Notice hair loss on your once-envious mane more than usual? It's not your imagination! Many women experience hair loss and thinning of the hair in menopause.
This guide unveils the 10 best products scientifically formulated to stop hair loss and improve hair health during menopause.
We teamed up with Dr. Chaudhry to explain the causes, appearance, and symptoms of menopause hair loss.
Ditch the despair around menopause and get ready to reclaim your confidence with healthy hair growth!
Understanding menopause and hair loss symptoms
It's important to understand what's happening to combat menopausal hair loss effectively.
Why does menopause cause hair loss?
‘The drop in oestrogen and progesterone can shrink the hair follicle and so for some women cause growth of thinner hair strands, resulting in overall hair thinning,’ says hair stylist Michael Douglas from Women's Health.
- Hormonal Shifts: Estrogen and progesterone, key players in hair growth, take a dip during menopause. This disrupts the normal hair growth cycle, shortening the growth phase of the hair cycle and potentially leading to more hair shedding.
- Shrinking Follicles: Without sufficient hormonal support, it can shrink the hair follicles. This translates to weaker, thinner hair and potentially less hair density overall.
- Not Just Estrogen: While estrogen is a major player, other hormones like testosterone can also come into play. Menopause can sometimes lead to a relative increase in androgens, which can further contribute to hair loss patterns similar to female pattern hair loss.
Menopausal hair loss vs. Other types of hair loss
Hair loss in women can have multiple causes. For example, androgenic alopecia (also known as female pattern baldness) has distinct differences when compared to menopausal hair thinning. Here's a comparison table of the most common female hair loss types:
| Feature | Menopausal Hair Loss | Telogen Effluvium | Androgenic Alopecia (Female Pattern Hair Loss) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cause | Hormonal changes (estrogen & progesterone decrease) | Stress, illness, weight loss, etc. | Genetics |
| Pattern | Overall thinning, affects the front, sides, and crown | Increased shedding, temporary | Receding hairline, thinning on top |
| Hair Follicles | Shrinking, but not permanently damaged | Not damaged | May miniaturize over time |
| Onset | Perimenopause or menopause | Usually within 3 months of a stressor | Can start anytime after puberty |
What can treat hair loss during menopause and thin hair?
Here's what you should look for in a product to stop hair loss due to menopause:
- Minoxidil or its alternatives - This is the only FDA-approved topical treatment for hair loss. Look for products with 2-5% minoxidil concentration. It works by improving blood flow to hair follicles.
- DHT blockers - Compounds like saw palmetto and pumpkin seed extract can help block DHT, a hormone linked to female pattern hair loss during menopause.
- Biotin - This B vitamin is important for hair strength and growth. Many menopause hair supplements or shampoos contain biotin.
- Rosemary oil - Studies show this essential oil may help stimulate hair follicles when applied topically. Look for rosemary in conditioners, serums, etc.
- Protein/amino acids - The proteins keratin and L-cysteine plus amino acids support hair. Supplements should contain these.
- Iron - Menopause can sometimes cause iron deficiency, linked to hair thinning. Choose products with iron if levels are low.
- Scalp care - Massaging in products can improve circulation at the roots. Look for gentle formulas without sulfates or drying alcohols.
These are just generic guidelines, consider visiting a doctor to identify your causes of hair loss so you know exactly how to treat it.
5 best products to combat menopausal hair loss
Every woman's experience with menopausal hair loss is different, so it's important to consider this when picking the right product. If you're going through menopause, here are 5 products you can use to combat hair loss:
Scandinavian Biolabs Bio-Pilixin Serum For Women
This clinically tested serum contains plant-derived growth factors developed through stem cell technology. It is designed to help reduce hair thinning and stimulate new growth by increasing blood flow and nutrient delivery to the scalp and follicles.
Key Benefits:
- Contains Capilia Longa, which demonstrated up to 89% reduction in hair loss in studies
- 93% of users experienced a reduction in hair loss in clinical trials
- 73% saw an increase in hair density after 150 days of use
- Drug-free and safe for everyday use
The Bio-Pilixin Serum uses gentle warming ingredients like vanillyl butyl ether to improve circulation to the scalp. Niacinamide helps strengthen hair by boosting keratin production.
With continued daily use, this serum aims to reactivate and nurture dormant follicles to combat menopausal hair thinning and shedding.
Many positive user reviews report less shedding and new hair growth after several months of consistent use.
Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements
These clinically proven supplements contain a proprietary marine complex along with vitamins and minerals like biotin, vitamin C, and iron to nourish thinning hair and promote existing hair growth. Many women see thicker, fuller hair after consistent use.
Scalp Activation Derma Roller For Hair Growth Support
The microneedling action of this derma roller can help stimulate the scalp and encourage hair regrowth by promoting blood flow and absorption of hair growth products. The 540 titanium 0.5mm needles create microchannels in the scalp to maximize serum/treatment penetration.
Plantur 39 Phyto-Caffeine Shampoo
This is one of the best shampoos specifically designed for thinning hair due to menopause. It contains caffeine, niacin, zinc, and white tea extract to cleanse the scalp, nourish hair follicles, and promote natural hair growth.
Florisene For Women
Florisene is a standout product specifically designed to help women with hair loss or thinning hair due to chronic telogen effluvium (CTE). This clinically proven supplementation program contains a highly bioavailable form of iron to combat low ferritin levels - a major cause of CTE in women.
5 best menopause hair loss treatments for hair regrowth
Here are the 5 best treatment options for reducing hair loss caused by menopause:
Minoxidil
This is the only FDA-approved topical treatment of female pattern hair loss. It works by increasing blood flow to the scalp, stimulating hair follicles, and helping hair grow.
Benefits: Easy to use, over-the-counter option.
Considerations: Requires consistent use for months to see results, may cause scalp irritation and side effects for some.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy
Injections of your own concentrated platelets are used to stimulate hair growth.
Benefits: May be more effective than Minoxidil for some, and helps strengthen existing hair.
Considerations: Requires multiple in-office treatments and can be expensive.
Hormone replacement therapy
If your hair loss is due to hormonal imbalances during menopause, HRT can be a good option. It replaces lost estrogen and may promote hair growth.
Benefits: Addresses other menopausal symptoms alongside hair loss.
Considerations: Not suitable for everyone due to potential health risks, requires a doctor's prescription.
Low-level laser therapy
Low-level lasers are used to increase blood flow to the scalp and stimulate hair follicles.
Benefits: Non-invasive, painless treatment.
Considerations: Research is still ongoing, and may require multiple sessions for noticeable results.
Hair transplant
This is a surgical procedure where hair follicles are removed from a donor area and transplanted into the balding area.
Benefits: Permanent solution for hair loss.
Considerations: The most expensive option, requires a qualified surgeon and has some downtime for healing.
Best practices to improve your hair health during menopause
While there's no magic bullet, a combination of approaches can significantly improve hair health during menopause. Here are some key practices to consider:
- Manage Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to hair loss. Techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can be helpful.
- Diet for Hair Health: Ensure your diet is rich in protein, iron, vitamins A, C, D, and E. These nutrients are essential for hair growth and overall scalp health.
- Scalp Care: A gentle scalp massage can improve blood circulation, promoting hair growth.
- Gentle Hair Care: Give your hair a break when it comes to harsh chemicals or hair styling products. When it comes to hair loss and the health of the hair, we recommend avoiding heat, harsh chemicals, salt, and any potential stressors.
When should you see a doctor to stop hair loss?
You should see a doctor for menopausal hair loss your hair starts to:
- Your hair is thinning excessively or causes you significant distress
- There are patchy bald spots or unusual patterns
- It started well before or after your menopause transition
- You have other symptoms like scalp irritation or pain
- Over-the-counter treatments are ineffective
A doctor can evaluate if there is an underlying medical condition causing the hair loss beyond normal menopausal hormonal changes and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Conclusion
Menopause can lead to significant hair loss, leaving you with thin, fine hair that lacks its former luster. During this transitional phase, hormonal shifts can cause the hair shaft to weaken, making your once beautiful hair feel dry and brittle.
However, by prioritizing overall hair health through proper menopause management and exploring potential for the treatments like specialized shampoos for menopausal hair loss, you can protect the hair cells and potentially stop hair from thinning further.
While signs of hair loss due to perimenopause and menopause may be discouraging, remember that with the right approach and care, you can keep the hair you have looking and feeling its best, even as your body undergoes this natural change.
FAQs
Can lifestyle changes help with menopausal thinning hair and hair loss?
Yes, lifestyle changes can help with menopausal thinning hair and hair loss. Here are some tips to improve the condition of your hair:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals essential for the health of your hair and scalp. Foods like eggs, nuts, leafy greens, and fatty fish can nourish your hair follicles and help grow hair.
- Manage stress levels, as stress can lead to hair loss. Engage in relaxing activities like yoga, meditation, or exercise to reduce stress hormones associated with hair loss.
- Avoid harsh hair treatments, excessive heat styling, and tight hairstyles that can damage the hair and scalp, leading to breakage and thinning.
- Use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners suitable for your hair type and condition. Avoid products with harsh chemicals that can strip your hair of its natural oils.
- Consider supplements like biotin, iron, and vitamin C, which can support healthy hair growth when your diet is lacking.
How long does it take to see result from these products?
It can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the hair loss. Generally, it takes 3-6 months to notice improvements in hair density and growth, as the hair growth cycle is relatively slow.
Does menopausal hair loss go away eventually?
Menopausal hair loss is generally reversible. Once hormone levels stabilize after menopause, the hair loss is likely to slow down or stop, and the hair may gradually regrow. However, some women may experience permanent hair thinning or a change in hair texture due to the hormonal changes associated with menopause.
How much hair loss is normal?
It is normal to lose some hair each day. On average, people lose between 50-100 hairs when shampooing, brushing, or running fingers through their hair. Temporary shedding of up to 150 hairs per day is considered normal. Shedding over 150 hairs in a single day or noticeable hair thinning may indicate potential conditions like telogen effluvium or alopecia and should be discussed with a doctor.
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