Thinning hair during menopause: what to know

Changing ovarian hormones can alter the balance between hair growth, resting, and shedding. Some people notice a wider part, less fullness at the crown, or a finer ponytail. This may overlap with Female Pattern Hair Loss, which can become more visible around midlife. Telogen Effluvium can cause more sudden, diffuse shedding after illness, major stress, surgery, or a nutritional problem.

Menopause does not explain every scalp change. Itching, burning, scaling, tenderness, smooth patches, or loss of eyebrow hair may indicate inflammation or another condition. A medication review and examination can separate these possibilities.

Use a gentle routine, reduce high heat and chemical processing, and avoid tight styles that pull at the roots. Keep a record of when the change began, whether shedding is diffuse, and which medicines or supplements you use. A dermatologist may check the scalp and consider tests for iron or thyroid problems when your history suggests them. Possible options include Topical Minoxidil or PRP For Hair Loss; Scalp Micropigmentation can camouflage reduced coverage but does not treat the cause.

Arrange a review if thinning progresses, the part continues to widen, or shedding interferes with daily life. Seek prompt advice for sudden patches, scalp pain, inflammation, pus, heavy scaling, or eyebrow loss. Also mention new fatigue, unexplained weight change, temperature sensitivity, or bleeding concerns, as these can guide evaluation beyond the scalp.

Ask whether the pattern fits Female Pattern Hair Loss or Telogen Effluvium, whether a medicine or deficiency could contribute, and how menopausal treatments might interact with a proposed hair treatment.