“Some women experience thinning of the hair on the scalp in midlife. For many, this is because of an interplay of genetics, hormone shifts and environmental factors”.1
Umbrella
What may the Menopause Hair Changes Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
- Chin Hair
- Downy Hair
- Facial Hair Growth/Increase
- Hair Loss
- Head Hair
- Hirsutism
- Thinning Hair
- “Peach Fuzz”
- “Rogue Hair”
Grey Hair
Is there an association between aging and gray hair?
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) note:
“Aging increases the likelihood that hair will become gray and more brittle”.2
Hair Loss and Age
Is there an association between hair loss and age?
On page one in New Therapies Offer Hope for Minimizing Hair Loss In Midlife Women the NAMS note:
“Hair loss in middle-aged females is common, affecting up to two-thirds of women after menopause. The exact reasons remain unclear, although evidence suggests a hormonal and genetic predisposition”.3
On page one in Nutraceuticals May Be the Secret To A Full Head of Hair for Women At Midlife the NAMS elaborate on:
“There are many different types of hair loss that occur with age. In some (non-scarring), the hair follicle is preserved and hair has the potential to grow back. Others (scarring) are characterized by irreversibly destroyed hair follicles that do not allow hair to be replenished. Today the term most commonly used with women is female pattern hair loss (also known as androgenetic alopecia). Although it’s similar to what happens to men, hair loss patterns in women are typically different”.4
Female Pattern Hair Loss
Is there an association between menopause and female pattern hair loss (FPHL)?
In Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. Is there anything I can do to stop my hair from thinning? the NAMS explain:
“A. Some women experience thinning of the hair on the scalp in midlife. For many, this is because of an interplay of genetics, hormone shifts and environmental factors. Known as female pattern hair loss, the hair thins mainly on the crown of the head, starting with a widening through the center hair part”.5
In Menopausal Hair Loss: Why Does It Happen? the (British) Women’s Health Concern elaborate on:
“FPHL is very common and increases with age and varies across ethnic groups. Although it can happen at any age, the condition occurs most commonly following the menopause. This does not mean that hormones alone are to blame, although oestrogen may have a protective role, helping to keep hair in the ‘growing phase’. Age itself is a factor and whilst women can take care of their hair cosmetically, it is one aspect of the ageing process we cannot always control”.6
On page one in Nutraceuticals May Be the Secret To A Full Head of Hair for Women At Midlife the NAMS note:
“With female pattern hair loss, the hair’s growing phase shortens and fewer hairs are in the active growing phase. Hair follicles shrink, leading hair to become thinner and finer with decreased numbers of hairs overall. Women typically report progressive ponytail thinning, increased scalp visibility, and easy sunburn. Usually there is a preservation of the frontal hairline with diffuse central thinning and accentuation of the part-line with a Christmas tree appearance”.7
Female Pattern Hair Loss Common or Not
How common is FPHL?
On page one in Nutraceuticals May Be the Secret To A Full Head of Hair for Women At Midlife the NAMS elaborate on:
“Hair thinning is one of the many symptoms that accompanies the menopause transition. Roughly 40% of women over 60 will experience what’s known as female pattern hair loss (also known as androgenetic alopecia)”.8
Nutraceuticals
May nutraceuticals effectively promote hair growth?
On page one in Nutraceuticals May Be the Secret To A Full Head of Hair for Women At Midlife the NAMS explain:
“The new study out of California suggests that a nutraceutical supplement — with nutrient-derived bioactive compounds derived from food sources — may effectively promote hair growth in peri-, menopausal, and postmenopausal women whose hormone changes are associated with decreased hair growth, as well as percentage of hairs and time spent in the anagen phase (when hair follicles form a new hair shaft). These findings offer hope for women near the menopause transition who are experiencing hair shedding or loss”.9
Other Causes
Apart from menopause, what may other causes of hair loss include?
The NAMS note:
“A. …Other causes of hair loss may include nutrition deficiencies (such as low iron intake), significant or prolonged stress, thyroid disease and other chronic illness, and certain medications or supplements. Women also may notice increased hair loss when stopping hormone contraceptives or estrogen therapy”.10
Facial Hair
Is there an association between facial hair and menopause?
The NAMS note:
“Women often report large rogue hairs on their chins that seems to grow to a great length almost overnight, and other women notice the appearance of downy hairs (peach fuzz) on their faces”.11
Hirsutism
What is hirsutism?
DotS the definition of hirsutism may vary. In Hirsutism: Overview the (United States) Mayo Clinic’s definition is:
“Hirsutism (HUR-soot-iz-um) is a condition in women that results in excessive growth of dark or coarse hair in a male-like pattern — face, chest and back”.12
The NAMS also explain:
“…excessive hair growth (hirsutism) may occur in areas in which hair follicles are especially androgen sensitive, such as chin, upper lip, and cheeks. This condition is thought to be because of the shift in the balance between androgen and estrogen levels associated with declining estrogen at menopause”.13
Health Care Provider
What if I would like help with hair changes?
If you would like help with hair changes, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. Together you can clarify your hair changes, discuss your options and if required, agree on who may be the most appropriate health care provider to help you.
In Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. Is there anything I can do to stop my hair from thinning? the NAMS also explain:
“A. …Treatments depend on the cause of the hair loss and may include eating a healthy diet and adding a multivitamin to support hair regrowth. Topical minoxidil also can be beneficial for hair regrowth, although it may take at least 4 to 6 months to show improvement”.14
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics related to Menopause Hair Changes?
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
Links
Where may I find Links related to Menopause Hair Changes?
Your Country may have Links similar to:
Links
This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.- Aging Changes In Hair and Nails
- Ask Dr Jean – Oily Scalp
- Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
- BMS PPMC Resources Toolkit [British Menopause Society Principles & Practice of Menopause Care]
- Can Stress Cause Hair Loss?
- EMAS Menopause Essentials
- Endocrine.org [Endocrine Society, United States]
- Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism]
- Excessive or Unwanted Hair In Women
- Female Pattern Baldness
- Female-Pattern Baldness
- Hair & Acne – Management & Treatment
- Hair Loss In Women
- Hair Loss and Hormones – Dr Sajjad Rajpar & Dr Louise Newson
- Hair Loss: Diagnosis & Treatment
- Health After Menopause
- Here’s How Menopause Affects Your Skin and Hair
- Hirsutism
- How To Make Your Hair Grow Faster
- Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
- I’m Postmenopausal and My Hair Is Thinning – Ask Dr Jean
- Is Hair Colour Determined By Genetics?
- I’m Postmenopausal and My Hair Is Thinning – Ask Dr Jean
- Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Expert Advice for Women With Thinning Hair [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
- Menopausal Hair Loss
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. Is there anything I can do to stop my hair from thinning?
- Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
- Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
- Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
- Menopause What Are the Symptoms?
- Menopause: How Will It Affect My Health? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause: Symptoms & Causes
- Menopause: What Are the Symptoms? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Lavender
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth
- New Therapies Offer Hope for Minimizing Hair Loss In Midlife Women
- Nutraceuticals May Be the Secret To A Full Head of Hair for Women At Midlife
- Preventing Hair Loss In Women: I’m 60 years old, and I’ve noticed my hair starting to thin. What can I do to regain the fullness I used to have?
- Shampoos for Thinning Hair Due To Menopause: Options and Considerations
- The Menopause: After the Menopause
- Skin, Hair and Nails: Skin, Hair and Nails [Topics]
- The Best Vitamins and Supplements for Hair Growth
- Video Series-2021: How Menopause Symptoms Can Affect Your Quality of Life
- Webinars: Previous – Menopause: Understanding Hormonal Variations’ Impact on Skin & Scalp
- What Is Sugaring? Pros and Cons of This Hair Removal Option
- Women and Hair Loss: Coping Tips
- Women’s Wellness: Can Women Prevent Hair Loss? Question: I’m 60 years old, and I’ve noticed my hair starting to thin. What can I do to regain the fullness I used to have?
- Your Guide To Aging, Thinning Hair: 5 Simple Tips
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. Is there anything I can do to stop my hair from thinning? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-your-health-after-menopause Accessed: 18 May 2022
- North American Menopause Society. Menopause Guidebook: 5. Midlife Body Changes – Skin, Hair, and Oral Health: Hair. 8th Edition 2015:41
- New Therapies Offer Hope for Minimizing Hair Loss In Midlife Women. 22 September 2021:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/press-release/nutraceutical-supplement-for-promoting-hair-growth.pdf Accessed: 18 May 2022
- Nutraceuticals May Be the Secret to A Full Head of Hair for Women At Midlife. 22 September 2021:1. North American Menopause Society http://www.menopause.org/press-room/press-releases Accessed: 18 May 2022
- Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. Is there anything I can do to stop my hair from thinning? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-your-health-after-menopause Accessed: 18 May 2022
- Menopausal Hair Loss: Why Does It Happen? Publication Date: August 2021. Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/menopausal-hair-loss/ Accessed: 18 May 2022
- Nutraceuticals May Be the Secret to A Full Head of Hair for Women At Midlife. 22 September 2021:1. North American Menopause Society http://www.menopause.org/press-room/press-releases Accessed: 18 May 2022
- Nutraceuticals May Be the Secret to A Full Head of Hair for Women At Midlife. 22 September 2021:1. North American Menopause Society http://www.menopause.org/press-room/press-releases Accessed: 18 May 2022
- Nutraceuticals May Be the Secret to A Full Head of Hair for Women At Midlife. 22 September 2021:1. North American Menopause Society http://www.menopause.org/press-room/press-releases Accessed: 18 May 2022
- Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. Is there anything I can do to stop my hair from thinning? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-your-health-after-menopause Accessed: 18 May 2022
- North American Menopause Society. Menopause Guidebook: 5. Midlife Body Changes – Skin, Hair, and Oral Health: Hair. 8th Edition 2015:41
- Hirsutism: Overview. 12 October 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hirsutism/symptoms-causes/syc-20354935 Accessed: 18 May 2022
- North American Menopause Society. Menopause Guidebook: 5. Midlife Body Changes – Skin, Hair, and Oral Health: Hair. 8th Edition 2015:41
- Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. Is there anything I can do to stop my hair from thinning? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-your-health-after-menopause Accessed: 18 May 2022