Hair Loss in Older & Elderly Women: Causes, Treatment

A lot of great things come with age — experience, wisdom, and self-acceptance, to name a few. But alongside those perks come things that we’d rather not deal with, like hair loss.

Fortunately, there’s no need to struggle alone; there are many quality treatments out there that can slow down and even stop hair loss in elderly women.

Many older women experience hair loss. Studies have shown that fewer than 45 percent of women go through life with a full head of hair. So, while it may seem like hair loss is an issue just for dudes, it really can affect everyone.

In this article, we’ll dive into potential causes of hair loss in older women. We’ll also look at how to stop hair loss in elderly women using science-backed treatments and healthy hair habits. Let’s get into it!

Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, but the most common reason for hair loss in both men and women is genetics.

And while hair loss can happen at any age, it becomes increasingly more common as you get older.

Hair loss can be complicated, but if you learn how to recognize the signs early and are quick to start treating it, you may be able to keep the hair you have, and even get back some of what you’ve lost.

Let’s look at some of the most common causes of hair loss in elderly women.

Genetics

A leading cause of hair loss in older women is female pattern hair loss. Also called androgenic alopecia or female pattern baldness, this condition is primarily a genetic one.

(Thanks, mom and dad!)

Although we know this is the major underlying cause, the genetic predisposition to hereditary hair loss isn’t fully understood yet.

While men with male pattern baldness may see a receding hairline or a prominent bald spot, hereditary hair loss looks a little different in women. You might find that your part is getting wider or you may see diffuse thinning over the top of the head.

You can learn more about the various signs of hair loss in women in our comprehensive guide.

In both sexes, the hormone believed to be responsible for hair loss is the same: dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that your body produces as a byproduct of testosterone.

Although everybody produces DHT, your genetics determine how sensitive you are to DHT. In some people, DHT can affect the hairline by attaching to hair follicles and causing them to shrink.

As these hair follicles get smaller (or miniaturized), they can no longer support healthy hair. Instead, they produce thinner vellus-like hairs. These shorter, finer hairs cover the scalp poorly, leading to hair thinning or balding.

DHT-related hair loss is often seen in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is characterized by a hormonal imbalance that can lead to irregular menstruation, acne, excess hair elsewhere on the body (hirsutism) and weight gain.

So if you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS or think you may have symptoms of PCOS, you could likely be dealing with androgenetic alopecia.

Health Conditions

Certain medical conditions can increase your likelihood of experiencing hair loss.

These conditions may include:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is associated with a high risk of DHT-related hair loss

• Thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism

• Alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition where your immune system attacks your own hair follicles

Although older women aren’t the only ones who experience these health conditions, it’s a good idea to be on the lookout for hair loss if you suspect you have these conditions.

Menopause

Unfortunately, menopause doesn’t just bring on hot flashes — you can add hair loss to the list, too. Menopause is known to cause some hormonal changes in women, usually over the age of 45,  and that hormonal havoc can lead to thinning hair.

When women experience menopause, their estrogen and progesterone levels drop. This can create an uptick of male hormones like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in the blood, which can then lead to the loss and thinning of hair. This type of hair loss usually appears as thinning hair on the central part of your scalp and forehead.

Our guide on menopause hair loss and treatments is a great resource if you want to know more.

Harsh Hair Styling Techniques

A lifetime of tightly pulled back hairstyles can also take a toll on your hairline. This form of hair loss, called traction alopecia, is caused by hairstyles that pull on the hair and cause targeted hair loss over time.

These hairstyles could include:

• Tight ponytails

• Hair extensions

• Tight braids

• Ballerina buns

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, harsh hair products can also cause hair breakage. Chemical relaxers and perms can lead to increased hair shedding, making your hair look thinner and less healthy over time.

Plus, rough combing, brushing, and frequent heat styling can also cause breakage.

If you’re experiencing hair loss around your temples and think you may have traction alopecia, our guide on ponytail hair loss is another great resource.

Telogen Effluvium

Sudden hair loss in elderly women can be caused by a range of factors; an especially stressful event is one of them.

Telogen effluvium is a type of excess hair shedding that happens when your body goes through a shock, whether physical or emotional. You might only notice the signs of hair loss a few months after the event that triggered it.

The causes of telogen effluvium include:

• Severe fever or illness

• Surgery

• Sudden weight loss

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Significant stress or shock

• Certain medications (like blood pressure drugs, gout medicine, and high doses of vitamin A)

• Significant blood loss

Fortunately, telogen effluvium is only temporary — as long as you address the underlying issue that caused it, your hair should grow back soon.

If you’re experiencing sudden hair loss or have noticed hair falling out with a white bulb, you may want to read up on our guide to stress-related hair loss.

While hair loss may feel complicated, the right treatment doesn’t have to be. There are lots of effective and easy-to-use hair loss treatments for women.

Here are some you may want to consider.

Minoxidil

Topical minoxidil (commonly sold as Rogaine®) is a popular over-the-counter hair loss treatment for both men and women.

It works by increasing the blood supply to your hair follicles and prompting your hair to enter the anagen, or growth, phase of its cycle. As a result, it stimulates hair regrowth and slows down hair loss.

And it’s FDA-approved to treat female hair loss. In a 2014 placebo-controlled trial, researchers found that both 2% and 5% versions of minoxidil improved hair thinning.

Hers has two formulations available:

• Minoxidil drops: This easy-to-apply 2% solution can help target areas of hair loss like a wide part.

• Minoxidil foam: A 5% strength foam, this can be easily distributed to help quickly cover overall thinning.

If topical minoxidil hasn’t worked for you, or if it caused side effects, oral minoxidil might be a more effective alternative. Studies have shown that low-dose oral minoxidil can be an effective treatment for numerous hair disorders, including female pattern hair loss.

Spironolactone

Spironolactone is a once-daily anti-androgen pill. It helps decrease testosterone levels in the blood, reducing its effect on the body. It’s often prescribed off-label to treat female pattern hair loss or female androgenetic alopecia.

Read our guide to spironolactone for hair loss for a deeper dive into how it could help treat your hair loss and hormonal acne.

Topical Finasteride and Minoxidil Spray

Another topical solution to treat hair loss in older women, topical finasteride and minoxidil spray is a solid choice for postmenopausal hormonal hair.

Finasteride is a selective 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that helps decrease the conversion of testosterone into the hormone DHT. By reducing DHT, finasteride can slow down female pattern hair loss.

The combination of finasteride and minoxidil can be extra effective at reducing hair loss and promoting new hair growth.

Healthy Hair Habits

Maintaining proper hair care is also critical if you’re dealing with thinning hair.

Give your strands some TLC by being extra gentle. That means taking it easy when you wash and towel dry hair (no vigorous rubbing!) to avoid breakage.

Also, heat damage is real — so keep your hot tools and hair dryer at a lower temperature to help fend off hair damage.

It may also be worth investing in quality hair products that suit your unique hair type. We also have a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, both of which keep your hair clean and hydrated while improving the look of limp, thin hair.

Lastly, think about your hair from the inside out. Make sure to have a healthy diet and check with your healthcare provider to see if you have any nutritional deficiencies that might be getting in the way of healthy hair growth. If it turns out you need a vitamin boost, check out our biotin gummies.

Want to learn how to have your fullest mane? Read our guide on how to get thick hair for more tips.

Hair loss can be upsetting — but it’s fairly common as you age. It’s particularly common to see hair loss in women over 60.

But there are some ways to address hair loss, depending on what’s causing it.  Plenty of hair loss treatments can help you keep your tresses healthy, thick, and full for longer.

Here are the things to keep in mind:

• There are many causes of hair loss in elderly females. Young women, too! The most common causes of hair loss include androgenic alopecia, health conditions, medications, harsh hair styling, and menopause.

• Your treatment will depend on the root cause. Some treatments, like topical finasteride and spironolactone, are exclusively appropriate for female pattern hair loss. Other treatments, like minoxidil, can be used for other conditions.

• Act fast. Once you figure out the cause, get your game plan in place. Whether it be minoxidil, a supplement, or finasteride, stay consistent with applying or taking your medication so you can get the best results.

Knowledge is power — and if you’d like to know more, you can read our guides on getting thicker hair and hair fall vs hair loss.

Ready to make moves? Meet with one of our medical providers online from the comfort of your home and get a healthcare provider-recommended hair loss consultation today.