Understanding Menopause Hair Loss: Causes and Coping Strategies

“I never thought I’d worry about my hair at this stage of life,” shared one woman who has been navigating the ups and downs of menopause. “It’s not just the hair fall; it’s how it makes me feel about myself.” She’s far from alone. Studies reveal that over 50 per cent of women undergoing menopause experience some degree of hair loss. Yet, as research from the Menopause Society of Ireland highlights, many women feel unable to seek help. The stigma attached to hair thinning keeps them from exploring effective treatments. It seems that while everyone knows about the obvious menopausal symptoms, the conversation doesn’t usually extend to what’s happening in the bathroom mirror. “Menopause can be a lonely journey,” remarks Dr. Manav Bawa, Medical Director and Aesthetic Physician at the Time Clinic in London. “Many feel like they’re losing a part of their identity, and hair loss adds to that tension.” The truth is, fluctuations in hormones during menopause – particularly the drop in estrogen – can greatly affect hair follicles, leading to thinning and changes in texture. Although the conversation is starting to shift, many women still report waiting too long to seek help, often until hair loss begins to impact their self-esteem. “If you catch it early enough, there’s a greater chance of managing it effectively,” Dr. Bawa insists. A Revolutionary Trial for Menopausal Hair Loss As the dialogue around menopause progresses, so too do innovative solutions. Dr. Bawa had recently concluded an enlightening study with perimenopausal patients aged 37 to 54 experiencing mild to moderate hair loss. This trial focuses on the Calecim Professional Advanced Hair System, an at-home treatment which combines advanced derma-stamp microneedling with a hair serum enriched with PTT-6, a proprietary formulation derived from the brand’s patented source of stem cells. This revolutionary technology harnesses the power of exosomes, small vesicles that carry proteins and growth factors capable of stimulating repair and regeneration within recipient cells. When applied to the scalp, PTT-6 has demonstrated the ability to enhance cellular proliferation and reduce inflammation in hair follicles. In previous studies, conditions like post-COVID-19 telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia have shown significant hair regrowth after treatment with PTT-6. “What we’re seeing is exciting,” Dr. Bawa notes. “This proprietary PTT-6 technology is specifically designed to enhance hair follicle health by delivering vital nutrients directly where they’re needed.” Participants apply the treatment at home with the dermastamp which has a depth of 0.5 mm. This approach not only helps with absorption but also stimulates the natural healing processes of the scalp. “This method creates a mild controlled injury, prompting the follicles to repair and regenerate,” explains Dr. Bawa. The results from this trial have been promising and have been published in the peer-reviewed PMFA Journal, an aesthetic medicine publication. “Every patient has shown improvements, and the feedback goes beyond mere numbers,” Dr. Bawa reflects. “Participants report feeling more confident, receiving compliments about the health and thickness of their hair — a revelation for many who have felt its loss so acutely.” Empowering Women Through Knowledge With menopause steadily gaining attention, there’s a growing awareness of the importance of understanding the underlying factors contributing to hair loss. Dr. Bawa emphasizes that it starts with lifestyle adjustments. “Stress, diet, and overall health play significant roles. It’s about creating a holistic foundation for improvement,” he explains, urging women to take ownership of their health. The notion that no one talks about these changes can be frustrating, yet it opens up a space for meaningful conversations. Just like skincare in midlife, hair care during menopause is often shrouded in silence. “Many women don’t realise these changes are common. If we can encourage open dialogue, more women can seek help early,” says Dr. Bawa, a sentiment echoed by participants in his study. “No one told me I could experience this kind of hair loss,” laughs one woman, incredulous that she felt so alone in her experience.