Hair Loss and Shedding in Midlife Women: Causes and Treatments

Hair thinning or shedding is one of the most distressing symptoms many women notice during midlife. It is not only about appearance but also about confidence, mood, and sense of well-being. The good news is that you are not alone, and there are effective strategies to support healthy hair.

How Common Is Hair Loss in Women?

Up to 40 percent of women experience some degree of visible hair loss by age 50. Shedding often accelerates in the perimenopause and menopause transition when hormones fluctuate sharply. Unlike men, where bald patches are typical, women usually notice diffuse thinning, a widening part, a thinner ponytail, or increased shedding in the shower.

Why Does Hair Loss Happen?

Hormonal ChangesDeclining estrogen and progesterone during perimenopause and menopause reduce their protective effect on hair follicles. Androgens, or male hormones, can become more dominant and lead to female pattern hair loss, which resembles male pattern baldness in its mechanism.

Nutritional DeficienciesLow levels of iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and protein intake can weaken hair growth.

Stress and Inflammation, high cortisol, chronic stress, and conditions such as mast cell activation or autoimmune thyroid disease can all trigger excessive shedding.

Medical FactorsThyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, or side effects from certain medications including antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, and chemotherapy can all affect hair growth.

GeneticsFamily history plays a significant role in both male and female pattern hair loss.

Types of Hair Loss in Women

Telogen EffluviumThis is sudden and diffuse shedding triggered by stress, illness, major surgery, or hormonal shifts. It is usually temporary if the trigger is removed.

Female Pattern Hair LossThis is also called androgenetic alopecia. It presents as gradual thinning over the crown and a widening part, driven by hormones and genetics.

Alopecia AreataThis is patchy hair loss with an autoimmune origin.

Minoxidil: A Well-Studied Option

One of the best studied treatments for both female and male pattern hair loss is minoxidil.

How It Works

Minoxidil improves blood flow by opening potassium channels in scalp blood vessels, which increases oxygen and nutrient delivery to hair follicles. It prolongs the anagen or growth phase, keeping hair growing for longer and reducing premature shedding. It enlarges follicles so that miniaturized follicles are stimulated to produce thicker and more visible hairs. It also boosts growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor, which further supports follicle health.

Forms

Minoxidil is available as a topical solution or foam, usually in 2 percent or 5 percent strength, applied once or twice daily. Low dose oral minoxidil is also used off-label in select cases under medical supervision.

What to Expect

Results typically take three to six months. Continuous use is needed, because stopping treatment leads to gradual shedding again. Side effects can include scalp irritation, facial hair growth if the topical preparation spreads, and rarely systemic effects with oral use.

LED Light Therapy Caps

Another non-invasive option for hair loss is low-level light therapy, often delivered through an LED cap.

How It Works

Red or near-infrared light penetrates into the scalp and stimulates mitochondria in hair follicle cells. This increases energy production, improves blood flow, and encourages follicles to remain in the growth phase longer.

Evidence

Clinical trials show that LED therapy can increase hair density and thickness in both men and women with androgenetic alopecia. Some devices are FDA-cleared for this use. Best results are seen when LED therapy is combined with other treatments such as minoxidil or nutritional support.

Pros and Cons

LED caps are safe, painless, and can be used at home a few times a week. Results take several months and often plateau, meaning they work best as part of a maintenance plan. Devices can be expensive, and results vary from person to person.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

PRP uses your own blood plasma, which is rich in growth factors, to stimulate hair follicles.

How It Works

A small amount of your blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. This platelet-rich plasma is then injected into areas of thinning hair on the scalp. Growth factors in the plasma promote healing, increase blood flow, and stimulate dormant follicles.

Evidence

Several clinical studies show PRP can improve hair density and thickness, especially for androgenetic alopecia. Results are often best with a series of treatments over several months, followed by maintenance sessions.

Pros and Cons

PRP is generally safe because it uses your own plasma, reducing allergy risk. It requires multiple treatments and is offered only in medical clinics. Some women find the injections uncomfortable, and cost can be a limiting factor.

Supporting Hair Growth Naturally

Alongside medical and device options, lifestyle and nutritional support are essential.

• Adequate protein intake is important because hair is made of keratin.

• Blood tests should check iron, vitamin D, thyroid, and vitamin B12 levels.

• Managing stress and sleep is crucial since high cortisol worsens shedding.

• Supplements such as omega 3s, biotin, zinc, and collagen peptides may offer support, although the evidence is modest.

• Gentle hair care helps, such as avoiding excessive heat, harsh dyes, or tight hairstyles.

Key Takeaway

Hair shedding in midlife is common and usually caused by a mix of hormones, genetics, and lifestyle. While it can feel very distressing, it is not hopeless. Evidence-based options such as minoxidil, LED light therapy caps, and platelet-rich plasma injections can make a difference, especially when combined with good nutrition, stress management, and medical support for underlying issues.

At 10:10 we believe in tackling these challenges holistically, from hormone balance to lifestyle reset, so you can feel strong, vibrant, and confident, inside and out.