Signs of hair loss in women during the menopause

The hair becomes thinner, falls out prematurely, the parting becomes visible or the hairline recedes – these are the classic signs of hair loss (alopecia). One reason for hair loss in women is androgenetic alopecia.

During the menopause the level of female hormones (estrogen) decrease. As a result, the influence of male hormones (testosterone) on the hair roots increases. This can shorten the hairs' growth phases. Androgenetic alopecia can then cause the centre parting to thin, render the scalp more visible and leave the hair feeling thinner.

This process is for the most part gradual, and becomes significantly worse during and after the menopause. Men, too, are affected by androgenetic alopecia. Whilst men can frequently suffer from a receding hairline as early as puberty, female hair does not start thinning along the parting to leave the scalp visible until the menopause. Research has shown that up to 50% of all women over 50, and indeed also younger women, experience at least slight androgenetic alopecia.

The following diagram shows possible manifestations of androgenetic alopecia: