Does body hair stop growing at menopause?

Oct 27, 2025 4 min read •

women's health Healthy Aging Menopause

Over 50% of women experience some degree of hair thinning during or after menopause, but the idea that body hair stops growing entirely is a myth. In fact, hormonal changes during this life stage create a complex shift in hair growth patterns, leading to less hair in some areas and more in others, which is a key part of understanding the changes that occur during menopause.

Quick Summary

Hormonal changes during menopause do not stop body hair growth entirely but rather alter its growth patterns and distribution. Many women experience a thinning of hair on their scalp, legs, and underarms, while simultaneously noticing an increase in coarser hair on the chin or upper lip due to shifting hormone levels.

Key Points

Hormonal shifts cause changes: During menopause, declining estrogen levels and relatively higher androgen levels alter hair growth patterns across the body.
Body hair often thins: Many women notice that hair on their legs, arms, and underarms becomes finer, less dense, and grows more slowly.
Facial hair may increase: The hormonal shift can trigger the growth of coarser, darker hair on the chin, upper lip, and jawline.
Scalp hair commonly thins: Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is a common symptom, appearing as a widening part or overall reduced hair density at the crown.
Genetics and lifestyle play a role: Factors like genetics, stress, diet, and metabolism also contribute to the extent and pattern of hair changes experienced during menopause.
Management options are available: Treatments range from cosmetic removal methods for facial hair to topical or oral medications for thinning hair, depending on the specific issue.
Consult a professional for concerns: For sudden or excessive hair changes, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to rule out underlying medical conditions.

Menopause and Hair Growth: The Hormonal Equation

Menopause marks a significant period of hormonal change, primarily characterized by a drop in estrogen and progesterone. While many women associate menopause with hot flashes and mood swings, its effects on hair growth are often unexpected. The common misconception is that all body hair growth ceases, but the reality is a more nuanced story of redistribution and alteration. As estrogen levels decline, the relative influence of androgens (male hormones like testosterone) increases, which can have opposite effects on different parts of the body.

The Impact of Hormonal Shifts

The balance of hormones is a delicate system that regulates the hair growth cycle. The three main stages are anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting/shedding). Estrogen typically prolongs the anagen phase, leading to thicker, healthier hair. As estrogen decreases in menopause, hair follicles receive less of this growth-promoting signal, resulting in a shorter growth phase and thinner hair. The increased relative activity of androgens then influences hair growth in ways that might seem contradictory.

Hair Changes by Body Region

The effects of hormonal changes on hair differ depending on the location of the hair follicles. This can lead to a confusing pattern where some areas lose hair while others gain it. Understanding these specific changes can help manage expectations and determine appropriate care.

Scalp Hair Thinning

For many women, one of the most visible changes is a thinning of the hair on their scalp, known as female pattern hair loss (FPHL). This often manifests as a widening part or a general reduction in hair density, particularly at the crown. The higher concentration of androgens and their effect on scalp hair follicles can lead to miniaturization, causing the hair to become finer and less robust over time.

Thinning of Leg and Underarm Hair

It is common for hair on the legs and underarms to become noticeably finer and grow more slowly during and after menopause. Some women may even find that they need to shave less frequently. This is due to the decreased overall hormone levels that once stimulated more vigorous body hair growth.

The Appearance of Facial Hair

Conversely, many postmenopausal women notice an increase in coarse, dark hairs on their chin, upper lip, or jawline. This is a direct result of the changed androgen-to-estrogen ratio. Androgens can stimulate hair growth in these traditionally male-patterned areas. This symptom can be particularly frustrating and affect self-esteem, but it is a common and normal part of the process for many women.

Other Contributing Factors to Hair Changes

Hormones are the primary driver, but other factors can influence the state of hair during menopause:

Genetics: Your genetic predisposition plays a significant role in how your body hair changes. If your mother or grandmother experienced thinning hair or increased facial hair, you may be more likely to as well.
Metabolic Shifts: Age-related metabolic changes and reduced blood flow to hair follicles can limit the nutrients and energy needed for hair growth, further contributing to thinning.
Stress: Increased stress levels, which are common during menopause, can raise cortisol levels. High cortisol can disrupt the hair growth cycle and lead to a temporary but noticeable increase in hair shedding known as telogen effluvium.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate intake of key vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and B vitamins can exacerbate hair changes.

Managing Menopause-Related Hair Changes

For those who find these changes bothersome, several strategies can help manage symptoms. It's essential to consult a healthcare provider or dermatologist to determine the underlying cause, especially if changes are sudden or severe, as they could indicate another health issue.

Non-Medical Options:

Tweezing or Waxing: Effective for removing unwanted facial hair, though the effects are temporary.
Laser Hair Removal or Electrolysis: Offer longer-term reduction, particularly for coarser, darker facial hairs.
Healthy Diet: A diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and vitamins supports overall hair health.
Stress Management: Practices like meditation and yoga can help manage stress and its impact on hair.

Medical Options:

Topical Minoxidil: An over-the-counter treatment that can help stimulate hair growth and reduce thinning on the scalp.
Prescription Medications: Oral medications like spironolactone can block androgen receptors and reduce facial hair growth.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): For some, HRT can rebalance hormones and help with hair changes, but its effects vary, and it's not suitable for everyone.

Comparison of Hair Changes: Pre-Menopause vs. Post-Menopause


Feature	Pre-Menopause	Post-Menopause
Scalp Hair	Fuller, thicker, often longer growth phase.	Thinner, more brittle, shorter growth phase, and increased shedding.
Facial Hair	Soft, fine vellus hair, possibly a few stray hairs.	Coarser, darker, more noticeable hair on chin and upper lip.
Body Hair	Normal density, faster growth on legs and underarms.	Thinner, grows more slowly, less dense on legs and underarms.
Hormonal Balance	Estrogen and progesterone levels are high relative to androgens.	Estrogen and progesterone levels drop significantly, increasing the relative influence of androgens.

Conclusion

The notion that body hair growth stops completely during menopause is a simplification. The intricate interplay of changing hormones means that the hair growth landscape is dramatically altered, not eliminated. While many women experience thinning on their head, legs, and underarms, they may also notice new, coarser hair on their face. Understanding these hormonal dynamics is the first step toward finding effective management strategies. By focusing on overall health, stress reduction, and consulting with a healthcare professional, it's possible to navigate these changes with confidence. For authoritative information on healthy aging and wellness, consider visiting the National Institute on Aging website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Body hair often thins out during menopause because the drop in estrogen and progesterone levels shortens the hair's growth phase. This results in hair that is finer, grows more slowly, and is less dense in areas like the legs and underarms.

After menopause, the balance of hormones shifts, with estrogen levels decreasing while androgen (male hormone) levels remain relatively higher. This increased androgen influence can stimulate hair follicles on the face, leading to the growth of coarser, darker hair on the chin or upper lip.

Yes, a balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc can support overall hair health. Proper nutrition can provide the building blocks and energy needed for hair growth.

Yes, this pattern is a normal and common outcome of the hormonal shifts during menopause. The changing balance between estrogen and androgens affects different hair follicles differently across the body.

While supplements for specific deficiencies (like iron or zinc) can help, no supplements are FDA-approved specifically for menopause-related hair loss. It's best to consult a healthcare provider before taking supplements.

HRT can sometimes help rebalance hormones and mitigate hair changes for some women, but its effects vary, and it is not a suitable option for everyone. A healthcare provider can discuss if HRT is appropriate.

It's recommended to see a doctor if you experience sudden, severe, or significant hair changes, as it could indicate an underlying health issue beyond normal menopausal fluctuations.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.