Does leg and underarm hair stop growing after menopause?

For many women entering their senior years, the changes are more than just wrinkles and gray hair. An estimated 60% of postmenopausal women report experiencing some form of hair thinning or loss. This leads to the question, does leg and underarm hair stop growing after menopause?

Quick Summary

Changes in leg and underarm hair growth during menopause are a normal response to fluctuating hormones, primarily the decline in estrogen. This shift can cause hair follicles to shrink, leading to noticeably slower, thinner hair growth, or in some cases, a complete cessation.

Key Points

• Hormonal Shifts Drive Change: Decreasing estrogen and progesterone levels during menopause alter the hair growth cycle across the body.

• Slower Growth Below the Neck: Leg and underarm hair often grows more slowly, becomes finer, and may eventually stop growing due to hormonal changes.

• Facial Hair May Increase: The same hormonal imbalance can lead to increased growth of coarser hair on the chin and upper lip, a common but normal paradox.

• Hair Follicles Miniaturize: Aging and reduced hormones cause hair follicles to shrink, which shortens the growth phase and results in thinner hair strands.

• Management is Possible: Adapting lifestyle choices, managing stress, and using appropriate skin and hair care products can help manage menopausal hair changes.

• Health Over Hair: For many, the changes are not a sign of poor health but a natural part of the aging process, which can be embraced.

Understanding the Hormonal Shifts During Menopause

Menopause, the natural cessation of the menstrual cycle, is a period of significant hormonal change. The ovaries gradually decrease their production of key hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen plays a protective and proliferative role in the body, which includes supporting hair growth. As estrogen levels drop, its influence on hair follicles diminishes. This causes a relative increase in the influence of androgens, often referred to as "male hormones," which are still present in a woman's body. This hormonal imbalance is the primary driver behind many of the hair-related changes women experience during this phase of life.

The Role of Androgens in Hair Growth Changes

While high estrogen levels prior to menopause help suppress the effects of androgens, the postmenopausal shift tips the balance. Androgens, such as testosterone, have a differential effect on hair follicles depending on their location on the body. While they can promote hair growth in some areas, they can cause hair follicles on the scalp to shrink, a process known as miniaturization. The same mechanism can influence body hair, causing follicles in the underarm and leg areas to enter a prolonged resting phase and produce thinner, finer hair, or stop production altogether.

The Hair Growth Cycle and Aging

Each hair on our body follows a specific growth cycle consisting of four main phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), telogen (resting), and exogen (shedding). The length of the anagen phase determines how long a hair can grow. With age, and influenced by declining hormone levels, the anagen phase for body hair, particularly on the legs and underarms, shortens. This means hair doesn't have as much time to grow before it sheds. The follicles also shrink over time, resulting in hair that is finer and less pigmented, and sometimes, no hair at all. This explains why the hair in these areas often seems to disappear.

Contrasting Hair Changes: Body vs. Face

Interestingly, the same hormonal shifts that cause a reduction in leg and underarm hair can lead to an increase in facial hair. This is due to the varying sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens across the body. Follicles on the chin, jawline, and upper lip can be more sensitive to androgen activity. When estrogen levels decline, the unmasked androgens can stimulate these follicles, leading to the growth of coarser, darker hair. This dichotomy can be frustrating and unsettling for many women, creating the confusing experience of losing hair in some places while gaining it in others.

A Deeper Look at Menopause-Related Hair Changes

Characteristic	Pre-Menopause	Post-Menopause
Hormonal Balance	High estrogen and progesterone keep androgens in check.	Low estrogen and progesterone lead to a relative increase in androgen influence.
Leg & Underarm Hair	Typically grows at a steady rate; hair is often thicker.	Growth significantly slows or ceases; hair may become finer, sparser, and lighter.
Scalp Hair	Fuller, thicker hair; prolonged growth phase.	Thinning, increased shedding, and wider parting due to shortened growth phase.
Facial Hair	Generally minimal or fine, light-colored vellus hair.	Potential for growth of coarser, darker terminal hair on the chin, jawline, and upper lip.
Hair Texture	Retains natural texture and moisture.	Becomes drier, more brittle, and potentially coarser or wirier.

Managing and Adapting to Hair Changes

While menopausal hair changes are a natural part of aging, there are ways to manage and adapt to them. It is important to approach these changes with self-compassion and focus on overall health.

1. Embrace It: For many, the gradual thinning or complete cessation of leg and underarm hair can be a welcome change, simplifying personal grooming routines. Accepting this as a natural aspect of aging can reduce stress and anxiety.
2. Optimize Your Diet: A balanced, nutrient-rich diet can support overall hair health. Ensure you're getting enough iron, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein, all of which play a role in healthy hair growth.
3. Reduce Stress: Chronic stress can exacerbate hair loss. Incorporating stress-management techniques like yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature can be beneficial.
4. Moisturize Your Skin: The skin can become drier during and after menopause due to decreased oil production. Using a good quality moisturizer can help keep the skin hydrated and healthy.
5. Seek Medical Advice: For those struggling with significant or distressing hair loss, consulting a healthcare provider or dermatologist can help rule out other potential causes, such as thyroid issues or vitamin deficiencies. They can also discuss treatment options, including supplements or hormonal therapies.
6. Investigate Hair Removal Options: For unwanted facial hair, various methods can be effective. Laser hair removal or electrolysis can offer more permanent solutions, while threading, waxing, and depilatory creams provide temporary relief. It is important to choose a method that is gentle on your aging skin.

Conclusion

For women, the journey through menopause brings about a multitude of physiological changes, and alterations in body hair are a very common and normal part of this process. The decrease in estrogen and the relative increase in androgen influence lead to a shorter hair growth cycle and follicle miniaturization, resulting in slower, thinner, or completely stopped growth of leg and underarm hair for many. While facial hair may increase due to localized follicle sensitivity, embracing these changes with knowledge and a healthy lifestyle can lead to greater confidence and well-being. For more in-depth information on managing skin and hair changes with aging, a reliable resource is the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for body hair to change during menopause?

Yes, it is very normal. As the body's hormones fluctuate, particularly with the decrease in estrogen and progesterone, the growth pattern of body hair is altered. This often leads to a reduction in hair growth on the legs and underarms.

Why does my leg hair seem to be growing slower or not at all?

Slower or ceased leg hair growth is a direct result of the hormonal shifts during and after menopause. The hair growth cycle shortens, and hair follicles may shrink, causing the hair to become finer and grow less frequently.

Could my facial hair increase while my body hair decreases?

Yes, this is a common and normal occurrence. Hair follicles on the face can be more sensitive to androgens (male hormones). As estrogen levels drop, the influence of these androgens becomes more prominent, stimulating facial hair growth while reducing body hair growth.

Is there a difference in how hair changes during perimenopause versus postmenopause?

Changes can begin during perimenopause, the transition period leading up to menopause, as hormone levels start to fluctuate. However, the most significant and often permanent changes typically occur in postmenopause, after a full 12 months without a menstrual cycle.

Can nutritional supplements help with hair changes during menopause?

While supplements cannot stop the natural hormonal process, a nutrient-rich diet and certain supplements (like those containing biotin, iron, or vitamin D) can support overall hair and scalp health. It's best to consult a doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.

What if my hair loss is sudden and patchy, not a gradual thinning?

While menopausal hair loss is typically a gradual process, sudden or patchy hair loss is not a standard symptom and could be an indication of an underlying health condition. You should consult a doctor or dermatologist to rule out other medical issues.

Does hair regrowth return to normal after menopause is over?

For most, once hair growth has slowed or stopped in certain areas due to menopause, it does not typically return to its pre-menopausal state. The hormonal changes that cause the shift are permanent, and hair follicles do not recover the same level of activity.