Hair thinning and hair loss are recognised symptoms of menopause (NHS). Most menopause-related hair loss is gradual thinning over the top of the head, and it usually slows down with time (Women's Health Concern).
Hair loss can be upsetting, and it isn't always down to hormones. This guide explains the main types, the other causes worth checking, and what can help.
Key takeaways
- Some shedding is normal. Most people lose 50 to 100 hairs a day without noticing (NHS).
- Female pattern hair loss is the most common type in women. It causes thinning on top and a wider parting, while the front hairline usually stays put (British Association of Dermatologists).
- Other causes are treatable. Low iron, thyroid problems, illness, stress and crash dieting can all cause hair loss (WHC; NHS).
- A receding front hairline or thinning eyebrows needs a prompt GP visit. It can be a scarring type of hair loss where early treatment matters (BAD).
Why does menopause cause hair loss?
Women's Health Concern, the patient arm of the British Menopause Society, describes several factors that combine (WHC):
- Hormones. Oestrogen may help keep hair in its growing phase, so falling levels can affect growth.
- Age. Hair naturally changes as we get older.
- Genes. You may notice a family pattern of hair loss.
- Stress and illness. Illness, emotional stress and crash dieting can all affect hair growth.
- Medicines. Some medicines can contribute.
Types of hair loss around menopause
| Type | What it looks like | Key facts |
|---|---|---|
| Female pattern hair loss | Thinning over the top of the scalp, a wider parting; the front hairline usually stays normal | The most common type in women, caused by genes and hormones. Often starts in the 50s or 60s. It's long-term, but treatment can help (BAD) |
| Telogen effluvium | More hair than usual falling out from all over the scalp | Can start around 3 months after a trigger such as illness, stress or weight loss. Shedding lasts 3 to 6 months, then hair starts to regrow (BAD) |
| Frontal fibrosing alopecia | A slowly receding front hairline, sometimes with eyebrow loss and an itchy or burning hairline | Occurs mostly in postmenopausal women. It scars the follicles, so lost hair can't regrow, which is why early treatment matters (BAD) |
| Hair loss from another condition | Thinning or shedding alongside other symptoms | For example iron deficiency or thyroid problems (NHS; NHS) |
Is it menopause, or something else?
Because several conditions can cause hair loss, a clinician may suggest checking for (WHC):
- anaemia or low iron stores (ferritin)
- thyroid problems
- raised testosterone, especially if you also have acne, extra facial hair or irregular periods
- a scalp or skin condition
Iron. Hair loss is a less common symptom of iron-deficiency anaemia, and heavy periods, common in perimenopause, are a very common cause of low iron (NHS).
Thyroid. An underactive thyroid can cause dry hair or hair loss, and an overactive thyroid can cause hair loss or thinning (NHS underactive; NHS overactive). Our guide to thyroid symptoms in women explains the other signs.
What helps with menopausal hair loss
Treat any underlying cause first. If low iron or a thyroid problem is found, treating it is the priority.
Look after your hair and scalp (WHC):
- cut back on heat styling
- try volumising or thickening shampoos and conditioners
- eat a healthy, varied diet and avoid crash dieting
- protect any exposed scalp from the sun
Treatments. Some treatments you apply to the scalp are available from pharmacies. They take months to work and only work for as long as you keep using them (WHC; NHS). Prescription options may be discussed after a proper assessment. The NHS notes that most hair-loss treatments aren't available on the NHS (NHS).
Camouflage. Wigs, hairpieces and hair-fibre sprays can help, and some wigs are available on NHS prescription (BAD).
What about HRT? Women's Health Concern's hair-loss factsheet doesn't list HRT as a hair treatment. If you're considering HRT for other menopause symptoms, the NHS says its benefits usually outweigh the risks, though there are risks to discuss, such as a small increase in breast cancer risk with combined HRT (NHS).
Support. Hair loss can affect how you feel about yourself. The NHS suggests asking your GP about counselling, or contacting a support group such as Alopecia UK (NHS).
When to see a GP
The NHS advises seeing a GP if you're worried about your hair loss, and before going to a commercial hair clinic (NHS). In particular, see a GP if you have:
- a receding front hairline or thinning eyebrows (BAD)
- rapid hair loss, or an unusual pattern such as patches (WHC)
- pain, itching or burning of the scalp
- acne, extra facial hair or irregular periods as well
- other symptoms such as tiredness, feeling cold or weight changes, which could point to your thyroid
To track what you're noticing, try our perimenopause checklist. If you'd like to talk things through with a GP who focuses on menopause, our online menopause clinic can look at your symptoms as a whole. For other skin changes, see our guide to menopause itchy skin.
See also testosterone in women on where hormone levels do and do not explain symptoms at this age.
Honest FAQs
Does menopause hair loss grow back?
It depends on the type. Hair usually regrows after telogen effluvium, while female pattern hair loss is long-term but treatment can help (BAD; BAD). Most menopause-related hair loss slows down over time (WHC).
How much hair loss is normal?
Losing 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal (NHS). See a GP if you're shedding much more than usual, or your parting or hairline is changing.
Can low iron cause hair loss during menopause?
Yes. Iron-deficiency anaemia can cause hair loss, and heavy periods are a very common cause of low iron (NHS). A blood test can check.
Does HRT help with hair loss?
Women's Health Concern's hair-loss factsheet doesn't list HRT as a hair treatment (WHC). If you're considering it for other symptoms, discuss the benefits and risks with a clinician.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Always speak to a qualified clinician about your own symptoms.
