Hair loss, Midlife, and Menopause

Today I’m discussing something that hits close to home for me. I’m talking about hair loss. Not just the kind that happens a little here and there, but the kind that makes you stare at your hairbrush in disbelief. The kind that makes you avoid the mirror, and makes you not want to wash your hair, or even brush it for fear of seeing a drain and a brush full of hair. The kind that makes you feel like you’re slowly losing a part of yourself—your identity, your confidence, your youth. I know that might sound dramatic if you’ve never experienced it, but if you have, you know exactly what I mean.

Let me start with my story. My hair had already started to change in perimenopause. It wasn’t as thick. The texture was different. I used to be able to throw it up in a messy bun and feel pretty confident about how I looked, but as I got deeper into perimenopause, it just didn’t feel like me anymore. It was thinner and flatter.

Then I broke my femur about seven months ago. That injury was traumatic in every way—physically, mentally, emotionally. I didn’t handle the anesthesia from the surgery very well, and the narcotics they gave me for pain made me sick. It was an all-around traumatic experience. Then, about four months after surgery, my hair just started falling out at an extremely alarming rate. It turns out, I had telogen effluvium, which is a temporary hair loss that happens after a physical or emotional shock. And it was awful.

Hair was coming out in the shower. Each time I brushed my hair, my brush was full. Absolutely nothing and no one prepares you for how helpless that makes you feel. I started to wonder if I was going to be bald. It was that bad. My ponytail was half the size it was before the injury- and my hair was already thinner anyway due to menopause. If I continued to lose hair at the rate I was going, I knew I’d have very little hair in the next few months. 

Thankfully, about six weeks after it started, the hair loss slowed. And now—slowly—slowly—it’s starting to grow back. But it’s a process, and it’s one I know will take months to make a difference. 

Let’s Talk About Hair and Identity

Hair is more than hair. It’s tied to our femininity, our identity, our confidence. We experiment with it. We change it when we change our lives. And then, suddenly, it starts to change without our permission. I know women with very thin hair, and some who have actually gone ahead and completely shaved their heads due to loss that has happened naturally or through medical procedures. I think they look amazing, and I, myself, started thinking about embracing that look if I kept losing my hair at the rate it was going. But I wanted that to be a choice and a change I wanted, not one that was done out of necessity. 

For midlife women, these changes can feel especially unfair. We’re already adjusting to so much—body changes, hormone shifts, hot flashes, mood swings—and now, hair loss? It just feels like one more thing being taken. So, if you’re feeling frustrated, discouraged, or even ashamed—you are not alone. 

What Causes Hair Loss in Midlife Women?

Let’s talk about the why, because it helps to know what’s happening beneath the surface.

There are a few big culprits:

 • Hormonal changes: Declining estrogen and progesterone levels can lead to thinning, dryness, and slowed hair growth.

 • We have Increased androgens (male hormones): Some women experience more of these during menopause, which can shrink hair follicles and cause hair to thin or fall out.

 • Stress or trauma: Like I experienced, a major injury or emotional shock can send hair into a major shedding phase.

 • Nutritional deficiencies: Not getting enough protein, iron, or certain vitamins can affect hair growth.

 • Thyroid issues, autoimmune diseases, and genetics also play a role.

So yeah—there’s a lot going on. And most of it is out of your control.

What Does Help?

And this is the part that really matters—what can you actually do?

I want to be real with you, because I asked my dermatologist and he was brutally honest: there is no miracle supplement. He said that if it were as easy as taking a supplement, then you wouldn’t see all these wealthy older men walking around with comb overs and bald spots. He said if you want real hair regrowth, you need implants or medicated treatments. Those are extremely expensive, and they don’t always work. Those options were not for me. And maybe they aren’t for you either.

So here’s what I’ve found helpful in a realistic, holistic, hormone-friendly way:

1. Patience & Perspective

Yes, this is first. Because hair takes months to show improvement. It doesn’t follow a quick-fix timeline. Your emotional well-being matters as much as your scalp routine. I am not a patient person, but I am noticing baby hairs around my hairline, so I know I’m having some improvement. 

2. Supplements (maybe)

I take NourishVita, and while the science is limited, it gives me peace of mind that I’m supporting my body. Look for supplements with:

 • Biotin

 • Collagen

 • Zinc

 • Iron (if you’re low)

 • B vitamins

Again, no guarantees—but they may help support regrowth. The Nourishvita has actually helped my nails become thicker and stronger. Make sure you speak with your doctor before starting anything, though. 

3. Nutrition

Eat to support your body. Focus on:

 • Protein: Hair is made of keratin, a protein.

 • Healthy fats: Omega-3s help nourish the scalp.

 • Iron-rich foods: Like spinach, legumes, red meat if you eat it.

 • Hydration: Your hair needs moisture from the inside out.

4. Scalp Care

 • Gentle massage stimulates blood flow in the scalp.

 • Avoid tight hairstyles.

 • Use clean, sulfate-free shampoo.

 • Be gentle with brushing.

5. Stress Management

Hard, I know. But chronic stress messes with your hormones. Stress is hard on every part of our body. Practice breathwork, journaling, gentle movement, walks, or meditation—whatever brings you back to yourself.

6. Accepting the Season

This might be the hardest part—learning to accept your hair, your body, your age, even when it’s not cooperating. I promise you—you are still beautiful. You are still you. Hair, less hair, or no hair. We are all different as we age. 

Final Thoughts

Hair loss can feel like a betrayal. But your body isn’t betraying you—it’s asking for support, rest, and compassion. You’re going through real changes. And you don’t have to pretend it’s easy. If your hair is thinning, falling out, or just not what it used to be—I see you, and I’m right there with you.

Let’s stop hiding this. Let’s talk about it. Let’s normalize the very real, very emotional reality of hair loss in midlife. And let’s support each other through it.

Until next time, I’m reminding you to bloom through the hard things, because that’s where the beauty is.