top of page

Losing Hair in Perimenopause? Here’s What’s Really Going On — and How to Fix It Naturally

  • Writer: Dr. Jen
    Dr. Jen
  • 3 days ago
  • 3 min read

Hair loss is one of the most frustrating symptoms of perimenopause. For many women, it shows up suddenly: more shedding in the shower, thinning around the hairline, widening part lines, or a loss of overall volume.

The truth is: this is very common, but not inevitable.And with the right root-cause support, hair can grow back healthier and fuller.

Below is your complete guide to understanding perimenopause-related hair loss — and what you can do today to support regrowth naturally.


ree

Why Hair Loss Happens in Perimenopause

Hormone fluctuations during perimenopause directly affect the hair growth cycle. Here’s what’s happening inside your body:

1. Progesterone Drops First

Progesterone blocks the effects of androgens like DHT.

Low progesterone → more androgen sensitivity → thinning hair.

2. Estrogen Becomes Erratic

Estrogen supports hair growth and scalp circulation.

During perimenopause, estrogen surges and crashes destabilize the hair cycle.

3. Cortisol Rises (Stress Hair Loss)

Stress hormones can push follicles into shedding mode.

Perimenopause makes your system more reactive to stress.

4. Thyroid Function Shifts

Perimenopause increases autoimmune risk (including Hashimoto’s).

Low or unstable thyroid hormones = hair loss.

5. Blood Sugar Becomes Less Stable

Insulin resistance activates androgen pathways that shrink follicles.

This combination is why hair loss can hit suddenly in midlife.

Labs to Consider for Hair Loss

For a true root-cause approach, these labs provide invaluable clarity:

  • Thyroid panel (TSH, Free T4, Free T3, rT3, TPO, TG antibodies)

  • Ferritin

  • Vitamin D (goal: 50–80)

  • Zinc and copper

  • Fasting insulin (goal: around 5)

  • Total and free testosterone and DHT

  • Estradiol and Progesterone

  • SHBG

  • DHEA-S

  • Four point salvia cortisol

If something feels “off,” these labs can identify the why.

How to Support Hair Growth Naturally

Below are strategies I recommend clinically and personally — because they work.

Support Stress + Cortisol Regulation

Stress is one of the fastest ways to trigger shedding.

Stress Less and Stress Adapt a physician-formulated adaptogenic blend to support:

  • cortisol balance

  • calmer evenings

  • better sleep

  • more resilient hair follicles

Nourish Your Hair From the Inside Out

Topical products are helpful, but they do nothing for internal hormonal causes.

That’s why Hairgevity, a clinical-grade formula designed to support hair growth at the follicle level.

Benefits include:✔ thicker, fuller hair✔ less shedding✔ improved hair cycle✔ stronger strands✔ nutrient support for follicles

Stabilize Blood Sugar

Insulin resistance drives androgenic hair loss.Simple daily habits help:

These are foundational for hormone balance and hair growth.

Build Muscle — Your Hormone Bank Account

Muscle is one of the strongest protectors against:

  • insulin resistance

  • cortisol dysregulation

  • inflammation

  • metabolic slowing

Healthier metabolism → healthier hair.

When Hair Loss Signals Something More

See a provider if you notice:

  • sudden dramatic shedding

  • bald patches

  • eyebrow or eyelash loss

  • scalp pain or inflammation

  • very rapid thinning

This may indicate:

  • thyroid disease

  • autoimmune alopecia

  • iron deficiency

  • severe cortisol dysregulation

Root-cause evaluation matters.

You Can Reverse Perimenopause Hair Loss

With the right combination of hormone support, stress regulation, nutrient replenishment, and metabolic strength, hair can absolutely grow back healthier and thicker.

Your body is capable of healing — and you don’t have to navigate this alone.

Shop My Hair Health Essentials

✨ Use them together for synergistic support during perimenopause.


Need more?

Grab a copy of my book The Perimenopause Reset


ree
ree

 
 
 

Comments


The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Pfleghaar unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Pfleghaar and her community. Dr. Pfleghaar encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified healthcare professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Pfleghaar products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using any products

© 2024 by Healthy by Dr. Jen

  • Instagram
  • YouTube
bottom of page