Why is my hair falling out in menopause?
Reviewed by Kindr Health Clinical Team · Last reviewed July 3, 2026
Answer published
Estrogen extends the anagen (growth) phase of hair; as it falls, more follicles enter the telogen (shedding) phase at once. The result is diffuse thinning at the crown, part-line widening, and slower regrowth. Treatments with evidence: topical minoxidil 5% (the most studied), low-dose oral minoxidil (increasingly used by dermatologists), spironolactone in select cases, and addressing systemic estrogen with HRT — which often visibly improves hair within 4–6 months. Always rule out iron deficiency (ferritin <50), thyroid disease, and low vitamin D, all of which independently cause hair loss in midlife women.
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Most women in their 40s and 50s with classic symptoms do not need extensive hormone testing. Baseline labs cover thyroid, lipids, A1c, vitamin D.