Common symptoms during perimenopause and menopause include hot flashes and night sweats, but skin and hair changes can also occur during this time. According to research, about half of all women experience some degree of menopause-related hair loss or thinning, and up to 64% of women who visit menopause clinics report skin problems (1, 2).  

While menopause-related skin and hair changes can be frustrating, there are lifestyle modifications, at-home care tips, and treatments that can help you look and feel your best at any age.

How Do Hormones Affect Skin and Hair?

Skin and hair changes begin during perimenopause and continue through menopause due to hormonal fluctuations (3, 4). Here’s a quick breakdown of how hormones affect skin and hair:

• Estrogen and progesterone promote hair growth, fullness, and density, and skin hydration, suppleness, and circulation. As these hormones decline, beginning in perimenopause, hair may become thinner and slower-growing, while skin loses collagen and may become drier, less plump, and more sensitive or acne-prone. (3, 4, 5)

• Androgens are male hormones found in small amounts in women. Declining estrogen and progesterone levels spark an increase in androgens. When androgens are higher than they should be in women, it can cause thinning or loss of hair on the head as well as hair growth on the chin. (3)

• Thyroid hormones play a role in skin and hair health. Thyroid function decreases with age, also causing skin dryness and hair loss, says Dr. Mehtap Aygun, obstetrician/gynecologist at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland.

Lifestyle Tips for Menopausal Skin and Hair

The following healthy habits may help improve your skin and hair health and may potentially alleviate other menopausal symptoms (3, 6).

• Nourish your skin and hair with a well-balanced diet rich in lean proteins, healthy unsaturated fats, fruits, and vegetables. Nutrient deficiencies can contribute to hair loss and skin issues.

• Take vitamin and mineral supplements to fill nutritional gaps, as recommended by your doctor.

• Drink 9 cups of water per day to keep the body and skin hydrated, and if necessary, more depending on your activity level and climate.

• Reduce stress, as it can cause hair loss and skin problems like acne. Incorporate regular exercise and stress-reducing techniques like yoga and meditation.

• Get 7-8 hours of sleep per night to help the skin repair itself and to produce collagen.

• Quit smoking. Smoking is associated with a host of health problems, including hot flashes and accelerating visible signs of aging.  

Skin Problems and Skin Care Routine

Dry skin is a common symptom of aging and menopause. Here are some tips for caring for menopausal skin (4, 7):

• Clean your skin gently daily and use a moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid and ceramides to lock in moisture.

• Moisturize the perineum with an appropriate moisturizer or coconut oil to prevent inevitable dryness of the genital area, adds Dr. Aygun.

• Avoid long hot showers as this can strip the skin of its natural oils.

• Avoid skin-irritating ingredients such as fragrance and alcohol.

• Wear sunscreen when outdoors to protect skin from sun damage, regardless of the weather.

Women may need to add other products to their skincare routine to address skin issues. Over-the-counter salicylic acid cleansers may be effective for treating hormonal acne. Retinol products can help fade dark spots. Collagen supplements and consuming collagen-rich foods like bone broth may help combat sagging skin. If these products are ineffective, consider consulting a dermatologist for other solutions or treatment options. (4, 7)

Hair Loss and Gentle Hair Care

Hair shedding increases during perimenopause and menopause and can continue after menopause as diffuse shedding or female pattern hair loss (FPHL). Diffuse shedding typically resolves on its own within 6 months, according to The Menopause Society. (8)

While hormonal changes can cause hair loss, there are other possible causes, such as chronic stress, medications, and medical conditions like alopecia (which is more linked to an inflammatory response), says Kristin Mallon, CNM, RN, co-founder and CEO at FemGevity Health, a menopause telemedicine company. Women experiencing hair loss should first consult with a dermatologist to determine the underlying cause and to get the appropriate treatment.  

Practice the following gentle hair care tips to prevent further hair damage and consider a haircut that adds volume and dimension. (3)

• Avoid heated styling tools like blow dryers, curlers, and straighteners.

• Avoid dying the hair and choose an all-natural hair dye if you must.

• Use a hydrating and nourishing conditioner.

• Avoid teasing the hair and pulling it too tight.

Hair Loss Treatments

Here’s a brief overview of some common treatments for menopausal hair loss. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment options for you. Be sure to share your other menopausal symptoms and health history. Remember to discuss any potential side effects when considering your options. (3, 8)

• Rogaine (minoxidil) is an over-the-counter topical treatment that can promote hair regrowth.

• Anti-dandruff shampoo with zinc or ketoconazole may be recommended by your provider to help with overall hair quality and to treat other hair issues like dryness or scalp psoriasis.

• Finasteride is a prescription oral medication that can help to regrow hair and to treat androgen-related unwanted hair on the face, back, or chest.

• Spironolactone is a prescription oral medication for acne that may prevent further hair loss and may improve hair thickness in some women with FPHL.

• Microneedling is a treatment that can increase hair thickness and density. It’s recommended to combine with minoxidil for best results.

• Laser treatment applies low-pressure light to the scalp to signal new hair growth.

• Hair transplant is a surgical procedure that can help with severe hair loss. It involves moving hair from one body part and implanting it into bald spots on the scalp.

Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopausal Skin and Hair

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) restores estrogen levels and can improve skin elasticity and firmness and slow hair loss (9, 10). If you’re experiencing menopause-related skin and hair changes, as well as other symptoms like vaginal dryness and hot flashes, talk to your doctor about HRT. It’s crucial to involve your doctor in a comprehensive assessment to ensure HRT is right for you.

Final Thoughts

Menopause can cause skin and hair changes due to hormonal imbalances. A variety of treatments can help, from preventative lifestyle tips and prescription medications to therapies like microneedling and laser therapy. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist about the best options for you.

What treatments have worked for your menopause-related skin and hair changes? Let's talk about it.

Written By: Johna Burdeos

References

1. Chaikittisilpa S, Rattanasirisin N, Panchaprateep R, PhD, Orprayoon N; Phutrakul P, Suwam A, Jaisamrarn U. Prevalence of female pattern hair loss in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study. Menopause 29(4):p 415-420, April 2022. | DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001927

2. Kamp E, Ashraf M, Musbahi E, DeGiovanni C. Menopause, skin and common dermatoses. Part 2: skin disorders. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2022 Dec;47(12):2117-2122. doi: 10.1111/ced.15308.

3. VeryWell Health. Can Hair Loss Be a Symptom of Menopause?

4. Healthline. Understanding How Your Skin Changes During Menopause.

5. RO. Which hormones impact your skin health? And how?

6. The North American Menopause Society. Menopause FAQs: Understanding the Symptoms

7. Cleveland Clinic. Here’s How Menopause Affects Your Skin and Hair.

8. The North American Menopause Society. Women’s Health and Menopause FAQs.

9. Healthline. Will Taking HRT Change Your Skin?

10. Everyday Health. Hormone Replacement Therapy as a Hair Loss Treatment.