Surveys suggest most women notice hair changes in menopause, but few get medical help
2026-04-09
Two 2026 surveys found that most women in perimenopause and menopause notice hair changes, mainly shedding and thinning. Few seek medical advice, even though some causes of hair loss are treatable.
See a doctor if hair falls out suddenly or in patches, your hairline is receding, your scalp is sore or scarred, or hair loss comes with tiredness, weight change or heavy periods.
What happened
In February 2026, The Benchmarking Company, a US consumer research firm, surveyed more than 4,000 women in perimenopause, menopause or after menopause. Its results were published in April 2026.1
Separately, UK researchers published a conference abstract in the British Journal of Dermatology in 2026. It combined an online survey of 1,457 women in England with interviews of 17 women.2
The two studies used different methods and asked different questions. Even so, they point in the same direction.
What the surveys found
In the Benchmarking Company survey, 72% of menopausal women reported unwelcome hair changes. Only 4% noticed good changes.1
- Shedding (80%) and thinning (77%) were the most common complaints.1
- Others included dryness (58%), graying (57%) and breakage (55%).1
- Reports of thinning or shedding were much higher than in the firm's 2021 survey.1
The UK study found 84% had hair symptoms. The most common were shedding (65%), thinning (57%), a change in texture (45%) and an itchy scalp (44%).2 Many also noticed thinner eyebrows (37%) or more facial and body hair (30%).2
About 1 in 4 women said hair changes had at least a moderate effect on their quality of life. Interviews described a loss of confidence and sense of identity.2
Few women get medical help
In the UK study, 32% had received no information about hair changes from any source.2 More women turned to online searches or hairdressers than to doctors. Only 12% saw a family doctor and 3% a dermatologist.2
Two types of hair loss, female pattern hair loss and frontal fibrosing alopecia, were more common after menopause began.2 Both benefit from a proper diagnosis.3
Women in the US survey said they wanted affordable products with proof that they work. Most (60%) thought menopause-branded hair products worked the same as general ones.1
Many already use several products. The survey found 60% use three or four hair products, and 77% want proof of results before buying.1
What it means for you, and what it does not
Hair changes in midlife are common and can affect confidence. You do not have to accept them without advice.2
Some treatments have good evidence. Topical minoxidil is a first-line treatment for female pattern hair loss and is sold over the counter in many countries.4 Iron or vitamin D may help only if you are low, so a blood test comes first.3
These surveys do not prove menopause causes every hair change. The US survey was run by a market research firm for the beauty industry and has not been peer reviewed.1 The UK study is a conference abstract. See our pages on thinning hair and gray hair.
Related
Sources
- Beyond quick fixes: women embrace science-backed life-stage hair care, Perfumer & Flavorist / GCI (The Benchmarking Company, 2026)
- Characterizing hair changes in menopause: symptom patterns and help-seeking behaviours, British Journal of Dermatology abstract BH26 (2026)
- Hair loss and menopause: what dermatologists want you to know, University of Miami Health System (2025)
- Male and female pattern hair loss: a guide to treatment, Cleveland Clinic Consult QD (2021)