Today, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one of the most commonly recommended treatments for perimenopause and menopause symptoms. However, it is not without consequences, and headaches, nausea, irregular bleeding and other discomforts can result. But can HRT also cause hair loss? The simple answer is: it depends. Fortunately, doctors share everything you need to know about perimenopause hair loss and the potential side effects of HRT. Read on to learn more about HRT and its connection to hair loss, and how you can combat it during this stage of life.
Can hormone replacement therapy cause hair loss?
The answer is yes and no, as each person who chooses to undergo hormone replacement therapy will have a different experience. Hormonal imbalances can impact hair loss during menopause and perimenopause, just as treatment options can affect those who choose to undergo it.
“HRT can sometimes cause hair loss if it increases androgen levels, which can affect hair follicles,” explains Christina Han, MD, FRCPboard-certified dermatologist at XYON Health. “However, it can also help prevent hair loss by balancing hormone levels that fluctuate during menopause.”
Hair loss in menopausal and perimenopause women also depends on the hormones used in therapy. “Estrogen, for example, promotes hair growth, so if your hormone replacement therapy increases your estrogen levels, you may actually see an improvement in your hair,” says Ross Kopelman DOHair transplant surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration. “If your therapy contains androgens, which are male hormones, it could have the opposite effect and cause hair loss.”
Hair loss is a possible symptom of menopause
Because your hormone levels are constantly fluctuating during this time, menopause itself can actually cause hair loss or thinning. “Because the body’s estrogen and progesterone levels drop during menopause, hair can become thinner and more prone to hair loss,” says Dr. Kopelman.
These hormones are essential for hair growth, which is why Dr. Kopelman says that when you have low estrogen and progesterone levels, the hair growth cycle shortens and hair doesn’t grow as thick or long as it once did. Menopause hair loss can be distressing, but it’s also manageable.
What are some signs of hair loss due to HRT?
Menopause hair loss is a little overlooked and many women struggle with hair changes during this time. Dr. Han says you may be experiencing hair loss if you notice “increasing hair loss, thinning hair and a receding hairline, especially at the temples.”
“If you’re seeing more hair in your brush, shower drain or on your pillow, it could be a sign that menopause or hormone replacement therapy is affecting your hair,” adds Dr. Kopelman. Some people also experience thinning hair at the crown or on the scalp, and sometimes your hair feels brittle or dry, which is a sign that something is wrong with your hormones.
How to combat hair loss with hormone replacement therapy
The best place to start is with a visit to your doctor. “This may include a general practitioner, an endocrinologist and a dermatologist,” says Dr. Han. This can help you find out if your HRT regimen needs to be adjusted.
“Hormone replacement therapy may be a good option for those who have other signs of menopausal symptoms such as vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, mood swings, etc.),” adds Dr. Han. She points out that “a dermatologist may also need to first diagnose the type of hair loss and make recommendations for therapies that are often needed to slow hair loss and allow regrowth.”
Other easy ways to reverse hair loss
If hormone replacement therapy doesn’t work, Dr. Kopelman recommends “trying topical treatments like minoxidil, which can be very effective at stimulating hair growth.”
Certain medications, such as spironolactone, that block the effects of androgens can also be helpful, and proper nutrition can make a big difference in hair loss. “It’s crucial to make sure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals that support hair health,” says Dr. Kopelman.
Further discussions on perimenopause and menopause:
What is natural hormone replacement therapy? Doctors for treating perimenopause and menopause
Doctors reveal the best natural methods to relieve the most annoying menopausal symptoms
The 5 simple tricks that experts recommend to balance your hormones and relieve the symptoms of menopause naturally
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your doctor before embarking on any treatment plan.
