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Hair thinning - menopause - what really helps?

30 replies

redblock · 06/06/2026 22:49

Due to cancer treatment I have been put into early surgical menopause at age 38. I had no symptoms before. In fact I only had my last baby 18 months ago.
I can’t take HRT or anything else hormonal due to the cancer treatment.

I’m struggling with hair thinning and hair loss. My hair has always been long and thick. I cut it to my shoulders to try and combat some of it. But I feel it’s a losing battle. Every day so many hair strands are falling out and it’s becoming thinner and thinner. Especially around the hair line.

Searching online I am flooded with adverts - all promising me the world and a full head of hair.

But has anyone here tried anything for menopausal hair loss/thinning that actually worked? I’d appreciate any advice.

OP posts:
notnorman · 27/09/2026 08:33

Minoxidil tablets

Pineapplesunshine · 27/09/2026 08:44

Just to second the red light - I used one I have for my hands and it definitely helps - my hairdresser commented on the amount of regrowing prompted. I spoke to a hair specialist scalp doctor about my daughter and she said she wasn’t sure it would help her but there is evidence to show red light can help female pattern hair loss. There is a scalp specific one on current body, but I had the hand one already so just use that. Good luck!

Daffodils88 · 27/09/2026 20:37

Pineapplesunshine · 27/09/2026 08:44

Just to second the red light - I used one I have for my hands and it definitely helps - my hairdresser commented on the amount of regrowing prompted. I spoke to a hair specialist scalp doctor about my daughter and she said she wasn’t sure it would help her but there is evidence to show red light can help female pattern hair loss. There is a scalp specific one on current body, but I had the hand one already so just use that. Good luck!

Do you know if they’re safe to use after chemo & radiotherapy?

tam23 · 27/09/2026 20:44

Hi, I use Nioxin anti hair loss serum. It makes your hair stay in your scalp for longer and therefore over time becomes thicker as you don’t shed as quickly. Mine is better now than before my cancer treatment. Two of my friends have tried it and found the same.

Pineapplesunshine · 27/09/2026 20:56

Daffodils88 · 27/09/2026 20:37

Do you know if they’re safe to use after chemo & radiotherapy?

I’m really sorry I don’t know - google suggests it depends on wavelengths so check with oncology team. Sorry - I’m just a lay person and not qualified to say, but perhaps send details of any relevant red light mask / helmet to your oncology team before using? Good luck x

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