Why Does Hair Thin During Menopause? What Really Happens

Common Questions About Menopausal Hair Thinning

One of the most common concerns I hear from women in their 40s and 50s is, “Why is my hair thinning, why is my part getting wider, and why does my hairline look like it is slowly receding?”

These changes are frustrating, but they are not unusual. Hair thinning during menopause is real, and it happens for reasons rooted in biology. Let’s talk through what is really going on and how to support your hair through this transition.

Estrogen and progesterone are the hormones that quietly supported your hair for decades

They helped keep follicles in the growth phase longer, which is why your hair felt thicker and more resilient in earlier years. As these hormones decline, the protective effect weakens. The hair growth cycle shortens, meaning each strand spends less time growing before it sheds. At the same time, androgens such as testosterone become relatively more dominant. Hair follicles are sensitive to this shift, and over time they begin to miniaturize, producing shorter, finer strands that create the visible widening of the part and thinning around the temples. This combination of shorter growth cycles and increased shedding is one of the hallmark causes of menopausal hair loss.

Inflammation also plays a role

Menopause is associated with higher oxidative stress inside the body, and that environment makes follicles more fragile. This is where nutritional support becomes so important. Wellbel Women+ was formulated by Dr. Daniel Yadegar, a Harvard-trained physician, to replenish the nutrient gaps that appear at this stage of life. It includes MSM, a compound that reduces inflammation around the follicle and supports collagen production. By calming this low-level irritation, MSM helps create a healthier foundation for hair to grow. I often explain it as resetting the conditions around the follicle, like clearing static so the signal comes through clearly.

Alongside MSM, Women+ provides key micronutrients

Including the correct dose of biotin, zinc, and antioxidants that defend against oxidative damage. These nutrients act like a support team, strengthening follicles and helping extend the hair growth cycle at a time when your natural protective hormones are in decline. Many women are surprised at how much more resilient and full their hair feels once those internal needs are met consistently.

But caring for hair during menopause is not just about what you take in

External care matters too, especially when the scalp becomes more prone to buildup and imbalance. Wellbel’s Detox Shampoo is formulated to thoroughly cleanse without stripping away natural oils, removing debris and pollutants that can interfere with follicle health. The Restorative Conditioner uses encapsulated actives to deliver hydration and repair exactly where it is needed, helping improve strength and shine while supporting a balanced scalp environment. This combination works like a reset button for the surface where new hair emerges.

Lifestyle factors cannot be ignored either

Stress hormones such as cortisol shorten the growth phase of the hair cycle, and sleep disturbances, which are very common during menopause, can make the problem worse. Even small steps like regular movement, mindfulness practices, or gentle scalp massage can help lower cortisol and boost circulation, both of which support healthier hair growth.

The encouraging truth is that thinning hair during menopause is not something you have to accept

With the right internal support through Wellbel Women+ and external care through their scalp-focused hair products, you can protect and even restore your hair health. I tell my patients to think of hair as an early signal from the body. When we listen and give it what it needs, it often responds beautifully.

So if you are noticing thinning, more shedding, a widening part, or subtle changes at your hairline, know that you are not alone

There are science-backed solutions to support you through this transition, helping you feel confident and strong as you move through your transitions.