Menopause hair loss

Hormonal changes — Falling oestrogen and relatively steady androgen levels can shift hair follicles into a shorter growth cycle, leading to thinning, particularly at the crown and parting.

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) — The most common cause of hair loss in women, involving progressive miniaturisation of hair follicles. It becomes more common with age and time since menopause.

Telogen effluvium — A temporary, more diffuse shedding that can be triggered by hormonal shifts, stress or illness around the menopause transition.

• Gradual thinning at the crown or parting
• Reduced hair volume or density
• Increased shedding when washing or brushing
• Visible scalp through thinning areas
• Finer, less thick-feeling hair over time

We offer topical treatments only, applied directly to the scalp rather than taken as tablets.

Minoxidil — The ingredient with the strongest clinical evidence for female hair loss. It prolongs the hair growth phase and increases follicle size, improving density with consistent use.

Finasteride — Blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT, a hormone linked to follicle miniaturisation. A postmenopausal-specific study found topical finasteride outperformed topical oestrogen for hair regrowth, and it is commonly combined with minoxidil.

Adenosine — Increases the proportion of thick, healthy hairs and prolongs the growth phase. Clinical trials in women with female pattern hair loss showed adenosine significantly increased both anagen (growing-phase) hair and thick hair ratio compared to placebo.

Melatonin — An antioxidant that supports hair follicle health. Several clinical studies show topical melatonin can improve hair density and prolong the growth phase, with good tolerability.

Cetirizine — An antihistamine shown in trials to improve hair density and reduce hair loss severity, making it a useful option for those who do not tolerate minoxidil well.

Niacinamide — Supports scalp health and calms inflammation, helping create the right environment for hair growth.

Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) — Strengthens hair strands and supports the scalp barrier, improving overall hair and scalp condition.

A prescriber reviews your answers to find the right treatment for your hair and scalp.

• Be patient; hair growth is slow and most people need 4–6 months of consistent use to see visible change
• Use it exactly as directed; inconsistent use is one of the most common reasons treatment does not work
• Expect some initial shedding; this is common in the first 4–6 weeks as hair cycles reset, and usually settles
• Address other factors too; iron levels, thyroid function and stress can all affect hair alongside hormonal changes
• Do not stop abruptly; hair loss treatments generally need ongoing use to maintain results

We offer topical prescription treatments only. See a dermatologist or GP if:

• Your hair loss is sudden, patchy, or in distinct bald spots rather than gradual thinning
• You notice scalp scarring, redness or scaling alongside hair loss
• You have signs of an underlying condition, such as significant fatigue, weight change or irregular periods, that could point to a thyroid or hormonal cause
• Your hair loss is not improving after a reasonable course of treatment
• You would prefer a confirmed diagnosis rather than treatment based on your symptoms alone