Hair thinning during menopause is more common than many realise, and for some women, it can be an early and distressing sign of hormonal transition. Fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone during perimenopause and menopause can significantly affect hair growth cycles—altering texture, thickness and volume.

While the degree and timing of hormone-related changes in midlife can vary between individuals, research confirms that they can disrupt the balance between hair growth and shedding.

So, does menopause cause hair loss? It certainly can.

But there are effective strategies to support hair health. At Evergreen Doctors, we take a functional medicine approach—looking beyond symptoms to understand the deeper interactions between hormones, nutrient status, stress, and lifestyle. This comprehensive care helps us tailor a plan that supports your overall health, not just your hair.

Does Menopause Cause Hair Loss?

Oestrogen and progesterone help keep hair in the growing (anagen) phase of the hair cycle. As these hormone levels decline during menopause, that phase can shorten, and more hairs may shift into the shedding phase. This increases hair loss, which is often noticed at the crown or part line.

At the same time, androgen levels (like testosterone) can become more prominent in proportion, which may contribute to a pattern of thinning. This is sometimes referred to as female pattern hair loss, and it can present differently from the male version.

Other factors like stress, thyroid changes, low iron, poor sleep, or diet shifts can also contribute. So, while menopause is often the trigger, it's not always the only factor.

For some, symptoms appear gradually. For others, the change can feel more sudden. Understanding what helps hair loss during menopause begins with identifying what's driving it in your specific case.

What Helps Hair Loss During Menopause?

Tackling hair loss during menopause involves a multi-faceted approach that looks at internal health and topical support. Here are evidence-informed ways to address it:

1. Assess Hormone Levels

Understanding your hormone profile can help guide treatment. Oestrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormones, and androgens all influence hair cycles. Depending on your overall health picture, bioidentical hormone therapy may be considered in some cases.

2. Nutritional Support

Hair relies on consistent nutrition, including protein, iron, zinc, vitamin D, and biotin. A nutrient-dense diet—combined with supplementation if needed—can strengthen follicles and support regrowth.

If you're wondering how menopause influences weight gain or digestion, both can impact nutrient absorption, so optimising gut health can also restore hair strength.

3. Manage Stress

Elevated cortisol (your body’s main stress hormone) is known to disrupt hair growth. Simple interventions like daily movement, mindfulness practices or journaling can help regulate your stress response.

If you’re already incorporating physical activity, it’s worth considering what exercise is good for menopause. Moderate strength training and low-impact cardio can support hormonal balance without adding more stress to your system.

4. Targeted Topical Options

Some women benefit from topical treatments such as minoxidil. However, not all options are suitable for everyone. It's best to discuss the most appropriate course with a medical provider.

The Functional Medicine Approach

At Evergreen Doctors, our care focuses on the whole picture—understanding how hormone health, nutrient status, lifestyle and inflammation work together. When treating hair loss, we don't isolate it. Instead, we use an integrated approach.

Personalised Hormonal Testing

We assess the hormonal contributors to your symptoms, allowing us to tailor treatments rather than apply generic solutions. This includes looking into thyroid health, adrenal function and oestrogen metabolism.

Addressing Nutrient Gaps

Even small deficiencies can affect hair quality. Functional testing allows us to identify what’s missing and create a personalised supplement plan.

Gentle Lifestyle Shifts

We focus on sustainable changes—like adjusting sleep routines, improving digestion and incorporating manageable daily movement. These changes support long-term hormonal balance and reduce inflammation that can worsen hair loss.

If you're also managing digestive symptoms, you might be wondering how long does menopause bloating last? These symptoms often overlap and resolving one can help improve the other.

Common Misconceptions About Menopausal Hair Loss

One misconception is that nothing can be done—or that it's purely cosmetic. Hair loss during menopause can signal hormonal imbalance or nutritional stress, and early support can make a difference.

Another myth? That hair thinning only happens in older women. Some women experience these changes in their 40s, well before their periods stop. That’s why it’s important to seek support early.

When to Seek Help

If you notice increased shedding, widening part lines, or changes in your scalp’s sensitivity, it’s worth having your symptoms assessed. Sudden or severe hair loss may indicate underlying medical conditions that require further investigation.

At Evergreen Doctors, our personalised menopause care in Sydney includes full hormonal panels, targeted nutritional testing, and customised support strategies. Whether you're experiencing hair loss or just starting to explore hormonal changes, we’re here to guide you with evidence-based care.

Supporting Yourself Through the Transition

Hair changes can feel frustrating but don't have to be permanent. With a functional, whole-person approach, we can help uncover what’s driving the symptoms and offer realistic, manageable solutions.

Menopause doesn’t just affect reproductive hormones—it influences metabolism, skin, digestion and yes, hair. Understanding what to know about menopause helps you approach these changes with greater clarity. By addressing your health comprehensively, you can feel more confident and informed.

If you're unsure where to start, we’re here to support you with professional guidance. Whether you're managing hair loss, mood changes, or wondering how long menopause bloating lasts, our team is here to listen and help. You don’t have to go through these changes alone.

Evergreen Doctors is here for you if you're ready to find support that considers your full health picture.

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