Menopause and Hair Loss
What Every Woman Needs to Know (and Do) to Regain Her Confidence
By Leslie Bumpas, FNTP
Last fall, I had a full-on panic moment. Handfuls of hair were coming out in the shower, and I couldn’t figure out what on earth was happening. So, being me, I went down every rabbit hole until I understood the hair growth cycle—and how menopause plays into it.
Hormonal changes during menopause (and perimenopause) can wreak havoc on your hair. But the good news? You don’t have to settle for thinning strands and lost confidence. I’m here to show you how to flip the script using science-backed solutions, targeted supplements, and practical lifestyle shifts.
Let’s dive into the real reasons your hair is thinning—and how to reverse it.
The Hair Growth Cycle 101
Your hair isn’t just growing on autopilot. Each strand cycles through four phases:
Anagen (Growth): Active hair growth.
Catagen (Transition): Growth slows down.
Telogen (Resting): Hair takes a nap, preparing to shed.
Exogen (Shedding): Yep—the fallout phase.
Here’s the kicker: as we age (and especially in peri- and post-menopause), more follicles get “stuck” in telogen or exogen. Translation: thinning hair, less regrowth, and more frustration.
Hair loss during menopause isn’t just “part of aging.” It’s a signal that your body needs support.
Breakthrough Science: Plant-Based Support for Hair Regrowth
The exciting part? New research out of Switzerland showed that a simple plant-based extract—pea shoot, known as AnaGain™ Nu—helped flip follicles back into the growth phase. Participants saw nearly an 80% improvement in their growth-to-shedding ratio in just 90 days.
When I discovered this, I went hunting for professional-grade options and landed on Hair Growth+ by Douglas Labs. It combines AnaGain with green tea polyphenols, grape seed, zinc, and taurine—nutrients your follicles love.
And because I’m a “belt and suspenders” kind of girl, I also love pairing it with a topical peptide serum that nourishes the scalp environment for fuller, stronger hair.
Don’t Forget the Basics: Nutrition & Collagen
Here’s the truth bomb: all the fancy supplements in the world won’t work if your digestion is off or your thyroid is sluggish. If your gut isn’t absorbing proteins, minerals, and collagen properly, your hair won’t get what it needs to thrive.
That’s why I’m big on:
Whole food-based nutrition
Regular detox support
Thyroid-friendly nutrients
And yes, collagen is non-negotiable.
I sneak collagen peptides into everything—coffee, smoothies, even homemade gelatin snacks. My top picks? Whole Body Collagen and Whole Beauty Collagen from Designs for Health. These support multiple collagen types (I, II, III, V), which is crucial for rebuilding follicle strength and skin elasticity.
The Inside-Out Strategy That Works
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember this: Hair loss during menopause isn’t just “part of aging.” It’s a signal that your body needs support.
By addressing the root causes—hormone imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, gut health—you can revive your hair and reclaim your confidence.
And I’m living proof: after losing handfuls of hair, my own locks are now fuller, shinier, and (dare I say?) a little sassy again.
Ready to Reclaim Your Hair (and Your Vitality)?
Let’s not settle for thinning hair and declining health. You deserve to Own Your Age with Confidence, Strength, and Grace.
