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It’s normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day. But when you notice you’re shedding more than that, it’s only natural to be concerned about hair loss.
Hair loss is common in perimenopause. “Some studies show that anywhere from 20 to 60 percent of women experience perimenopausal hair loss,” says Cindy Wassef, MD, an assistant professor at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
If you’re concerned about menopause hair loss, doctors say there are a few steps you can take to help. Here’s what’s typically behind hair loss in perimenopause, plus how to fight it.
The perimenopausal period is when your body makes the natural transition to menopause. With that are changes in your hormone levels — and that can impact your hair, Dr. Wassef explains. “Estrogen is going down and androgens like testosterone are slowly increasing,” she says. “This can lead to noticeable hair loss.”
Progesterone also drops during this time, says Ife J. Rodney, MD, founding director of Eternal Dermatology Aesthetics. And both progesterone and estrogen play a role in hair growth. “When levels drop, hair may become thinner and fall out more easily,” she says.
Genetics may be a factor, too. “If your mother or other female relatives experienced hair loss during perimenopause, you’re more likely to experience it as well,” Rodney says. The aging process itself can impact your hair as well. “As we age, our hair follicles naturally shrink and produce less hair. This can make hair appear thinner and less voluminous.”
If you have an underlying medical condition like thyroid disease or an autoimmune disorder, it could cause hair loss in combination with other perimenopausal factors, Rodney says.
You don’t need to just accept your perimenopausal hair loss. While some degree of hair loss during this time is normal, “there are a number of things that women can do to manage hair loss during perimenopause,” Rodney says.
Wassef recommends starting on minoxidil 5 percent to try to revive your locks. “It is topical liquid used daily for female pattern hair loss and can help maintain and even re-grow some of the hair that has been lost,” she says. However, Wassef notes, it can take at least six months of consistent use to see results. (Worth noting: Minoxidil is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat hair loss.) “It works by stimulating hair follicles and prolonging the growth phase of the hair cycle,” Rodney says.
Rodney says that you also may want to consider taking a hair loss supplement. “There are a number of over-the-counter supplements that claim to help with hair loss,” she says. “Some of the most popular ingredients include biotin, saw palmetto, and zinc.” But, she stresses, given that supplements are not regulated by the FDA, it’s important to choose a reputable brand.
Overall, whatever you choose “should be combined with a comprehensive plan spearheaded by your dermatologist,” Rodney says.
If you’ve noticed a little hair loss but nothing severe, Wassef says you should be fine to try minoxidil and see where that gets you. “If the hair loss is worsening and not responding to treatment over six months, or if you experience rapid hair loss in a short period of time, I would see your dermatologist to discuss further workup and treatment options,” she says.
If your hair loss seems to be progressing quickly, Rodney recommends contacting your dermatologist sooner rather than later. “A dermatologist can help to diagnose the cause of your hair loss and recommend the best treatment options for you,” she says. If your hair loss is severe, your doctor may also recommend prescription oral medications like spironolactone or finasteride to treat your hair loss, Rodney says.
Of course, if you have perimenopausal hair loss and it’s concerning you, it’s important to call your doctor regardless of how severe it is. “It is much easier to treat hair loss early on and perhaps even reverse some of it as opposed to later on,” Wassef says.
In addition to seeing your provider, these products can help:
Hum Nutrition Hair Strong is the first clinically-studied hair gummy. Studies found it improved hair growth — promoting fuller and stronger hair — as well as maintaining follicle health. The strawberry-flavored gummies contain biotin, folic acid, B12 and zinc, and are made from verified clean ingredients.
Rogaine has been a leader in the hair growth sphere for decades. This 5% topical foam is FDA-approved to treat female pattern hair loss. To use it, dispense the foam and massage it into your scalp (not hair) on a daily basis. Let it dry and go about your day.
Hers is an increasingly popular choice and uses 2% minoxidil for women, which may be more gentle on your scalp than a 5% formula. This serum is applied directly to areas where you’re experiencing hair loss, with results taking three to six months to show up.
Nioxin offers minoxidil “kits” that include a mix of shampoo, conditioner, and scalp treatment to help restore your hair. There are six different kits with corresponding numbers (1 being for light thinning; 6 for “progressed” thinning) to help you get tailored treatments.
Vegamour is a bergamot-scented serum that uses curcumin stem cell extract and red clover to stimulate hair growth. The company cites research it conducted that found people had up to 76 percent less shedding after four months of use.
This popular set is designed to help your hair appear thicker and more voluminous. It contains biotin that binds to your hair and increases the space between strands.
Alterna has an entire anti-aging line designed to help plump up your strands. This styling mist adds fullness and volume to your hair, and even reduces breakage. Just spritz it in, and style your hair as usual.
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