Can HRT Cause Hair Loss? Doctors Share Info About Potential Side Effect of Perimenopause Treatment
Find out why perimenopause may contribute to possible hair loss and how you can combat it
Nowadays, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one of the most recommended treatments for perimenopause and menopause symptoms. However, it’s not without ramifications, and headaches, nausea, irregular bleeding and other discomforts could occur as a result. But can HRT cause hair loss, too? The simple answer is that it depends. Luckily, doctors share all you need to know about perimenopause hair loss and the potential side effects of HRT. Keep reading to learn more about HRT and its connection to hair loss and how you can combat it during this stage of life.
Can HRT cause hair loss?
The answer is yes and no, as every person who opts for HRT is going to have a different experience. Hormonal imbalances can impact hair loss during menopause and perimenopause, just as treatment options can affect those who opt for it.
“HRT can sometimes lead to hair loss if it increases androgen levels, which can affect hair follicles,” explains Christina Han, MD, FRCP, board-certified dermatologist at XYON Health. “However, it can also help prevent hair loss by balancing hormone levels that fluctuate during menopause.”
Hair loss for menopausal women and those starting perimenopause will also vary due to the types of hormones used in the therapy. “Estrogen, for example, tends to support hair growth, so if your HRT is boosting your estrogen levels, you might actually notice an improvement in your hair,” says Ross Kopelman DO, hair transplant surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration. “If your therapy includes androgens, which are male hormones, it could have the opposite effect and trigger hair thinning.”
Hair loss is a possible symptom of menopause
Since your hormones are constantly fluctuating during this time, menopause itself can actually lead to hair loss or thinning. “As the body’s estrogen and progesterone levels drop during menopause, hair can become thinner and more prone to shedding,” says Dr. Kopelman.
These hormones are essential for hair growth which is why Dr. Kopelman says that the hair’s growth cycle shortens, and hair doesn’t grow as thick or as long as it used to if you’re low on estrogen and progesterone. Menopausal hair loss can be distressing, but it’s also manageable.
What are some signs of hair loss from HRT?
Menopausal-related hair loss is quite under-recognized and many women are dealing with hair changes throughout this time. Dr. Han says you might be experiencing hair loss if you notice “increased shedding, thinning hair, and a receding hairline, particularly around the temples.”
“If you’re starting to see more hair in your brush, the shower drain, or on your pillow, it could be a sign that menopause or HRT is affecting your hair,” adds Dr. Kopelman. Some people will also thinning at their crown or on their scalp and sometimes your hair can feel brittle or dry which signals that something is going on with your hormones.
How you can combat HRT hair loss
The best place to start is with a visit to your doctor or health care professional. “This may include advice from a general practitioner, endocrinologist, as well as a dermatologist,” says Dr. Han. From there you can figure out if your HRT regimen needs to be adjusted.
“HRT may be a good option for those experiencing 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 be required to first make the diagnosis of the type of hair loss being seen as well as recommendations from therapies which often is necessary to slow down the thinning and see regrowth.”
Other easy ways to reverse hair loss
If HRT isn’t working, Dr. Kopelman suggests trying “topical treatments like minoxidil, which can be very effective in stimulating hair growth.”
Certain medications such as spironolactone, which block the effects of androgens, can also be helpful and proper nutrition can make a huge difference in hair loss. “Making sure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals that support hair health is crucial,” says Dr. Kopelman.
For more perimenopause and menopause discussion:
What Is Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy? Doctors on the Perimenopause and Menopause Treatment
MDs Reveal the Best Natural Ways to Ease the Most Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
The 5 Easy Tricks Experts Say Balance Your Hormones + Tame Menopause Symptoms Naturally
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
