Midi Team
Menopause changes your body from head to toe, including your hair and skin. Over 40% of women experience noticeable hair thinning or loss during menopause, and many notice their skin becoming drier, more sensitive, or prone to wrinkles. These changes can feel frustrating—but there are solutions that work.
Catch the replay of our Ask Midi Anything session with Midi's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kathleen Jordan and clinician Katelyn O’Donnell. What you'll learn:
- How hormonal changes during menopause affect skin and hair health
- Evidence-based solutions to address your hair and skin concerns.
- Expert insights on what products, treatments, and lifestyle adjustments are worth trying (and what to skip)
📚 Suggested Reading:
- Everything You Need To Know About Using An Estrogen Cream vs Patch: Which One Is Right For You?
- How to Treat Menopause Body Odor: Causes & Treatment
- Menopause and Hair Loss: Causes, Treatment Options, and What You Need to Know
- How to Get Rid of Menopause Acne for Good
- Everything You Need To Know About Estriol Cream
💡 Key Highlights
The Role of Hormones in Skin & Hair Changes
- Estrogen and progesterone receptors are present in the skin and hair follicles.
- Declining estrogen levels contribute to increased dryness, thinning, loss of elasticity, fine lines, and wrinkles on the skin. While you may notice hair changes that include shedding, thinning, and slower regrowth.
- Testosterone and DHT (dihydrotestosterone) can cause hair follicle shrinkage, leading to female pattern hair loss.
- Menopause also increases inflammation, which can exacerbate skin conditions like eczema and autoimmune-related hair loss.
Hair Loss & Effective Solutions
Medications
- Hormone Replacement Therapy: Can help stabilize estrogen levels and slow hair shedding.
- Minoxidil (Rogaine) – Available in oral and topical forms to stimulate hair growth.
- Finasteride – Helps reduce hormone-induced hair loss.
- Spironolactone – Reduces the effects of testosterone on hair follicles.
Supplements & Nutrition
- Iron & Ferritin: Low levels commonly cause hair shedding; supplementation can help.
- Protein : Essential for strong hair growth.
Topical & Over-the-Counter Treatments
- Ketoconazole shampoo: Helps reduce scalp inflammation and counteract DHT’s effects.
- Red Light Therapy & Microneedling: Improves blood flow to the scalp and enhances the absorption of hair growth products.
Lifestyle Adjustments
- Scalp massages stimulate hair growth.
- Managing stress is key, as high cortisol levels can worsen hair loss.
- Avoid harsh hairstyles and drying hair products containing sulfates.
Skin Health & Wrinkle Prevention
Moisture & Sun Protection
- Hydration is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and preventing dryness.
- Sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing prevent sun damage and premature aging.
Rx & Over-the-Counter Treatments
- Topical Estrogen (Estriol): Can improve skin hydration and elasticity without significantly increasing systemic hormone levels.
- Retinol & Tretinoin: Encourages skin cell turnover, improves collagen production, and reduces fine lines.
Lifestyle Factors
- Quitting smoking significantly reduces fine lines and improves skin texture.
- Adequate water intake helps keep the skin plump and firm.
- A diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3s supports skin health.
Top Audience Questions & Expert Answers
What’s the best way to stop hair shedding during perimenopause?
The best way to stop hair shedding during perimenopause is HRT, addressing nutritional deficiencies (iron, vitamin D, protein), and using minoxidil or finasteride if needed.
How long does it take for hair to grow back?
Hair grows about half an inch per month, so visible improvements can take several months.
Should hormone levels be tested to manage skin and hair health?
Blood level monitoring isn’t typically needed; treatments are adjusted based on symptoms.
Can topical estrogen help with skin aging without affecting overall hormone levels?
Yes, studies show topical estriol improves skin hydration and collagen production without significantly increasing systemic estrogen levels.
What non-medical approaches can help with hair loss?
Scalp massages, microneedling, red-light therapy, stress management, and anti-inflammatory diets can all support healthy hair growth.
What Success Looks & Feels Like
If you’re in perimenopause or menopause and want guidance from clinicians who specialize in women’s midlife health, book a virtual visit with Midi today.
Hormonal change is at the root of dozens of symptoms women experience in the years before and after their period stops.
Our trained menopause specialists can help you connect the dots to guide you towards safe, effective solutions.
Whether you need personalized guidance or a prescription routine to tackle symptoms—including brain fog, hot flashes, sleep trouble, mood swings, and weight gain—we’ve got you covered.
Midi’s mission is to revolutionize healthcare for women at midlife, wherever they live and whatever their health story. We believe that starts with education, to help all of us understand our always-changing bodies and health needs. Our core values guide everything we do, including standards that ensure the quality and trustworthiness of our content and editorial processes. We’re committed to providing information that is up-to-date, accurate, and relies on evidence-based research and peer-reviewed journals. For more details on our editorial process, see here.
