If you’ve started noticing extra hair in your brush, on your pillow, or in the shower drain, you’re not imagining it.
Perimenopause hair loss is extremely common — and for many women in The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe, and the greater Houston area, it becomes one of the first signs that hormones are shifting.
The good news?
There are effective ways to slow shedding, strengthen your hair, and even encourage regrowth using a personalized, root-cause approach.
As a functional medicine and hormone specialist in The Woodlands, TX, I help women identify what’s causing their hair loss — and create a targeted treatment plan that restores balance and confidence.
Let’s break down why perimenopause causes hair loss and what you can do to fix it.
What Happens to Your Hormones During Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the transition phase before menopause, when your estrogen and progesterone levels start to fluctuate and decline.
These hormones don’t just affect mood or menstrual cycles — they directly impact your hair growth cycle.
Here’s what happens:
Estrogen drops → hair growth phase shortens → more shedding
Progesterone drops → less protection against androgens
DHT rises → shrinks hair follicles → thinner, weaker strands
Stress hormones (cortisol) rise → follicles prematurely enter the shedding phase
Thyroid changes → disrupt hair cycling
This hormonal shift is the major reason women experience diffuse thinning, especially along the crown, part line, and front hairline.
Causes of Hair Loss in Perimenopause (At a Glance)
| Cause | How It Affects Hair |
| Estrogen decline | Shortens hair growth phase, increases shedding |
| Progesterone decline | Reduces protection against androgens |
| Increased DHT | Shrinks follicles, causes thinning |
| High cortisol | Triggers telogen effluvium (shedding) |
| Nutrient deficiencies | Weakens follicles, slows regrowth |
| Thyroid imbalance | Disrupts hair cycle & metabolism |
What Perimenopause Hair Loss Looks Like
You may notice:
Gradual thinning on the top or crown
Widening part line
More hair in brush, sink, or shower
Baby hairs that never grow
Loss of fullness and volume
More visible scalp in bright light
Unlike autoimmune hair loss, perimenopause hair loss is typically evenly distributed, not patchy.
Can Perimenopause Cause Permanent Hair Loss?
Not usually.
If addressed early, most women can regrow significant volume.
However, long-term untreated hormone imbalance can lead to follicle miniaturization — making regrowth harder later.
Early evaluation is key.
How to Treat Perimenopause Hair Loss: A Functional Medicine Approach
As a hormone specialist and BHRT expert in The Woodlands, TX, I use a whole-body, root-cause approach.
The best results come from combining medical, nutritional, and lifestyle support.
1. Medical & Topical Therapies
Minoxidil (2–5%)
Extends the hair growth phase.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
At-home laser caps stimulate circulation and cellular energy.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
Uses your own growth factors to activate dormant follicles.
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHRT)
Restores estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone balance — one of the most effective strategies for perimenopause hair loss.
I offer commercially available BHRT, compounded hormone creams, patches, and injections through telemedicine across Texas.
2. Nutritional Support
Hair follicles are metabolically active structures and require key nutrients:
Protein & iron → keratin production
Vitamin D & zinc → follicle metabolism
Omega-3s → scalp circulation
B vitamins & biotin → hair strength and resilience
3. Stress & Lifestyle Support
High cortisol = increased shedding.
Helpful strategies:
Mindful breathing, yoga, walking
Strength training (improves insulin & hormones)
7–8 hours of restorative sleep
Blood sugar balance (critical in perimenopause)
4. Scalp & Hair Care
Use sulfate-free shampoo
Massage scalp 3–5 minutes daily
Avoid tight buns, ponytails, or harsh heat tools
Consider rosemary oil, pumpkin seed oil, or saw palmetto
Can Hair Grow Back After Perimenopause?
Yes — especially when treatment starts early.
Most women see meaningful improvement in 3–6 months, with continued progress throughout the year.
Follicles that are still alive can absolutely regain thickness and length.
Natural Remedies That May Help
Saw Palmetto (reduces DHT)
Pumpkin Seed Oil (supports density)
Rosemary Oil (shown to perform similar to minoxidil)
Collagen Peptides (strengthens hair shaft)
Always check with a clinician before starting supplements.
When to Seek Professional Evaluation
You should be evaluated if you notice:
Shedding >100 hairs per day
Rapid thinning
Widening part or visible scalp
Thinning eyebrows or lashes
Family history of female pattern hair loss
A functional hormone panel may include:
Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone
DHEA & DHT
Thyroid labs
Ferritin & iron
Vitamin D
Cortisol patterns
This helps identify EXACTLY what’s driving your hair loss.
How I Help Women Restore Hair & Hormone Balance in The Woodlands, TX
At Your Functional Edge, I specialize in:
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
Functional hormone evaluation
Perimenopause and menopause care
Thyroid optimization
Root-cause fertility & women’s health
Advanced lab testing & personalized treatment plans
My approach blends evidence-based medicine with functional nutrition and a whole-person focus.
We don’t guess —
We test, treat, and support you every step of the way.
Ready to Get Help With Perimenopause Hair Loss?
If you’re struggling with shedding, thinning, or loss of volume, you don’t need to navigate it alone.
I help women across The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe, Tomball, and all of Texas through convenient telemedicine visits.
Book your appointment and start your personalized hormone & hair restoration plan.
FAQs
How do you treat perimenopause hair loss?
Through hormone balancing, nutritional optimization, stress management, BHRT, minoxidil, LLLT, PRP, and personalized scalp care.
Will my hair grow back?
Most women see significant regrowth once hormones stabilize and underlying deficiencies are corrected.
What nutrient deficiencies cause hair loss?
Low ferritin (iron), vitamin D, zinc, and B vitamins are the most common.
Can hormonal hair loss be reversed?
Yes — especially with early intervention and proper BHRT or functional support.
What’s the best supplement for perimenopause hair loss?
Biotin, vitamin D, iron (if deficient), zinc, omega-3s, saw palmetto, and collagen peptides.
How long does perimenopause hair loss last?
It varies, but shedding usually improves within 3–6 months once the root cause is addressed.