If you’ve noticed your hair becoming thinner, shedding more than usual, or losing its natural shine as you approach menopause, you’re not alone. Hormones and hair loss are deeply connected, especially during this transitional time in a woman’s life.
As estrogen and progesterone levels decline, many women experience unexpected changes in their hair, like increased breakage, slower growth, and even patchy thinning. What’s worse is that these changes often happen alongside other menopause symptoms, making it even more frustrating to manage.
But here’s the good news: once you understand the hormonal triggers behind menopausal hair loss, you can take proactive steps to support healthier, fuller hair. With the right blend of nutrition, natural supplementation, and lifestyle support, you can restore confidence and vitality—not just in your hair, but in how you feel every day.
Let’s break down how your hormones impact your hair—and what you can do to turn things around.
Understanding Hormones and Hair Loss During Menopause
Hair loss isn’t just about genetics. For many women, it’s also a hormonal issue—especially during perimenopause and menopause, when the body undergoes significant changes that directly affect hair growth cycles.
While thinning hair might seem like a cosmetic concern, it often reflects deeper hormonal imbalances. Let’s explore the science behind this connection and how you can support your body naturally through the transition.
The Hair Growth Cycle: What’s Normal vs. Hormonal?
To understand how menopause affects your hair, it helps to first understand the three main stages of the hair growth cycle:
- Anagen (growth phase) – Lasts several years and is when hair actively grows.
- Catagen (transition phase) – A short phase where hair growth slows.
- Telogen (resting/shedding phase) – Hair falls out and the follicle resets.
When hormones are balanced, this cycle flows smoothly. But during menopause, hormonal shifts can shorten the anagen phase and increase the number of follicles in the telogen (shedding) phase. The result? Hair that grows slower, looks thinner, and sheds more easily.
Key Hormones That Affect Hair Growth
1. Oestrogen and Progesterone
These two female sex hormones play a protective role in the hair cycle:
- Oestrogen helps keep hair in the growth phase longer.
- Progesterone helps balance out the effects of testosterone (more on that below).
When these hormones decline during menopause, the hair growth cycle shortens, leading to:
- Slower hair growth
- Increased shedding
- Reduced hair volume and density
This is why many women experience significant hair thinning in their 40s and 50s—even if they’ve never had hair issues before.
2. Androgens (Testosterone & DHT)
When oestrogen and progesterone drop, androgen levels become more dominant. These are “male” hormones, and one of their by-products—DHT (dihydrotestosterone)—can shrink hair follicles, particularly on the scalp.
Excess DHT is linked to:
- Female pattern hair loss
- Thinning at the crown or sides
- Slower regrowth after shedding
This is one of the primary reasons menopausal women experience hair loss even if their overall testosterone levels haven’t increased.
3. Cortisol (The Stress Hormone)
Let’s not forget stress. Chronic stress during menopause can lead to elevated cortisol, which disrupts hormone balance and accelerates hair loss.
High cortisol can:
- Push hair follicles into the shedding phase prematurely
- Trigger inflammation around the scalp
- Deplete nutrients that support healthy hair (like B vitamins and magnesium)
What Hormonal Hair Loss Looks Like
Hormonal hair loss doesn’t always look the same for every woman, but some common signs include:
- Thinner ponytail or scalp showing more easily
- Excess hair in the shower or hairbrush
- Hair feeling finer or more brittle than usual
- Slow regrowth after shedding
- A widening part line
It’s often subtle at first, but left unaddressed, it can lead to visible changes in your hairline and volume over time.
Supporting Healthy Hair Through Menopause – Naturally
The good news? Hormonal hair loss doesn’t have to be permanent. With the right approach, many women are able to slow down shedding, stimulate regrowth, and support thicker, stronger hair throughout menopause and beyond.
1. Balance Hormones with Nutrient-Rich Support
Start by nourishing your hormones from the inside out. Your body needs specific vitamins and minerals to:
- Support natural oestrogen and progesterone production
- Block excess DHT
- Reduce inflammation
- Strengthen hair follicles
One of the easiest ways to do this is through targeted supplementation like Revitalise Hair, Skin & Energy. Formulated for women, this blend includes:
- Zinc – Supports hormone balance and reduces scalp inflammation
- B-Vitamins – Boost energy and combat stress-related hair loss
- Iodine – Essential for healthy thyroid function, a major player in hair growth
- Iron – Prevents anaemia-related hair thinning (especially common in women)
- Silica & Biotin – Strengthen the structure of hair, nails, and skin
- Turmeric – A natural anti-inflammatory that supports overall vitality
Combined, these ingredients work synergistically to promote fuller, shinier, and more resilient hair from within.
2. Reduce Stress & Cortisol Naturally
Stress is one of the most overlooked triggers of hormonal hair loss. To lower cortisol:
- Prioritise 7–8 hours of quality sleep
- Incorporate calming movement (like yoga or walking)
- Try natural adaptogens like ashwagandha or magnesium (also found in Revitalise)
- Practice breathwork, journaling, or guided meditation
Remember, when you support your nervous system, you’re also supporting your scalp and strands.
3. Eat for Hormonal Balance
Nutrition plays a major role in managing menopausal symptoms. Build your meals around:
- Protein (eggs, fish, legumes) to support keratin production
- Healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil) to aid hormone synthesis
- Leafy greens and cruciferous veggies to support liver detox and hormone clearance
Avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol, or sugar, as they can deplete vital nutrients needed for hormone and hair health.
4. Gentle Scalp Care & Smart Hair Habits
Support your scalp externally with these tips:
- Use natural, sulphate-free shampoos
- Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the scalp
- Give yourself a gentle scalp massage to boost circulation
- Limit heat styling and chemical treatments during periods of hair shedding
And if your hair looks thinner, consider a layered haircut to boost volume without adding weight.
When to Seek Extra Help
If you’ve tried the lifestyle shifts and supplementation but your hair loss is still worsening, it might be worth:
- Checking your thyroid function (hypothyroidism is common post-40)
- Getting your ferritin and B12 levels tested
- Consulting a holistic practitioner or integrative GP for hormonal testing
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone—And You Can Take Control
Hair loss during menopause can feel like a hit to your confidence, but it’s also a powerful signal from your body that something deeper needs support.
By understanding the connection between hormones and hair loss, and nourishing your body with the right tools including science-backed, women-focused solutions like Revitalise Hair, Skin & Energy you can start reversing the effects and feel stronger, more energised, and confident in your skin again.
