For many women, menopause brings a distinct shift, not just in hormones but in how they see themselves. The changes often occur subtly; first with incomplete sleep, hot flashes, mood fluctuations, and then finding a few extra strands of hair left on the pillow. What begins as a physical intrusion can rapidly develop into an erosion of confidence. “The biggest myth being that there is nothing you can do to treat it. While hormonal changes during menopause affect the hair, there are ways to slow progression, stimulate regrowth, and improve hair health,” says Maria Dowling, Creative Director and Founder of Maria Dowling salon – Dubai’s award-winning salon.

Approximately two out of three women experience some form of hair thinning or increased shedding during menopause. A recent study conducted in Saudi Arabia concluded that from its survey, 69.9% of women experience hair loss or thinning after menopause, and only 30.1% seek medical advice (Majmaah Journal of Health Sciences, 2025).

Here, Bazaar Arabia speaks to Maria Dowling about menopausal hair loss and the essential insights every woman should know.

How Do Hormones Affect Hair Loss

Maria says “hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause significantly affect hair growth and thickness due to the decline in oestrogen and progesterone levels. Both hormones are equally important in maintaining the function of hair follicles. While oestrogen promotes hair growth by extending the anagen phase (the active stage of the hair growth cycle, where new hair is produced); progesterone helps balance the effects of androgens (male hormones) in the body.”

“The decline in oestrogen levels shorten the anagen phase, leading to thinner hair fibres and increased breakage, as the hair grows for a shorter period before shedding. As a result, the hair may become finer, drier, and more brittle, while reduced scalp oil production can diminish the hair’s natural shine and manageability. A decrease in progesterone allows androgens to have a stronger effect on follicles, which can alter hair density and texture, making it appear thinner, limp, or frizzier.”

“As progesterone levels fall, the relative number of androgens increases. Androgens can bind to receptors in hair follicles, particularly on the scalp, leading to the miniaturisation of follicles (the same process seen in pattern hair loss).”

Types Of Hair Loss

Maria explains, “with both oestrogen and progesterone declining, the androgen-to-oestrogen ratio rises, causing female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), and in some cases, increased facial hair growth, as androgens act differently on various hair follicles.

Androgenetic Alopecia begins with gradual thinning at the hair parting line, followed by more diffuse hair loss across the top of the scalp. A woman’s hairline rarely recedes, and complete baldness is uncommon. The result of this occurrence is due to the normal hair growth cycle, where it takes longer for new hair to grow back after it has been shed. “According to Harvard Medical School, one in three women claim to experience androgenetic alopecia during menopause and two-thirds of post-menopausal women suffer from it.”

“Follicular Miniaturisation is when the hair follicle itself changes, by shrinking and producing a shorter, thinner hair shaft. As a result, thicker, pigmented and longer-lived hairs are replaced by shorter, thinner, non-pigmented hairs (known as vellus).”

Treatment

“Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, ensuring your hormones are well-balanced, and managing stress levels can support overall hair health and compliment any treatments undertaken” advises Maria.

Protein is vital for producing keratin – the main structural component of hair – helping to strengthen strands and reduce shedding. “As a general rule, consuming approximately 60g of protein per day is a must. During menopause increasing your protein intake to 1.2-1.5g/kg of body weight is beneficial when hair thinning or shedding is present” she says. Key vitamins and minerals include iron, which supports oxygen delivery to hair follicles and prevents brittleness; vitamin C, which aids collagen production and enhances iron absorption; vitamin A, which promotes scalp hydration and cell renewal; and vitamin D, which supports the formation of new hair follicles.

“Treatments such as topical minoxidil, viviscal supplements, and low-level laser therapy may slow down the progression of androgenetic alopecia and even potentially stimulate regrowth. Regular detox treatments are important for maintaining scalp health. The Mariadowling Hair And Scalp treatment, has been specially designed to counteract the negative impact of changing hormones, as well as external aggressors and over styling” says Maria.

Effects Of Stress On Hair Loss

Maria states that, “stress can worsen hair loss during menopause by disrupting the normal hair growth cycle, shortening the anagen phase and pushing more follicles into the telogen phase (the resting period), which leads to thinning and breakage. To counteract this, individuals can adopt stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga, and meditation to lower cortisol levels; engage in regular physical activity to promote overall well-being; and seek professional guidance.”

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help restore hormonal balance and tackle some of the extreme symptoms that come with menopause; alleviating the stress on hair loss.

Hair Care Advice

“Menopausal hair can make certain styles that were once easy to maintain more difficult, and even potentially damaging. It is advisable to choose hairstyles that add volume, reduce tension on fragile strands, and minimize breakage. Layered cuts, shorter styles, or soft waves make the hair look fuller and healthier, all while protecting scalp and follicle integrity” says Maria.

Just as our bodies reflect what we put into them, Maria points out that the scalp can also be that reflection through different variables, as side effects of medications tend show through the scalp. “With the recent rise in weight-loss injections, I’ve seen many clients experience hair loss as a result. It’s crucial to only use these medications under the guidance of a healthcare professional and never self-administer over-the-counter products.”

“Finding a trusted stylist who is an expert at working with menopausal hair is the best way to recapture your confidence. Speak to them openly and honestly about your frustrations and how you want your hair to make you feel. And as always, share your insights with your friends, because as women, we are all in this together.”