More than half of women report hair loss during the menopause

A recent survey found 53% of menopausal women reported hair loss or scalp problems, and experts link these changes to reduced oestrogen and lower scalp moisture.

A recent survey reports that more than half of women experience hair loss or scalp problems during the menopause. Respondents described symptoms such as hair shedding and an itchy or flaky scalp. The findings align with research showing the menopause can reduce moisture and oil on the skin and scalp. Experts in the article said hormone replacement therapy (HRT), dietary approaches and vitamin supplements have been mentioned as ways to address these changes. Key findings: - The survey, carried out by coal-tar shampoo brand Polytar, found 53% of menopausal women questioned experienced hair loss. - Around a fifth of premenopausal women reported hair or scalp problems during their period. - Menopause is described as the decline in oestrogen and progesterone production, usually starting between ages 45 and 55 and averaging age 51 in the UK. - Common menopausal symptoms noted in the article include hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes and difficulty sleeping, and some women report vaginal dryness. - According to the article, Google searches for "hair loss" and "hair thinning" in women have more than doubled since 2021. Summary: The survey indicates a substantial share of women report hair and scalp changes during mid-life, and the findings are presented alongside research linking reduced oestrogen to lower scalp moisture. Undetermined at this time.