Can Perimenopause Cause Hair Loss?

The changes your body goes through during perimenopause are long-lasting. Adding to it, hair loss and hair thinning just feel cruel, right? But it is true that perimenopause can cause hair loss to varying degrees. 

Hair loss during perimenopause is incredibly common and affects millions of women. Up to 60% of women experience some form of hair loss before age 60, with perimenopause often being the trigger.

There is a definite relationship between your changing hormones and thinning hair— estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate dramatically during perimenopause, causing hair follicles to enter dormant phases prematurely, leading to noticeable thinning and even changes in hair texture and growth patterns.

But for many women going through this, it raises many questions. Is this type of hair loss permanent? Is it preventable? What can you do to stop it? 

In this article, we'll explore the science behind perimenopausal hair thinning, examine how common nutritional deficiencies in midlife can compound the problem, and reveal evidence-based treatments that could help restore your hair's fullness and health.

Can Perimenopause Cause Hair Loss? 

You may be surprised to learn that perimenopause has anything to do with your hair, but—yes, absolutely, perimenopause can cause hair loss. 

Before we explore how to treat it, it's important to understand why it’s happening in the first place. 

Perimenopause is defined as the transitional period leading up to menopause (lasting several years between ages 45-55). During this period, your body is going through some massive changes—your periods may become irregular, your mood might change, you may experience your first hot flashes, and, yes, your hair might change. 

Since our hair is such an integral part of our identity, this really adds insult to injury for many of us going through this transition. Why the hair??

Why Perimenopause Affects The Hair Follicles

During perimenopause, hormonal fluctuations directly impact your hair's growth cycle. Your hair follicles actually contain estrogen receptors, and as estrogen levels fluctuate and eventually decline, these receptors signal changes in your hair growth patterns.

This hormonal shift pushes more hair follicles prematurely into the resting phase, causing increased shedding while simultaneously slowing new growth. With less estrogen present, the relative influence of androgens (male hormones) becomes more pronounced, potentially triggering pattern hair loss in susceptible women.

Additionally, age-related metabolic changes reduce blood flow and nutrients to hair follicles, essentially "starving" them. Common perimenopause nutritional deficiencies can also worsen this situation. This combination of hormonal fluctuations, decreased follicle nourishment, and perimenopause-induced deficiencies creates the perfect conditions for noticeable hair thinning during perimenopause.

But how do you know you’re experiencing this and not just totally normal hair shedding?  Let's discuss the signs and characteristics of perimenopausal hair loss. 

What Does Perimenopause Hair Loss Look Like?  

If you’re experiencing irregular periods, changes in menstrual flow, spotting in between periods, mood changes, hot flashes, night sweats, and are between the ages of 45 to 55, you might be perimenopausal. 

How to know if you’re experiencing hair loss too?

While it's always best to get evaluated by a health care professional, here are a few tell-tale signs you might be dealing with perimenopausal hair loss:

• Widening part line: One of the earliest and most noticeable signs is a gradually widening part, especially at the crown area
• Decreased ponytail circumference: Your hair elastic may need to be wrapped around more times, or your ponytail feels noticeably thinner
• More visible scalp: Especially under bright lighting or when hair is wet
• Increased shedding: Finding more hair in your shower drain, on your pillow, or in your brush than usual
• Change in hair texture: Previously thick strands may become finer and more fragile
• Recession at temples: Slight recession at the temples, creating a more prominent forehead
• Less hair volume overall: Hair that used to be full and voluminous appears flatter and thinner

Unlike male pattern baldness, which typically creates a receding hairline or bald spot, perimenopausal hair loss usually presents as diffuse thinning across the entire scalp, though it's often most noticeable at the crown and part line. The hairline typically remains intact, but the density behind it decreases.

Many women notice these changes gradually over months or even years, making it easy to miss until the thinning becomes more pronounced. Taking regular photos of your part line and crown can help you track subtle changes over time and address them early when treatments tend to be most effective.

Common Menopause Nutritional Issues That Exacerbate Hair Loss

While hormonal fluctuations get most of the attention in perimenopausal hair loss, nutritional deficiencies are a major yet frequently overlooked contributor. These hidden factors can significantly worsen thinning and may even be the primary driver for many women. 

Several nutritional issues arise during perimenopause, creating a perfect storm for compromised hair growth:

• Iron Deficiency Fluctuating menstrual cycles during perimenopause, especially heavy periods, can deplete iron stores. Iron is crucial for hair growth, and even mild deficiency can accelerate thinning. Studies show up to 20% of perimenopausal women have suboptimal iron levels, even without clinical anemia.
• Vitamin D Insufficiency Vitamin D receptors in hair follicles regulate growth cycles. After 40, your skin produces less vitamin D from sunlight, and lower estrogen reduces vitamin D activation. Research links low vitamin D levels to increased hair shedding and female pattern hair loss.
• Protein Intake Changes Many women reduce protein consumption during midlife, yet hair is primarily made of keratin protein. Without adequate building blocks, new hair growth becomes compromised. Protein needs actually increase slightly during perimenopause to maintain muscle mass and support tissue repair.
• B Vitamin Deficiencies B vitamins, particularly biotin, B12, and folate, are essential for healthy cell division in hair follicles. Absorption of these nutrients often decreases with age, and some medications commonly prescribed during perimenopause can further deplete them.
• Thyroid-Supporting Nutrients Zinc, selenium, and iodine deficiencies can impact thyroid function, which commonly becomes compromised during perimenopause. Even subclinical thyroid issues can significantly affect hair growth patterns.

The good news is, addressing these nutritional gaps can noticeably improve hair growth for many women. Blood tests can identify specific deficiencies, allowing for targeted supplementation rather than guesswork. While nutritional corrections won't completely reverse hormone-related hair changes, they can significantly minimize their impact and support healthier hair growth during this transitional time.

Treatment Options For Hormonal Hair Loss

Treating perimenopausal hair loss effectively requires addressing both hormonal imbalances and supporting healthy hair growth cycles. Fortunately, several proven options can help restore thickness and slow further thinning:

Topical Anti-Androgen Therapy 

Spironolactone has emerged as one of the most effective off-label treatments for female hormonal hair loss. Originally a blood pressure medication, it blocks the effects of androgens on hair follicles. While oral spironolactone has been used for years, topical formulations like Strut Women's Hair Growth Formula deliver this powerful ingredient directly to the scalp, possibly minimizing systemic side effects.

Comprehensive Topical Formulations 

The most effective treatments often combine multiple active ingredients that work through different mechanisms. Strut Women's Hair Growth Formula offers a customizable approach with prescription-strength ingredients including:

• Spironolactone (1%) to block androgen effects
• Minoxidil (up to 7.5%) to extend the growth phase and increase blood flow
• Finasteride (0.25%) to reduce DHT production
• Tretinoin to enhance absorption and stimulate cellular turnover
• Fluocinolone option to reduce inflammation
• Biotin to provide essential hair nutrients

This premium 5-in-1 prescription formula addresses multiple factors contributing to perimenopausal hair loss simultaneously.

Innovative Growth Stimulators 

Newer treatments like Strut Hair Booster with Latanoprost offer an alternative approach. Containing prostaglandin analogs similar to those in eyelash growth serums, this formula may:

• Extend the active growth phase of hair follicles
• Work alongside other treatments like minoxidil or anti-androgens
• Provide additional benefits through ingredients like melatonin, caffeine, and biotin
• Offer a gentle option for sensitive scalps

Microneedling Enhancement 

Microneedling with a dermaroller creates microscopic channels in the scalp that can:

• Increase absorption of topical treatments by up to 80%
• Stimulate growth factors through controlled regeneration
• Improve blood flow to hair follicles
• Activate stem cells responsible for hair regeneration

The Strut Dermaroller for Hair, with its 1.5mm titanium needles, is specifically designed for scalp use and can significantly amplify the effects of topical treatments.

Scalp Massage for Enhanced Hair Growth

Don't overlook this simple yet effective technique to complement medical treatments. 

Research shows just 4 minutes of daily scalp massage might significantly stimulate hair growth by:

• Increasing blood circulation to hair follicles
• Stretching follicle cells to promote thickness
• Reducing tension that restricts nutrient delivery
• Activating genes related to hair growth

For best results, use fingertips in gentle circular motions across the entire scalp, focusing on thinning areas. Adding a massaging routine and using Strut Women's Hair Growth Formula as well may really enhance your hair growth. 

A Comprehensive Approach 

For best results, combining nutritional support (addressing the deficiencies discussed earlier) with targeted topical treatments often yields the most dramatic improvements. Many successful treatment plans include:

1. A customized topical anti-androgen formula
2. Weekly microneedling
3. Targeted nutritional supplementation
4. Scalp massages 
5. Regular tracking of progress with photos

Remember that hair growth is a slow process—consistent treatment for at least 3-6 months is typically needed before noticing significant improvements. Starting treatment early in the perimenopausal transition, before extensive thinning occurs, generally produces better outcomes.

Takeaway: Can Perimenopause Cause Hair Loss?

Perimenopause can indeed cause hair loss through hormonal fluctuations that disrupt normal growth cycles. When estrogen levels change, hair follicles prematurely enter the resting phase, leading to increased shedding and slower regrowth. This affects up to 60% of women, typically appearing as diffuse thinning at the crown and part line.

While concerning, this hair loss isn't necessarily permanent. Common nutritional deficiencies during perimenopause often worsen the problem. Effective treatments include prescription formulations like topical spironolactone and minoxidil, supported by proper nutrition, scalp massage, and microneedling. Early intervention typically provides the best outcomes, so address any changes as soon as you notice them.

Ready to Take Control of Your Perimenopausal Hair Loss?

At Strut Health, we understand the frustration of watching your hair thin during perimenopause. That's why we've developed prescription-strength hair loss solutions specifically formulated for women's hormonal changes, available through our convenient online telemedicine service.

Our Women's Hair Growth Formula contains powerful ingredients like Spironolactone or Finasteride, Minoxidil, Tretinoin, and Biotin in a customized formulation designed for your unique needs. Many women using our treatments report slower hair loss progression and visible regrowth with consistent use.

Taking the first step is simple:

1. Complete our free online questionnaire
2. Finish the image-based consultation (takes less than 15 minutes)
3. Our licensed physicians will review your information
4. If approved, your customized treatment arrives at your door with free shipping

Don't wait—early intervention typically produces the best results. See if our prescription women's hair growth formula is right for you by starting your free consultation today.