Menopause, Hair, and the Whole Shedding Situation: What’s Actually Going On

Menopause blindsides you in ways no WebMD article ever prepares you for. Maybe your mom mentioned a hot flash. Maybe your doctor handed you a list of vague symptoms. But nothing preps you for shedding hair, forgetting your keys (again), or needing to carry a mini fan in your handbag like it’s your new emotional support item. The truth? Menopause isn’t an ending. It’s a transition — a shedding of hormones, expectations, and yes, sometimes actual hair — into a whole new you.

Menopause, Decoded: What’s Really Happening

Understanding menopause starts with knowing the vocabulary behind it.

Perimenopause: The pre-show to menopause. It can start in your late 30s or early 40s and last anywhere from 4 to 10 years. Hormone levels start fluctuating, often bringing symptoms like mood changes, night sweats, or those “why is my hair shedding so much?” moments.

Menopause: The official milestone: 12 consecutive months without a period. The average age in the U.S. is 51, but it can happen sooner or later. Hormonal changes often begin before this point and can linger long after.

Postmenopause: The life stage after menopause. Symptoms often ease, but your focus shifts to maintaining bone, heart, and hair health — because your body’s priorities evolve, and so should your self-care routine.

DHT (Dihydrotestosterone): A more potent form of testosterone that can shrink hair follicles and shorten your hair’s growth cycle — aka, one reason thinning becomes more noticeable during menopause.

💡 Pro tip: When estrogen levels drop, DHT has a bigger effect on the scalp. That’s why hair feels finer, sheds more easily, and loses volume.

Why Menopause Hair Loss Happens

During perimenopause and menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate wildly. These hormones help keep hair in its growth phase, so when they drop, hair becomes thinner and more fragile. Meanwhile, DHT (that sneaky hormone) becomes more dominant — leading to shorter growth cycles and increased shedding.

If you’re seeing more hair in your brush or noticing a change in texture, you’re not imagining it. Hormonal shifts are absolutely the reason — but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it.

Smart Supplements for Stronger Hair & Health

Midlife isn’t about slowing down — it’s about leveling up. The right supplements can support your whole body, from bones to brain to beautiful hair.

Daily Health Must-Haves

• Vitamin D for bones and mood

• Magnesium glycinate for better sleep and stress regulation

• Omega-3s for heart and brain support

• Creatine & fiber for muscle maintenance and gut health

Targeted Support

• Black Cohosh may help reduce hot flashes

• Certain magnesium forms can improve sleep quality

• Nutrafol Women’s Balance supports hair growth and resilience through hormonal changes — it’s clinically proven and available at Genesis Boutique & Salon!

🌿 Ask your stylist or stylist-educator about adding Nutrafol or scalp treatments to your self-care plan.

Hairstyling Tips That Bring Life Back to Thinning Hair

Hormones may change, but your hair can still thrive.Try these stylist-approved tricks:

1. Start at the scalp. A daily scalp massage (bonus points if you use a stimulating serum) improves circulation and boosts volume at the root. We love the Kerastase Initialiste Serum to help stimulate the scalp and encourage hair growth, if you have a sensitive scalp try reducing the dose by using only once or twice a week.

2. Choose your dry shampoo wisely. You want grip, not build-up — and your stylist can help match one to your hair type. We prefer the Kerastase fresh affair dry shampoo, you can use this days in a row without feeling a heavy build up feeling.

3. Work with your texture. The right haircut celebrates your natural wave or curl instead of fighting it. It’s not about changing your hair — it’s about enhancing what you’ve got.

   
   

✂️ When your hair changes, your routine should too. Book a customized haircut or haircare consult at Genesis Boutique & Salon — we’ll help you fall back in love with your reflection.

A New Chapter, Not a Closed One

We've had women sit in our chairs and say, “I don’t recognize myself anymore.” And we get it. When your body changes faster than your mindset can catch up, it’s jarring. But here’s whats important: this chapter isn’t about chasing youth. It’s about adapting, evolving, and finding what works now.

Menopause doesn’t dim your light — it redefines it. If your hair is changing, let’s evolve your care routine too.

Nutrafol starter kits, boosters and other Nutrafol products are now available at Genesis to encourage results fast!

👉 Book your consultation at Genesis Boutique & Salon today — and let’s write your next chapter together.