Hair loss: Five ways to tackle menopausal hair changes – expert advice

This Morning: Liz Earle discusses supplements for hair loss

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Going through menopause can cause a number of bodily changes, and signs can include hot flashes, and mood changes. If you see more hair than usual fall out on a daily basis, then it might be time to talk to your doctor about hair loss during menopause. Oestrogen is thought to support hair growth and when the menopause occurs there is a faster shrinkage in hair follicles.

While hair loss in menopause is common, it may cause some people distress.

If you want to minimise these effects, hair care expert Nicole Petty at Milk + Blush has outlined several ways to promote hair growth and maintain thick and healthy locks throughout menopause.

First, she says “consider making lifestyle changes to reduce stress” as high stress levels, combined with a sudden change in hormones, can result in telogen effluvium.

This is a form of hair loss characterised by hair thinning and an increase in hair shedding triggered by a shock to the system that induces stress.

The hair expert says you may “consider incorporating slow-paced activities such as reading a book, going for a walk or practising yoga and meditation”.

Secondly, Ms Petty suggests that you “switch up your diet”, as the foods you eat have a direct impact on the growth, strength and volume of your hair. 

She says that “foods rich in iron, Omega-3, Vitamins A, C, & E, Biotin, Zinc, and Selenium are great for hair health”.

“Meanwhile, look to boost any oestrogen lost during menopause with foods such as flaxseed, soy products or garlic,” the expert adds.

Ms Petty says regular exercise is important, “because when exercising, your blood flow and circulation increase, resulting in more nutrients and oxygen reaching your scalp, which your hair needs to grow.”

She adds that you should be mindful of the hair products you use, and the way that you style your hair.

“Revise what you’re putting on your hair by checking the label for harsh chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulphate, parabens, propylene glycol, imidazolidinyl urea and sodium chloride – that could result in further hair loss.

“Instead, look for products containing essential oils like rosemary or tea tree that help boost hair growth,” she says.

Moreover, you should try and limit your use of heat styling tools such as straighteners or hairdryers.

“If you’re someone who dyes their hair regularly, give your hair a break from harsh chemicals as they can kill off melanin and destroy the hair follicles, leading them to thin or fall out even further.

“However, while you may reduce hair shedding, the rate the hair grows could be a lot slower than pre-menopause.

“So, for anyone with long hair, this could be your time to try a shorter hairstyle. Shortening the length adds volume and reduces the weight of the hair while making it easier to hide problem areas that may have occurred as a result of thinning,” Ms Petty says.

It’s normal to lose hair. We can lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day, often without noticing.

The NHS says hair loss in women is often temporary, though adds: “That said, regrowth is unpredictable and can take years. Remember that your new hair can be any texture and colour.”

It’s estimated, for instance, that around 40 percent of women aged 70 years or over experience female-pattern baldness.

“There are things you can try if your hair loss is causing you distress. But most treatments are not available on the NHS, so you’ll have to pay for them,” the health body concludes.

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