Finding more hair in your brush than usual? You’re not alone. While thinning hair is often discussed as a male issue, many women notice changes in hair density as they get older– from finer strands to a wider parting. In fact, experts say around 40% of women experience hair loss after the menopause.

“Hair loss carries an emotional weight that is often underestimated,” says Dr Ophelia Veraitch, consultant dermatologist. “For women, gradual changes like a widening parting or loss of density can be deeply distressing. This is not a niche issue– it’s a common medical condition that deserves informed, compassionate care.”

The good news? Understanding the cause is the first step to managing it.

Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause

For many women, hair thinning begins during perimenopause, the stage before menopause when hormone levels start to fluctuate. “As the ovaries produce less oestrogen, women can experience noticeable changes in hair density,” explains Mark Blake, Harley Street trichologist. “Hair thinning is one of the most common symptoms.”

Oestrogen and progesterone help keep hair in the growth (anagen) phase. When levels drop, hair spends less time growing and strands can return finer and more fragile. Because the change happens gradually, it can take time to notice. “Most women don’t realise their hair is thinning until around 50% of density has already been lost,” says Mark.

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Another common cause is female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). Influenced by both hormones and genetics, it leads to gradual thinning as hair follicles shrink over time. Instead of producing thick strands, affected follicles grow finer hairs until growth slows or stops altogether. The change is usually most noticeable along the parting or crown.

Dr Veraitch says the slow pace of the condition often leads to delayed diagnosis. “Female pattern hair loss is progressive and slow-moving,” she explains. “Because hair grows slowly, most evidence-based treatments take three to six months before improvement becomes visible.

Stress, lifestyle and the body’s response

Hair can also reflect what’s happening internally. “The reason your hair feels harder to manage when you’re sick, run down or feeling low isn’t that your hair has changed overnight,” says Tom Smith, hair health expert andAEVUM founder. “It’s an accumulation of factors built up over time.”

Stress, poor sleep and hectic routines can disrupt the body’s natural hair cycle and affect how we care for our hair day to day. “Your best hair day is built six to twelve months in advance,” Tom explains.

What can help restore hair density?

Although age-related thinning is common, experts say early action can help slow progression. “When it comes to hair thinning, prevention is always better than cure,” says Mark. “As soon as you notice changes in your hair’s density, it’s worth seeking advice from a trichologist, dermatologist or GP.”

Identifying the underlying cause, whether hormonal shifts, genetics or nutritional deficiencies, helps guide treatment. Because hair grows slowly, patience is key, with many treatments taking several months before results appear.

Healthy hair helpers

Here’s what’s new in the world of hair-thickening innovation…

CurrentBody LED Hair Regrowth Device, £649.99

Using red light therapy to stimulate follicles, this hands-free device is designed to support scalp health and thicker-looking hair with regular use.

Cloud Nine LED Hair Care Brush, £99
Combining red and blue LED light therapy with gentle vibrations, this brush is designed to support scalp health and help hair appear fuller from the root.

Nioxin Age Defence range, £54 for the bundle or £27 each

A three-step system designed to tackle thinning, dullness and greying while supporting scalp and follicle health.

Vichy Dercos Aminexil Clinical R.E.G.E.N. Booster, £47

A lightweight scalp treatment formulated to strengthen hair fibres, energise follicles and promote thicker-looking strands.