Hair thinning, increased shedding, and a widening part are common during perimenopause but hormones aren’t always the only reason. Here’s what your hair may be trying to tell you.
You notice more hair in the shower.
More hair in your brush.
More hair wrapped around the vacuum roller than should be humanly possible.
Your ponytail feels thinner.
Your part looks wider.
And suddenly you’re standing under the bathroom lights wondering if you’re imagining things.
Friend, you’re probably not.
Hair thinning is one of the most common complaints I hear from women in perimenopause and menopause, and it can feel especially frustrating because most women have no idea their hormones may be involved.
The Good News
Hair loss during perimenopause is common.
The even better news?
It’s often a clue—not a life sentence.
Your hair is one of the first places your body sends signals that something deeper may need attention.
What’s Happening to My Hair?
As we move through perimenopause, hormones don’t simply decline.
They fluctuate.
One month estrogen may be relatively high.
The next month it may be significantly lower.
Progesterone production often begins declining first, followed by increasing changes in estrogen production as menopause approaches.
These hormonal shifts can affect the growth cycle of your hair.
Hair normally grows in cycles:
- Growth phase
- Resting phase
- Shedding phase
When hormones become less predictable, more hairs can enter the shedding phase at the same time.
The result?
You notice increased hair loss weeks or even months later.
Estrogen Loves Hair
Estrogen helps support the growth phase of hair.
When estrogen begins declining, some women notice:
- Increased shedding
- Thinner hair
- Loss of volume
- Changes in hair texture
Hair may feel drier, more brittle, or less full than it once did.
Testosterone Isn’t Always the Villain
Many women immediately blame testosterone.
The reality is more complicated.
Some women have low testosterone.
Some have normal testosterone.
Some have adequate testosterone but are more sensitive to its effects.
What I often pay attention to is the balance between hormones rather than focusing on a single number.
Hormones like to travel in groups.
Rarely is there only one thing going on.
Don’t Forget About Thyroid
If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you knew thyroid was going to make an appearance.
Hair loss is one of the most common symptoms associated with thyroid dysfunction.
When I hear a woman say:
“My hair is falling out.”
I’m often asking:
- What is your TSH?
- What are your Free T3 and Free T4 levels?
- Have thyroid antibodies been checked?
Sometimes the hair is telling us a thyroid story.
Ferritin: The Hair Mineral Nobody Talks About
Ferritin is your stored iron.
You can have a normal hemoglobin and still have ferritin levels that are less than ideal for healthy hair growth.
Low ferritin is one of the most overlooked contributors to hair shedding that I see.
Especially in women with a history of:
- Heavy periods
- Blood donation
- Restrictive dieting
- Digestive issues
Stress and Cortisol Matter Too
Hair is not essential for survival.
When the body perceives stress, it prioritizes resources elsewhere.
High stress levels, illness, surgery, significant weight loss, or major life events can all trigger increased shedding.
The frustrating part?
The shedding often occurs two to three months after the stressor.
Many women don’t connect the dots.
Protein: The Foundation Most Women Miss
Your hair is made primarily of protein.
Yet many women are trying to build healthy hair while eating far less protein than their bodies need.
One of the simplest questions I ask is:
“How much protein are you eating each day?”
The answer is often much lower than expected.
Before we chase expensive solutions, we need to make sure the building blocks are present.
Could My Hormone Therapy Be Causing It?
Sometimes.
Hormone therapy can improve hair for some women.
For others, certain formulations or doses may contribute to increased shedding.
Testosterone, in particular, may accelerate hair loss in women who are genetically susceptible.
This doesn’t mean testosterone is bad.
It simply means we need to look at the whole picture.
Remember: Goldilocks.
Too little isn’t ideal.
Too much isn’t ideal.
We’re looking for “just right.”
The Bigger Picture
Hair loss during perimenopause is rarely caused by one thing.
I often think about several possibilities at the same time:
- Hormone fluctuations
- Thyroid health
- Ferritin levels
- Protein intake
- Stress
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Genetics
- Medication history
This is why guessing can become expensive and frustrating.
The goal isn’t to throw supplements at the problem.
The goal is to understand why it’s happening.
If you would like to investigate this on your own, from the comfort of your home, check out my Hormones From Home Testing Kits:
What Should You Do Next?
If you’re noticing increased shedding, don’t panic.
Hair grows slowly.
Hair recovers slowly.
And improvements often take several months to become visible.
Start by looking at the foundations:
✔ Protein intake
✔ Thyroid function
✔ Ferritin levels
✔ Hormone health
✔ Stress management
✔ Nutrient status
Your hair may be trying to tell you something.
The trick is learning how to listen.
My Recommendation
If your hair is thinning, widening at the part, or shedding more than usual, don’t assume it’s “just aging.”
Hair loss is often a symptom, not a diagnosis.
And sometimes the scalp is the first place your body waves a little white flag and says,
“Hey friend, something needs attention down here.”
The sooner we identify the reason, the sooner we can begin supporting healthier growth from the inside out.
For hair, skin and nails support, you can also add this Hair, Skin & Nails Essentials supplement:
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