Menopause, Hair Loss and How to Take Back Control

For women across the globe, their hair is a statement, a part of their identity, it is who they are. It is wrapped up in confidence, in femininity. So when hair starts to thin during the menopause, it can feel like yet another part of you is slipping away. But here’s the good news: menopausal hair loss is common, treatable, and often reversible.

Belle About Town spoke to Harley Street dermatologist Dr Adam Friedmann of ProDerm UK. Here is his expert advice on how to tackle the tricky issue:

sad woman with hands on menopause hair loss — Menopausal hair loss – the solutions

1. Nourish Your Hair from Within

“Hair is incredibly sensitive to what’s happening inside the body,” says Dr Friedmann. Low iron, lack of protein, and deficiencies in zinc, magnesium, selenium, and B vitamins can all contribute to thinning. His tip? Eat well and consider hair supplements — think of it as giving your follicles a daily boost.

2. De-Stress and Prioritise Sleep

Stress is the silent hair thief. Chronic tension can push hair follicles into a resting phase, known as telogen effluvium, causing excessive shedding. Add menopause into the mix, and it can feel worse. Dr Friedmann recommends rest, relaxation, and better sleep. Not just for your hair, but for your sanity.

3. Use Smart At-Home Treatments

Some over-the-counter products really do work:

• Topical minoxidil, applied directly to the scalp

• Caffeine-based shampoos to stimulate blood flow

• LED or light therapy devices, which encourage follicle activity

Consistency is key — results take time, but they are achievable.

4. See a Specialist Early

Persistent hair loss deserves a professional eye. Dr Friedmann advises consulting a dermatology specialist, who will check for:

• Hormonal imbalances

• Iron deficiency or thyroid problems

• Autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata

Early diagnosis allows for targeted, highly effective treatments.

5. Prescription Options When Needed

When at-home solutions aren’t enough, there are safe, effective medications:

• Anti-androgens, such as spironolactone or finasteride, reduce the effect of testosterone on hair follicles

• Oral minoxidil, which increases blood flow and stimulates regrowth

For some women, HRT prescribed by a GP for menopausal symptoms can also improve hair density. Often, a combination approach works best.

Menopausal hair loss can feel disheartening, but it doesn’t have to define you. With the right diet, lifestyle tweaks, expert guidance, and treatment, you can slow shedding, restore density, and regain confidence. As Dr Friedmann says: “Hair loss in menopause is treatable. Early, consistent, and targeted care makes all the difference.”

Miss B

Belinda Wanis, aka Miss B, is a Belle About Town who likes to bring a little bit of style into every aspect of her life. An experienced journalist with over 20 years in the industry she turned to the web, creating Belle About Town in early 2010, to fill a gap for tech-savvy stylish women who want the best life has to offer at their fingertips.

She loves a decadent cocktail bar, a beautifully cut dress, cultural getaways, quality over quantity and is partial to Asian-fusion food.

A globetrotter, who has lived in Australia, the UK and Denmark, she enjoys holidaying in the sun and you can often find her on a beach in Thailand or on shopping breaks in Sydney or New York. But her first love is, of course, London!