Ah, menopause! That natural biological process and inevitable rite of passage that all women experience at some point in their lives. And while every woman’s menopause experience is different, there are some common menopausal symptoms that cause the greatest disruption to everyday life. While hot flashes, mood swings and weight gain are expected during “the change,” many women are unaware and unprepared for the hair thinning and hair loss that can take place during this time. In fact, nearly 40 percent of women experience hair thinning during and after menopause.

For women going through menopause, the cause of hair loss is almost always related to hormonal changes. The body produces less of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone, which are the main triggers for hair growth. When the levels of progesterone and estrogen drop, hair growth slows and hair tends to become thinner. Lifestyle changes, including diet and sleeping habits, can also take a toll. For women experiencing menopause, the added anxiety of hair loss can have devastating effects on one’s self-confidence and daily outlook.