Medications and Procedures for Menopause-Related Hair Loss (2025)

A type of hair loss called female pattern hair loss (FPHL) — sometimes referred to as androgenetic alopecia (AGA) — can occur at any age but often appears around the menopausal transition. It causes shrinking of the hair follicles and progressive hair loss that’s typically most noticeable on the top of the head.

If you want to explore hair loss treatments, talk with a healthcare professional, such as a general practitioner or a dermatologist.

Several medications are available to manage hair loss during menopause.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil (Rogaine) is the only medication the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved for FPHL. It usually comes as a topical solution or foam that you apply to your scalp.

The exact way that minoxidil reduces hair loss isn’t well understood, though it may help stimulate the hair follicles. Also, research involving menopausal people specifically is limited.

A 2022 research review notes that topical minoxidil may be beneficial for FPHL, though a 2023 review of studies states that as many as 60% of people using it don’t see any improvements.

A small 2022 study in nonmenopausal women found that topical minoxidil may be more effective when combined with other treatments.

There’s also an oral form of minoxidil, though more research is necessary to understand how it compares to topical minoxidil in menopausal people.

Finasteride

Though it isn’t FDA approved for FPHL, doctors may also prescribe finasteride (Propecia) for hair loss. Finasteride is a 5α-reductase inhibitor, meaning it reduces the action of the 5α-reductase enzyme, which contributes to a hormone conversion process that can lead to hair loss.

The oral form may help increase hair density and reduce hair loss. Some pharmacies may also compound a topical form, meaning they make it themselves by mixing or altering ingredients, but these compounded medications aren’t FDA-approved or tested for quality.

People who can become pregnant shouldn’t take finasteride. If you’re experiencing perimenopause and are still menstruating, be sure to tell your doctor.

Other medications

Doctors may prescribe several other medications off-label, meaning they’re not approved specifically for hair loss. These may include:

Hormone therapy, a common treatment for menopause symptoms, may not be right for people experiencing only hair symptoms. However, doctors may prescribe it as part of a management plan for people experiencing multiple menopause-related symptoms.

A few procedures may also help reduce hair loss. Ask your doctor if they may be appropriate for you.

Laser or light therapy

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also called photobiomodulation, involves using devices that emit light in short pulses or continuously. It may help decrease hair loss and improve hair density, though researchers are still studying exactly how it works.

The FDA has approved some home products, including certain laser caps or combs, for treating AGA. Some clinics also offer in-office treatments.

Microneedling

Some people experiencing hair loss may also benefit from microneedling, which involves inserting small needles into the scalp to create tiny skin injuries. These injuries may stimulate the hair follicles and trigger hair regrowth.

Platelet-rich plasma injections

For people with early stage hair loss, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may be beneficial. For this procedure, a healthcare professional takes blood, processes it so the platelet-rich plasma separates, and injects the plasma into the affected part of the scalp.

These injections may help improve hair density.

Hair transplantation

In cases of severe hair loss, hair transplantation may be the best option. The procedure involves taking healthy hair follicles from one part of the head and inserting them into the area where hair loss is occurring.

Many natural treatments, such as herbs and supplements, are touted as effective for hair loss. However, it’s best to always talk with a qualified healthcare professional before trying any treatments, natural or otherwise.

Natural treatments can also interact with medications, so be sure to tell your doctor about anything you’re taking before trying herbs or supplements.

Consult a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing severe or persistent hair loss. They can help you figure out what may be causing it and which treatments may be best for you.

You can help your doctor by being as specific as possible about which areas of your scalp are affected, how much hair you’re losing, and if your hair loss happens continuously or sporadically.

Hair loss is common during menopause, and multiple treatments are available. A doctor may recommend topical treatments, oral medications, or in-office procedures.

Talk with your doctor about a management plan that may be best for you.