How Menopause Affects Hair and Skin—And What You Can Do About It

For many women, hair and skin are more than aesthetic—they’re deeply tied to identity, confidence, and self-expression. So when menopause arrives, the changes it brings to these visible markers of self can feel especially personal.

“Hormones in general are like a symphony orchestra of chemistry in our bodies that can affect our hair and skin in many ways,” says Los Angeles dermatologist Dr. Nancy Samolitis, MD, FAAD, co-founder and medical director of Facile and Facile Skincare. “Hormones signal cells to behave in a certain way, so changes in hormones can affect normal cellular function.”

Understanding how menopause affects hair and skin allows you to take proactive steps and maintain the glow and strength that feel most like you.

Menopause and Hair

As estrogen levels decline, many women notice their hair becoming thinner, drier, or more brittle. According to the Journal of Menopausal Medicine, roughly 40% of women experience hair thinning during menopause. The hormone shifts shorten the growth phase of the hair cycle and can lead to increased shedding.

“In general, hair growth usually slows down and hairs become finer and miniaturized with aging,” explains Dr. Samolitis. Genetics may also play a role: “Some people are genetically prone to the type of hair loss known as androgenetic alopecia, and this is because their hair follicles are more sensitive to the effects of hormone changes.”

A Note on Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be a powerful part of a holistic approach to managing menopausal changes, especially for skin and hair.

Estrogen helps regulate the hair growth cycle and supports collagen production, which tends to decline in menopause. By restoring estrogen levels, HRT can extend the hair growth phase, improve skin elasticity, and enhance the skin’s ability to retain moisture. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it’s worth exploring in partnership with your provider.

Proactive Steps for Hair Health

Nutrition:

Eat a diet rich in hair-supportive nutrients, including vitamins A, C, D, E, biotin, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Gentle Hair Care:

Skip the sulfates, reduce heat styling, and massage the scalp regularly to encourage circulation and stimulate growth.

Supplements:

Biotin, collagen, and hair growth blends may help, but always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Medical Treatments

“Many modalities for treating hair loss in menopause are similar to treating hair loss in men who are genetically prone with advancing aging,” says Dr. Samolitis. These may include DHT-blocking medications, topical or oral minoxidil, anti-inflammatory supplements, antioxidant serums, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to stimulate growth. Work with a dermatologist to find what’s right for you.

Menopause and Skin

“Declining levels of estrogen and progesterone cause skin to become weaker, more fragile, thin, and more dry because of the decline in natural oil production,” says Dr. Samolitis.

According to the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, up to 30% of collagen is lost in the first five years after menopause—leading to visible changes in skin texture and firmness.

Proactive Steps for Skin Health

Hydration:

Use a moisturizer formulated with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, applied twice daily to damp skin, to lock in hydration.

Sun Protection:

“Because menopause usually occurs at ages 45+, it also happens to coincide with an accumulation of chronic UV exposure, and the effects can seem more dramatic,” explains Dr. Samolitis. Prioritize using SPF 30+ daily, especially on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, chest, and hands.

Healthy Lifestyle:

Stay hydrated, eat antioxidant-rich foods, and keep moving—exercise supports circulation and nourishes the skin from within.

Skincare Routine + Treatments:

Incorporate a topical retinoid (OTC retinol or prescription tretinoin), and consider in-office treatments like microneedling or laser resurfacing. “We are just starting to see some excellent response to topical estrogen compounds used sparingly in low doses to reduce the risk of increasing circulating estrogen,” adds Dr. Samolitis.

By combining thoughtful nutrition, intentional care, and expert-guided treatments, you can stay connected to your sense of self—radiant skin, strong strands, and all—through every phase of this next chapter.