MENOPAUSE: the root cause

Noticed changes in your hair thanks to the menopause? Here’s our guide to what to do about it

When it comes to women’s health, neither the menopause nor hair loss get much recognition, and we think it’s about time that changed. Hair loss is one of the many symptoms of the menopause that often gets swept under the carpet, but it can be devastating for women experiencing it. Here, we look at the best ways to tackle it.

Mane concerns

As well as the more well-known symptoms, like hot flushes and brain fog, the menopause can impact the hair, causing thinning and in some cases hair loss. ‘The menopause causes a hormonal imbalance in the body, so changes can often be seen and felt in the hair,’ says trichologist Hannah Gaboardi. ‘As oestrogen levels decline, you may find your hair becomes thinner, more brittle and drier, and some women experience significant hair loss or female pattern baldness. These changes happen because oestrogen is the hormone that promotes hair growth, density and fullness.’

There are also other factors to take into account, explains Hannah. ‘The stress of trauma can cause hair thinning and so can changes in diet, poor nutrition, excessive heat styling and certain types of medication. For women going through the menopause, hair loss can be worsened by any of these issues, as it’s often down to a combination of underlying factors.’