Why Is My Hair Thinning in perimenopause and menopause?

Hair thinning in Menopause

Because life’s a bitch, right?

As if it wasn’t enough that we had to survive puberty; the spots, the smells, the periods, the mood swings. We finally find a rhythm. We think, ok, this isn’t perfect, but I can handle it. It seems to settle. The hormones feel predictable (ish). We get on with life.

And then… BAM. Along comes perimenopause!

Now perimenopause isn’t just brain fog, anxiety, hot sweats and irregular periods - our hair changes too. It can start to feel, look and behave different.

You might notice:

• Finer strands

• Less density

• A widening parting

• Receding hairline

• Thinning at the crown

• Increased shedding

And yes… hormones are behind it.

The Science Bit (Stay With Me)

Oestrogen plays a big role in keeping hair in its growing phase for longer. It helps maintain density and thickness.

As oestrogen starts to decline in perimenopause, that protection weakens.

At the same time (and this is the bit that confuses people) testosterone doesn’t necessarily increase dramatically - but in comparison to dropping oestrogen, it becomes more dominant. Some of that testosterone converts into DHT (dihydrotestosterone).

DHT can shrink hair follicles over time. When follicles shrink..

• Hair grows back finer

• The growth phase shortens

• Hair may shed more easily

So sometimes you don’t actually have less hair; you may simply have finer hair. And finer hair reflects light differently, so it can look thinner even if the follicle count hasn’t dramatically changed. But for some women, there is genuine density loss too.

It’s scary. It feels sad. And sometimes you look in the mirror and don’t quite feel like yourself anymore, and this can be terrifying. (I’ve been there - and I’m here for you.)

Remember puberty? Suddenly greasy. Remember pregnancy hair? Suddenly thick and glossy, then shedding everywhere months later.

Hormones have always been in charge of our hair. This isn’t new. It’s just another change that we weren’t expecting!

Hair is our identity, our confidence. It’s the thing we fix when everything else feels out of control (break-up hair, I see you!). A good haircut can lift your mood and make you feel new. A good blow-dry can change your day; everyone always tells you how nice your hair looks when that happens! So when perimenopause hits and your hair isn’t behaving, it can really knock you.

But here’s the truth..

We can support our hair through new cuts and styles, scalp health, and changing our home-care products (but you have to actually use them, not just keep them on the shelf!)

Stress can encourage shedding, so if we understand what’s happening, at least we stand a better chance of coping. And sometimes we do need to seek medical advice, but it’s good to know when.

I’m here because hairdressers aren’t taught this at college. We’re taught colour theory and cutting techniques, but not hormones. So I’m trying to change that, to help women feel less alone and more understood, and to help stylists feel more confident supporting menopause and hair changes.

If you’re navigating this yourself, I’ve got practical tips over on Instagram and a free “10 Things You Can Do For Your Hair” guide when you sign up to my newsletter - tap here!

Please feel free to email me (scroll to the bottom of my website's homepage here) or DM on Instagram if you need help.