrogen levels.
Lifestyle adjustments: Stress management, balanced nutrition, and gentle hair care.

Early intervention is key. Identifying hormonal hair loss and starting treatment promptly can help restore hair thickness and reduce shedding.

Hair Loss In Women During Perimenopause and Menopause Explained!

Recognizing the signs of menopause-related hair loss early can help you address it effectively. These changes usually happen gradually and follow specific patterns, setting them apart from other types of hair loss.

Thinning Hair and Increased Shedding

One of the first things you might notice is thinning hair on the crown, top, or sides of your head. Unlike conditions that cause patchy bald spots, menopause-related hair loss is more about overall thinning. You may also see more hair falling out - whether it’s in the shower drain, on your pillow, or caught in your hairbrush.

The degree of thinning can vary between individuals, but the process is typically slow and steady, rather than a sudden, dramatic loss.

Wider Part and More Scalp Visibility

Another common sign is a widening hair part or seeing more of your scalp than before. This happens because the hairs become finer, offering less coverage. You might notice this change when looking in the mirror or comparing recent photos to older ones - areas that once seemed full now appear sparser. This pattern is a key indicator of hormonal hair loss in women, distinguishing it from other conditions that cause isolated bald patches.

Changes in Hair Texture

Hormonal shifts during menopause can also impact your hair’s texture. Lower estrogen levels reduce sebum production, leaving hair drier, more brittle, and prone to breaking. In some cases, these changes might even alter the shape of your hair follicles, causing straight hair to become wavy, curly, or wiry.

Sign/Symptom	What to Look For	Why It Happens
Thinning hair	Gradual thinning on crown, top, or sides; more shedding	Shrinking follicles
Wider part/scalp visibility	Widening part; scalp more noticeable	Reduced hair coverage
Texture changes	Dry, brittle hair; altered curl pattern	Less sebum production

These hair changes often occur alongside other menopause symptoms like hot flashes or night sweats, further signaling that hormonal shifts are playing a role. Use this information to assess your symptoms and understand how menopause might be affecting your hair.

How to Tell Menopause Hair Loss from Other Causes

Hair loss in your 40s and 50s isn’t always tied to menopause. Knowing how to differentiate between hair loss caused by hormonal changes and other factors can help you find the right treatment and avoid unnecessary stress.

Gradual vs. Sudden Hair Loss

Hair loss linked to menopause tends to happen slowly over months or even years, often showing up as general thinning across the scalp. On the other hand, hair loss triggered by stress or illnesses - like telogen effluvium - can come on quickly, sometimes within just weeks. Conditions like alopecia areata may cause distinct bald patches, while scalp infections or autoimmune disorders can lead to rapid, localized hair loss. If you notice clumps of hair falling out or circular bald spots, these are not typical of menopause and should be checked out by a doctor. These differences underscore the importance of ruling out other possible causes.

Ruling Out Other Medical Conditions

The way hair loss starts can also help distinguish menopause-related thinning from other issues. Before assuming menopause is the cause, it’s essential to rule out treatable conditions. Hair loss can result from thyroid problems, iron or vitamin D deficiencies, autoimmune diseases like lupus, or scalp infections. To identify the root cause, your doctor may recommend blood tests to evaluate thyroid function, iron levels, and autoimmune markers. If your hair loss is sudden, unexplained, or persistent, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider or dermatologist. Services like Oana Health can connect you with licensed professionals for assessments and, if necessary, prescription treatments.

Spotting Hormonal Patterns

Hormonal shifts often come with other telltale signs. If your hair loss happens alongside symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, mood swings, or trouble sleeping, hormones are likely playing a role. Keeping a hair loss diary can be helpful - track when it started, how it progresses, and any related symptoms. Taking regular photos of your scalp and noting any new medications or health changes can also provide valuable clues for your doctor.

Warning Signs of Non-Menopausal Hair Loss	Typical Menopause Hair Loss
Rapid onset (weeks to months)	Slow onset (months to years)
Circular or patchy bald spots	General thinning, wider hair part
Scalp redness, scaling, or discomfort	No noticeable scalp symptoms
Hair falling out in clumps	Gradual shedding over time
No other menopausal symptoms	Accompanied by hot flashes, irregular periods

If you notice scalp redness, scaling, pain, or other unusual symptoms, these are not common with menopause-related hair loss and may point to conditions like infections, autoimmune disorders, or skin diseases. Broken hairs, oozing, or scarring should also prompt an evaluation by a healthcare professional to rule out other causes.

Checklist: Signs Hormonal Changes Cause Your Hair Loss

Here's a checklist to help you determine if menopause-related hormonal changes might be behind your hair loss. The more signs you recognize, the stronger the likelihood that hormones are playing a role.

Other Menopausal Symptoms Present

Menopause-related hair loss often comes with other symptoms caused by hormonal changes. If you're experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, mood changes, or sleep disturbances alongside thinning hair, hormones are likely involved. Over 80% of women experience vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes during menopause, which frequently occur alongside hair changes.

Hot flashes and night sweats: These are hallmark signs of declining estrogen levels and are common indicators of menopause.
Irregular periods: Periods that become unpredictable or stop altogether are a clear sign of hormonal shifts.
Mood changes: Feeling more irritable, anxious, or even depressed? These emotional shifts often accompany hormonal hair loss.
Sleep issues: Trouble falling asleep or waking up frequently is another common symptom tied to menopause.

If you're noticing these systemic symptoms, it's worth paying closer attention to localized changes as well.

More Facial Hair Growth

Another telltale sign of hormonal imbalance is the appearance of unwanted facial hair while scalp hair thins. When estrogen levels drop during menopause, androgens (male hormones) become more active, leading to increased facial hair growth, particularly on the chin or upper lip.

You might spot:

New "peach fuzz" where there wasn’t any before.
Coarser, darker hairs on areas like the chin.

Interestingly, many women report that managing hormonal shifts can also reduce unwanted facial hair, further linking these changes to increased androgen activity. This combination of scalp hair thinning and facial hair growth is rarely seen in non-hormonal types of hair loss, making it a strong indicator of menopause-related changes.

No Scalp Inflammation or Infection

Take a close look at your scalp under good lighting. If there's no redness, scaling, pain, or scarring, it's another sign that hormones could be the cause of your hair loss.

Redness or irritation: These symptoms often point to inflammatory conditions rather than hormonal changes.
Scaling or flaking: This could signal fungal infections or skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis.
Pain, itching, or tenderness: These are not typical of menopausal hair loss and may require further medical evaluation.
Scarring or bald patches: Permanent hair loss or scarring could indicate conditions like scarring alopecia, which need immediate attention.

Hormonal hair loss doesn’t damage hair follicles permanently, meaning the thinning can often be reversed with the right treatment. If your scalp feels healthy and comfortable despite the hair loss, and you notice other signs from this checklist, hormones are likely the root cause. For women dealing with these hormonal changes, telehealth services like Oana Health offer easy access to licensed professionals who can provide personalized treatments delivered straight to your door.

When hormonal changes are behind your hair loss, the key is to focus on treatments that can help restore thickness and reduce shedding. These options work by addressing the hormonal shifts that come with menopause. Below are some effective treatments to consider.

Topical Minoxidil

Topical minoxidil is an FDA-approved solution that encourages hair regrowth by improving blood circulation to the scalp and extending the hair growth cycle. Many people notice reduced shedding within 3–6 months, though results can vary from person to person. The 5% minoxidil foam is a common choice and is generally well-tolerated. However, some may experience mild side effects like scalp irritation or dryness. The cost for this treatment typically ranges from $20 to $40 per month.

Prescription Topical Spironolactone

For women experiencing scalp thinning and increased facial hair during menopause, prescription topical spironolactone can be an effective option. It works by blocking androgens that contribute to hair thinning. Applied directly to the scalp, it minimizes systemic absorption, which may lower the risk of side effects. You can obtain this treatment through telehealth providers like Oana Health, with plans starting at about $43 per month.

Oral Minoxidil

If topical treatments don’t deliver the desired results, oral minoxidil could be a viable alternative. This prescription medication promotes hair growth and helps reduce shedding but requires close medical supervision due to potential side effects such as fluid retention and blood pressure changes. Telehealth platforms like Oana Health offer access to oral minoxidil, with costs starting around $25 per month.

"All of our treatments are doctor trusted, evidence based, and custom made for you in FDA regulated pharmacies." - Oana Health

Hormone Therapy and Lifestyle Adjustments

Hormone therapy, such as estrogen replacement, may be an option for women dealing with severe menopausal symptoms. While it’s not typically prescribed solely for hair loss, stabilizing estrogen levels can indirectly benefit hair health, especially if other symptoms like hot flashes or night sweats are significantly affecting quality of life.

Beyond medical treatments, adopting healthy habits can make a big difference. Managing stress, using gentle hair care products, and eating a balanced diet rich in protein and iron are all supportive measures. A 2022 study even found that combining topical minoxidil with lifestyle changes improved hair regrowth and boosted self-esteem.

Understanding and addressing menopause-related hair loss can make a big difference in managing its effects. Pay attention to early signs like thinning hair, a wider part, or changes in texture - these can signal hormonal hair loss. Catching it early means you can start treatment sooner.

Hair loss tied to menopause tends to appear as gradual, overall thinning without scalp inflammation. This is different from sudden hair loss or patchy bald spots caused by other medical issues. When paired with other menopausal symptoms, this pattern often points to hormonal shifts as the underlying cause.

Treatment should be tailored to fit your unique needs. Factors like your hormonal changes, medical history, and daily habits all play a role. Services like Oana Health simplify this process, offering science-supported treatments through a quick online consultation.

By age 50, nearly half of all women experience female pattern hair loss. Addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of this issue can boost not only your confidence but also your overall well-being.

Options for managing this include topical treatments, prescription medications, and lifestyle adjustments. With personalized care conveniently delivered to your doorstep, taking control of menopause-related hair loss has never been easier.

FAQs

How can I tell if my hair loss is caused by menopause?

Menopause-related hair loss is often tied to hormonal shifts, especially the decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels. These hormones are essential for supporting healthy hair growth, and their decline can result in thinning hair or more noticeable shedding.

One way to tell if your hair loss is menopause-related is by observing the pattern. It's typically marked by overall thinning rather than specific bald patches, which are more characteristic of conditions like alopecia areata. Additionally, this type of hair loss may coincide with other menopause symptoms, such as irregular periods, hot flashes, or mood changes.

If you believe your hair loss might be linked to menopause, reaching out to a healthcare provider is a good first step. Services like Oana Health provide tailored, science-based treatments to address hormonal imbalances and related concerns, all delivered to your doorstep for added convenience.

What are some effective lifestyle changes to manage hair loss during menopause?

Managing menopause-related hair loss often starts with straightforward lifestyle changes that support hair health and hormonal balance. Eating a nutrient-rich diet with plenty of protein, iron, and vitamins like biotin and vitamin D can strengthen your hair and encourage growth. Staying well-hydrated and steering clear of crash diets can also play a big role in maintaining healthy hair.

Keeping stress in check is just as important, as stress can make hair loss worse. Activities like yoga, meditation, or regular exercise not only help reduce stress but also improve blood flow to the scalp, which supports hair growth. On top of that, switching to gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and cutting back on heat styling tools can prevent additional damage to your hair.

If you’re still struggling with hair loss, it might be time to reach out to a healthcare provider. Companies like Oana Health offer tailored, prescription-based treatments for hair loss that are delivered right to your door - making it simple to get the care you need.

Both topical minoxidil and spironolactone are frequently recommended for addressing menopause-related hair loss. However, as with any medication, they can come with potential side effects.

Using topical minoxidil might sometimes result in scalp irritation or dryness. In some cases, if the medication spreads beyond the scalp, it could lead to unwanted hair growth in areas like the face. On the other hand, spironolactone, which is taken orally, may cause side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, or shifts in potassium levels. Because of these potential changes, regular monitoring by a healthcare provider may be necessary.

Discussing these options with a licensed medical professional is essential. They can help you weigh the benefits and risks, tailor the treatment to your needs, and provide advice on managing any side effects that might arise.