Written by the SiWell content team ·
Hair loss during menopause is mainly caused by a drop in estrogen. This hormone normally keeps your hair in the growth phase for longer. As levels drop, this growth phase shortens and androgens (male hormones) gain relatively more influence, which can weaken hair follicles. The result: thinner hair, more hair loss, and slower hair growth.
Does this sound familiar? You are certainly not alone. According to research, more than half of women experience some form of this hair thinning after menopause.
Why is your hair falling out now?
Your hair grows in cycles: a growth phase, a resting phase, and a shedding phase. Estrogen ensures that hair follicles remain in this growth phase for longer. Researchers discovered that estrogen does this by influencing hormones, growth factors, and signaling molecules that communicate directly with your hair follicles.
During menopause, your estrogen levels drop significantly. As a result:
- Your hair's growth phase shortens
- Androgens gain relatively more ground, which can cause hair follicles to shrink
- Blood supply to your scalp slightly decreases, nourishing hair roots less
This process is also known as female pattern hair loss and usually manifests as a thinning hairline and less volume on top of your head, rather than bald spots.
Is it just your hair, or is there more going on?
No, it goes deeper than just your hair. Your skin is facing the same problem. Research shows that women can lose up to 30% of their skin collagen in the first five years after menopause. Since collagen also forms the basis for strong hair roots, this is closely related: less collagen means a less firm "foundation" for your hair.
This also explains why during menopause you often not only notice hair loss, but at the same time also drier skin, less elastic skin, and brittle nails. It's all the same story of declining estrogen and reduced collagen production.
Silicon: what we can and cannot say with certainty
Silicon is a mineral naturally present in the human body, including in connective tissue, skin, hair, and nails. Over the years, scientific research has been conducted on silicon in relation to skin, hair, and nails, such as a study by Barel et al. (2005) on oral intake of silicon in women with sun-damaged skin.
It's important to be honest: in 2011, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) specifically assessed whether there is a proven cause-and-effect relationship between silicon intake and effects on collagen formation, skin elasticity, or the formation of hair and nails.
What can you do yourself?
You can't completely stop menopause, but you can support your body. A few things that, according to research and experts, can help:
Silicon is naturally part of your connective tissue. Some women choose to maintain their silicon intake through food or a supplement, in addition to the other steps below.
Pay attention to your iron levels. A low ferritin level (iron stores) is associated with increased hair loss, even independently of anemia. Have this checked by your doctor if hair loss persists.
Be gentle with your scalp. Tight hairstyles, heat styling, and aggressive coloring enhance the effect of hormonal hair loss. Gentle styling is especially important now.
Give it time. Hair grows slowly. Expect at least several months before you can properly assess the results of any approach.
When to see a doctor?
In case of sudden, severe hair loss, bald spots, or hair loss accompanied by other symptoms (such as extreme fatigue or weight changes), it is wise to have this checked. This can also indicate a thyroid problem, which is more common around menopause and causes similar symptoms.
Read more: the six causes of hair loss · what happens to your skin during menopause · SiWell during menopause
A natural you, even during menopause
At SiWell, we believe you deserve the right information at every stage of life to make your own choices. Triple A Silicon is a liquid supplement with silicon in a concentrated form. Would you like to know more about silicon as a mineral or about the role of collagen in your body? Check out our pages on silicon and collagen.
