Menopause hair loss treatment: what to know

Hormonal shifts can change the hair-growth cycle and make existing thinning more visible. Diffuse shedding across the scalp may fit telogen effluvium, particularly after illness, major stress, weight change or another body strain. Gradual widening at the part or thinning over the crown can fit female pattern hair loss. Smooth patches, scalp scale, broken hairs, tenderness or loss around the hairline point toward other diagnoses, including alopecia areata, scalp ringworm or traction alopecia.

A clinician may ask about periods, recent health changes, nutrition, medicines and styling habits, then inspect the scalp and hair shafts. Blood tests or other checks may be considered when the history suggests a contributing medical problem.

Use gentle washing, avoid tight hairstyles and reduce repeated heat, bleaching or chemical processing while shedding is active. Eat regularly and avoid taking high-dose supplements unless a clinician has identified a deficiency. Treatment may include a topical growth medicine, correction of a deficiency, management of inflammation or a procedure chosen for the diagnosis. Finasteride treatment is not suitable for everyone and requires a clinician to discuss safety, pregnancy potential and other medicines before it is considered.

Book an appointment when shedding persists, the part is widening, or you can see scalp through areas that were previously dense. Seek earlier assessment for sudden patches, scalp pain, pus, marked scale, broken hairs, eyebrow loss or hair loss after a new medicine. Prompt review can distinguish a treatable scalp disorder from a hair-growth pattern and prevent ongoing traction or inflammation.

Ask what pattern your examination shows, whether tests are appropriate, which treatments match your health history, how long a trial should continue, and how to protect the scalp and hair during regrowth.