Is Menopausal Hair Loss Permanent? Causes, Regrowth, and Treatments

Key Takeaways:

• Without treatment, menopausal hair loss can be permanent.

• Early treatment may slow thinning and help preserve density.

• Hormonal fluctuations during menopause may shorten the hair growth cycle, leading to finer strands and visible thinning around the part line.

• Medications like topical minoxidil may help prevent further hair loss, especially when used early and consistently.
  

Menopause can bring plenty of surprises — hot flashes, sleep changes, mood shifts — and for many women, noticeable hair loss. 

Menopause-related hair loss is often caused by hormonal changes. Sometimes, it can be permanent — especially if you don’t treat it early.  

Below, we look at why this type of hair loss occurs, as well as the best treatments for hair thinning after menopause.

This type of hair loss typically develops during perimenopause and menopause. It usually happens in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. It usually appears gradually, not suddenly.

The signs and symptoms of menopause-related hair loss may include:

• Thinning along the part line

• Reduced ponytail volume

• Finer, more fragile strands

• Increased scalp visibility under bright light

• Increased hair shedding

There are a number of possible causes of hair loss after menopause:

• Female pattern hair loss (FPHL), also known as androgenetic alopecia

• Telogen effluvium, a temporary form of hair shedding

• Frontal fibrosing alopecia, which is less common but also possible in women postmenopause

Let’s break these down below.

Female Pattern Hair Loss

Female pattern hair loss is the most common type of hair loss in women. While it’s possible to experience FPHL at any age, it’s more common after menopause. 

It’s primarily caused by hormones. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a type of androgen (male hormone), attaches to the hair follicles. DHT makes these hair follicles smaller, which reduces the width of your hair shaft. Over time, your hair strands will become thinner.  

During menopause, your estrogen levels decline. This decline in estrogen contributes to FPHL. Research shows that women with higher levels of testosterone and DHT, and lower levels of estrogen, are more prone to FPHL.

In men, male pattern hair loss usually looks like a receding hairline or a bald spot around the crown. But this is not typically how it shows up in women.

The symptoms of female pattern hair loss include:

• A widening hair part

• Gradual thinning near the part line

• Diffuse hair thinning all over the scalp

Female pattern hair loss can be permanent, but early treatment may slow it down and prevent further hair loss.

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a common, but typically temporary form of hair loss. Research shows that older women are particularly susceptible to telogen effluvium. 

This type of hair loss occurs when your body experiences a major change or shock. This affects the hair growth cycle, pushing many of your hairs into the telogen — or resting phase — of the hair growth cycle. A few months later, these hairs fall out, causing excessive hair shedding.

Possible triggers for telogen effluvium include:

• Hormonal shifts (including those associated with menopause)

• Emotional stress or trauma

• Certain medications

• Illnesses  

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Childbirth

Typically, telogen effluvium causes diffuse hair shedding (hair loss all over your scalp, without a particular pattern). It typically doesn’t lead to loss of all hair, but it will feel much thinner. 

This is one type of menopause-related hair loss that isn’t permanent. Once the underlying cause is resolved, your hair typically starts growing back within a few months. 

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia 

Although frontal fibrosing alopecia isn’t as common as FPHL or telogen effluvium, it is another potential cause of postmenopause-related hair loss.

The causes of frontal fibrosing alopecia aren’t completely clear. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it may be related to genetics, hormones, and inflammation.

You’re at a higher risk of developing frontal fibrosing alopecia if you: 

• Are experiencing menopause  

• Have a close relative with the condition

• Have rosacea, thyroid disease, or type 2 diabetes

The symptoms of frontal fibrosing alopecia include:

• Eyebrow loss

• Itchy, painful scalp

• Rash along the hairline, face, or scalp

• Receding hairline

Frontal fibrosing alopecia is typically permanent, as it destroys the hair follicle. Early treatment may prevent further hair loss and support some regrowth.

That depends on the type of hair loss you’re experiencing.

Female pattern hair loss and frontal fibrosing alopecia are usually permanent, although early treatment can help prevent further hair loss. 

Telogen effluvium is typically temporary. Your hair typically grows back within several months once the trigger is resolved.

Knox Beasley, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and medical advisor at Hims & Hers, says that it takes a while to notice a difference. “It takes about 6 months to see results from any hair loss medication,” he says. The key is to be patient and consistent with your treatment.

This is why early intervention is essential. It’s a good idea to seek medical advice right away so that you can get the right treatment and prevent further hair loss.

No matter the type of menopause-related hair loss you’re experiencing, certain treatments may help prevent further hair loss.

According to Dr. Beasley, the first step is to have a medical professional diagnose the type of hair loss you’re experiencing. “Once we have the diagnosis, we have a discussion about the potential causes of their hair loss and what treatment options would work best to stop and potentially reverse the hair loss,” he explains. 

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a well-studied hair loss treatment. It’s available over the counter as a topical treatment, or as a prescription oral medication. 

This medication works by moving hairs into the anagen (growth) phase of your hair’s natural growth cycle. It also stimulates blood flow to your scalp to supply your hair follicles with nutrients.

It comes in multiple forms, including:

• Minoxidil solution

• Minoxidil foam

• Oral minoxidil (if prescribed)  

It can be used for many types of hair loss, including female pattern hair loss, telogen effluvium, and frontal fibrosing alopecia.

Finasteride

Finasteride blocks DHT, the hormone that drives female pattern hair loss. It’s available in oral and topical form.

“While it is primarily used for hair loss in men, Finasteride can be a great treatment option for hair loss in women who are unable to become pregnant,” Dr Beasley says.  “It can be an effective treatment, and the side effects are generally mild.” 

Although finasteride is considered safe for women in general, it should never be taken during pregnancy, as it can seriously harm the fetus. For this reason, clinicians may only prescribe it for postmenopause-related hair loss. 

Our Hair Blends Postmeno Serum is a prescription-only topical treatment for women postmenopause. It contains finasteride and minoxidil, as well as a blend of essential oils. 

Other DHT-blockers include spironolactone and dutasteride. These are also not safe during pregnancy.

Hair Growth Procedures

Certain non-surgical hair loss procedures can promote healthy hair growth. These are done in a dermatologist’s office. These include:

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. With PRP therapy, a concentrated portion of your own blood is injected into your scalp to stimulate hair follicles. It may slow down female pattern hair loss and promote regrowth.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Also known as laser hair treatment or red light therapy, LLLT uses light energy to stimulate hair follicles. It may improve hair density and slow down hair loss. The procedure is typically performed at home without a medical professional present.

Laser treatment and PRP are often combined with other treatments like minoxidil. Typically, you’d need multiple sessions over several months for noticeable results.

Other Treatment Options

Depending on the cause of your hair loss, other treatment options may be worth exploring.

• Hair growth supplements. Supplements may be helpful if a nutritional deficiency is contributing to your hair loss. Nutrients like biotin (vitamin B7), vitamin D, and omega fatty acids may support hair health. 

• Hair care products. Some products — like our shampoo and conditioner — are formulated to promote hair growth and reduce breakage. These products are meant to be combined with other treatments.  

• Surgery. If you have permanent or significant hair loss, hair transplant surgery may help you restore your hair follicles. Note that these procedures are typically not covered by insurance.

• Anti-inflammatories. If you have frontal fibrosing alopecia, a healthcare provider may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to reduce itching and inflammation.

Be careful of natural or “alternative” hair loss remedies. “There is limited data on natural or alternative remedies for hair loss,” Dr. Beasley says. “I do recommend using an evidence-based treatment regimen in addition.”

Learn about more ways to get thicker hair. You might also want to check out our guide on preventing hair loss in women.

Hair loss related to menopause may grow back, but usually only when shedding is temporary and caused by stress. Female pattern hair loss and frontal fibrosing alopecia can be permanent. 

Early, consistent treatment may make a meaningful difference. Connecting with a healthcare provider can help you understand what’s causing your hair loss and which treatment options may be right for you.  

Is menopausal hair loss permanent?

That depends on the type of hair loss you’re experiencing. Female pattern hair loss and frontal fibrosing alopecia can cause permanent hair loss. Telogen effluvium, however, is typically temporary. Early treatment may help slow thinning and preserve hair density.  

Will hair loss from menopause grow back?

Hair may grow back if shedding is due to temporary causes like stress or illness. Hair loss due to follicles that decrease in size usually does not regrow without treatment.

When does menopausal hair loss start?

Hair thinning often begins during perimenopause, sometimes years before menopause officially occurs. This is often due to fluctuating hormone levels. However, it might also start after you hit menopause. 

Can hormone therapy reverse menopausal hair loss?

Hormone therapy — also known as hormone replacement therapy — may help some menopause symptoms, but it isn’t a guaranteed treatment for hair loss and isn’t typically prescribed for that purpose alone.

What is the best treatment for menopausal hair thinning?

Topical minoxidil is the most evidence-based first-line treatment for hair loss in women experiencing menopause. Other treatment options may include finasteride, platelet-rich plasma treatments, and red light therapy.