Revive Your Locks: Menopause, Alopecia & Steps to Regain Hair Growth
If you just entered menopause, you’re experiencing plenty of changes, from sleep disruptions to hormonal changes that prompt hot flashes, new skin conditions, and even weight gain. And while those symptoms are pesky enough, menopause can also cause hair loss and alopecia.
In a recent study published by MedCentral, dermatologists spoke about the impact of menopause on common dermatoses—conditions that can affect the skin and its appearance, including hair. The data found that menopause was associated with increased risk and severity of alopecia, “mainly frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) and female pattern hair loss, according to a systematic review presented at the 2025 American Academy of Dermatology meeting in Orlando, Florida,” MedCentral stated.
“Menopause is a major physiological transition affecting millions of women annually, yet its impact on common skin conditions remains understudied,” said lead study author Dr. Shoshana Marmon, assistant professor of dermatology at New York Medical College in Valhalla, N,Y.
Flow Space spoke to dermatologists, trichologists and a hair transplant surgeon who shed light on the link between menopause and alopecia, the best treatments and ways to manage the condition.
Is There a Link Between Menopause and Alopecia?
Marmon explained in the study that alopecia was the most well-researched condition, and menopause enhanced the risk of FFA and female pattern hair loss.
Dr. Ross Kopelman, a hair transplant surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration and co-host of The Hair Doctors podcast, echoed that there is a clear link between menopause and certain types of hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern hair loss.
“As women enter menopause, declining estrogen levels shift the hormonal balance in favor of androgens (male hormones), which can trigger or worsen hair thinning,” Kopelman explains. “This hormonal shift is one of the most common reasons we see increased hair shedding or noticeable thinning during and after menopause.”
Additionally, it’s essential to to note that estrogen has a profound effect on hair follicles that help to prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle. “As estrogen levels decline during menopause, this protective effect diminishes, and hair follicles may enter the resting or shedding phase more quickly,” Kopelman explains. “The result is thinner hair and slower regrowth.”
Why Do Some Women Experience More Severe Hair Loss Than Others?
According to Dr. Sameea Chughtai, a board-certified physician with a special interest in the aging process and female health, genetics play a significant role in some women experiencing more hair loss than others.
“Hormonal imbalances, especially sensitivity to changes in the androgen-to-estrogen ratio, can also contribute to more severe hair loss,” she says. You also have to consider other factors like stress, smoking, diet and overall health, which can exacerbate hair loss, “leading to more noticeable thinning for some women than others,” Chughtai adds.
There’s not just one type of hair loss that women in mid-life experience. “There are several types of alopecia that can be linked to menopause,” explains trichologist Mandy Robertson. She explains there is telogen effluvium (a disruption to the normal hair growth cycle), androgenetic alopecia (female pattern hair loss), and frontal fibrosing alopecia (an autoimmune hair loss condition that causes scarring hair loss in the frontal scalp eyebrows, and sometimes elsewhere on the scalp and body).
And when it comes to hair loss during menopause, Chughtai explains that many women experience these changes but don’t talk about them, “which is why products targeting volume are so prevalent in beauty stores.”
If you begin to notice more visible scalp areas and a noticeable difference in how your hairstyles hold up, or your ponytail feels significantly thinner; it’s a good idea to turn to your provider.
Some Ways to Navigate Treating Menopause-Based Alopecia
Topical Treatments
Kopelman suggests topical minoxidil that contain 5% concentration. It’s FDA-approved and helps prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle. Typically it comes in a cream, foam or serum, and you apply the treatment directly to the scalp; it does not require other shampoos or washes.
PRP Therapy
“PRP Therapy involves using your own platelets to stimulate hair follicles—it’s another popular and safe option with good results when done in a series,” Kopelman explains.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can also improve hair density by stimulating follicle activity at the cellular level. “In some cases, we may explore compounded topical treatments or oral medications, like spironolactone, depending on the patient’s health profile,” Kopelman says.
Holistic Approaches
“In addition to medical treatments, I always recommend a holistic approach: managing stress, getting adequate sleep and maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein, iron and vitamins, like D and B12,” Kopelman notes.
An Expert Guided Scalp Care Routine
Scalp health is also crucial. Use gentle scalp massages and avoid harsh styling practices. “A good scalp care routine can help to provide a healthy environment for hair to grow,” explains Robertson. This includes using a medicated shampoo if conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis are present.
“It is also advised to use gentle hair care practices to prolong the health of the strands of the hair. This includes avoiding tight hairstyles, reducing the use of harsh chemicals and using brushes that do not pull the hair excessively such as a boar bristle brush with flexible bristles. Using a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray can also help to reduce breakage when brushing,” Robertson says.
Early Intervention
Kopelman shares that early intervention is key. “The sooner we start treatment after noticing hair thinning, the better the chance of preserving and restoring hair density,” he says.
Supplements
“I’m a strong proponent of supplementation and Nutrafol, which has shown positive results in stimulating hair growth,” Chughtai notes. “While it’s common for patients to see hair growth in areas they want, sometimes this includes unexpected areas, which can be a side effect.”
