menopausal hair loss back

24 September 2025

Menopausal Hair Loss: What’s Really Happening and What You Can Do About It

When Your Hair Changes, and So Does Everything Else...

It often starts quietly. You notice more hair in the shower, or your ponytail feels thinner than it used to. Maybe your parting is getting wider. And while friends might reassure you that “it’s just your age”, you know it’s more than that.

At Hove Hair Clinic, we speak to women every week who are experiencing hair loss around the time of menopause. For many, it comes as a shock, no one warned them that hormonal shifts could affect their hair this much. Others had a feeling it might happen but didn’t expect it to feel so personal, or so upsetting.

Let’s Talk About Menopausal Hair Loss

Why does menopausal hair loss happen, what are the signs, and what can you do about it?
Because while you may be entering a new phase in life, you don’t have to leave your confidence behind.

Why Does Menopause Affect Your Hair?

During perimenopause and menopause, levels of oestrogen and progesterone decline. These hormones play a vital role in the hair cycle - helping hair grow longer, thicker, and stronger. As they reduce, hair becomes more vulnerable to a process known as hormonal hair thinning.

Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:

  • The growth phase shortens:
    Hair spends less time growing (anagen phase) and more time resting (telogen phase), leading to more daily shedding.

  • Hair follicles shrink:
    In the absence of oestrogen, androgens (male hormones) can become more dominant. These androgens — especially a form called DHT (dihydrotestosterone) — can shrink hair follicles over time, particularly if you have a genetic sensitivity.

  • Circulation and collagen decrease:
    Blood flow to the scalp and collagen production both slow down, affecting the quality of your scalp and hair.

It’s important to remember: this process doesn’t happen overnight. Hair loss linked to menopause is usually gradual, but over time it can significantly change how your hair looks and feels. Read more on the science behind hair loss and what’s really happening.

Signs of Menopausal Hair Loss

While every woman’s experience is different, some of the most common signs include:

  • A widening parting or visible scalp in areas where hair used to be denser

  • Thinning on the crown, temples or frontal hairline

  • More hair shedding than usual when brushing or washing

  • Slower regrowth and finer new hairs

  • Hair that feels more brittle, dry, or lifeless

  • A reduced ponytail circumference, often one of the first things women notice

Itchy and Dry Scalps

You may also notice scalp changes, such as dryness, itchiness, or increased sensitivity, due to hormone-linked shifts in sebum and skin pH.

What Can Help? Real Solutions, Not Gimmicks

The good news? There are ways to slow or reverse menopausal hair thinning, but it’s rarely a one-size-fits-all solution. At the clinic, we build bespoke treatment plans based on your scalp condition, medical history and lifestyle.

Here are the approaches we commonly use:

1. Resetting Scalp Health

Menopause can cause inflammation, congestion or imbalance on the scalp, all of which impact hair growth. That’s why we often begin by:

Our signature scalp treatment systems can be tailored to treat dryness, irritation, or blocked follicles — all of which create a healthier environment for new hair growth.

2. Topical & Prescription-Based Treatments

Certain products and prescription solutions can help stimulate regrowth and strengthen existing hair. Some of the most effective ingredients include:

  • Minoxidil: A well-known stimulant that helps prolong the growth phase

  • Tretinoin: Helps improve absorption and cell turnover

  • Topical Spironolactone or Estradiol: For women affected by hormonal imbalances or androgen sensitivity

  • DNA-guided formulas: Bespoke treatments based on your genetic profile

These are best introduced under professional guidance to ensure they suit your hair type and scalp condition.

3. Nutritional Support & Blood Tests

Hair loss is often multifactorial, meaning menopause might not be the only reason. We regularly test for:

  • Iron and ferritin levels

  • Vitamin D and B12

  • Thyroid function

  • Inflammation markers

Nutritional support — especially collagen, amino acids, magnesium, and cystine — can support your body from the inside out and help you get the best results from topical treatments.

4. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Laser caps use red-light technology to:

  • Increase blood flow to the scalp

  • Boost energy at the follicle level

  • Stimulate regrowth over time

They're discreet, non-invasive, and can be used at home as part of your daily routine. Find out more about low-level laser therapy.

5. Microneedling & Growth Serums

Microneedling works by creating tiny microchannels in the scalp, encouraging:

  • Better absorption of growth serums

  • Collagen production

  • Cellular repair

This technique is especially effective when paired with hair restoration formulas for menopausal hair thinning.

6. Lifestyle & Stress Support

We can’t ignore the emotional load that comes with this stage of life. Stress, poor nutrition and fluctuating moods all impact hair health.


Making time for rest, connection, and self-care isn’t just good for your mind and body, it supports your scalp too.

Here are some more tips on healthy hair growth.

When Should You Get Help?

If your hair loss is affecting your confidence or you’ve noticed changes continuing for more than three months, it’s time to seek help. The earlier we can assess what’s happening, the better chance we have of stopping further loss and restoring healthy growth.

At Hove Hair Clinic, we never rush or push. We take the time to understand your history, listen to your concerns, and build a treatment plan that feels right for you.

You’re Not Imagining It - And You’re Not Alone

Menopausal hair loss can feel like yet another thing your body is throwing at you, but it’s not something you have to simply accept.

With the right care, support and treatment, many women go on to experience stronger, fuller, healthier hair once again.

If you’re looking for personalised advice or professional hair and scalp treatments, reach out to us at Hove Hair Clinic on 01273 711140. We’re here to help you achieve your goals with expert guidance and bespoke care.

If you’re not quite ready for a consultation, that’s OK too. Just know that when you are, we’re here, ready to listen, guide and help you feel more like you again.

With care and kindness,
Sarah