Why do older people lose their eyelashes? A look at biology and genetics

Oct 2, 2025 4 min read •

biology genetics Aging

It is a common observation that eyelashes, like other hair, tend to thin with age. The process behind this, known scientifically as madarosis when referring to eyelash loss, is a complex interplay of biological and genetic factors that govern the natural life cycle of hair. This biological phenomenon is a normal part of the aging process, though it can be influenced by various health and environmental factors.

Quick Summary

The biological process of aging naturally causes eyelashes to thin and fall out due to a shortening of the active growth phase, reduced blood flow, and fluctuating hormones like estrogen. This is often exacerbated by genetic predispositions, poor nutrition, and certain medical conditions or medications.

Key Points

Natural Aging Process: Like scalp hair, eyelashes go through a growth cycle that slows down and becomes less efficient with age, leading to shorter, thinner, and less dense lashes.
Hormonal Influence: Declining hormone levels, particularly estrogen in women during and after menopause, can weaken eyelash follicles and stunt growth.
Genetic Predisposition: Genetics play a significant role, predetermining an individual's susceptibility to eyelash thinning as they age, similar to pattern baldness.
Reduced Circulation: Less efficient blood flow and decreased nutrient delivery to the hair follicles can weaken and thin eyelashes.
Compounding Medical Conditions: Underlying health issues like blepharitis, thyroid disorders, and autoimmune diseases can worsen or accelerate eyelash loss.
Environmental and Lifestyle Factors: Poor nutrition, excessive eye rubbing, and certain cosmetics can contribute to eyelash damage and loss.

The Biological Basis of Eyelash Aging

The Hair Growth Cycle and Age-Related Changes

Just like the hair on our scalp, eyelashes follow a distinct growth cycle, albeit a much shorter one. This cycle consists of three main phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting and shedding). For eyelashes, the entire cycle lasts roughly 90 days, with the anagen phase being significantly shorter than for scalp hair.

As a person ages, this delicate cycle is disrupted. The anagen, or growth phase, naturally shortens. This means the eyelashes have less time to grow to their full length and diameter. Consequently, the lashes that do grow are often thinner, shorter, and less dense than in younger years. Simultaneously, the telogen phase, or resting period, can increase, meaning the follicles spend more time dormant and less time actively producing new hair. This imbalance directly contributes to the overall reduction in eyelash volume and density that older people experience.

Hormonal Shifts and Their Impact on Lash Follicles

Hormonal changes are a significant biological driver of hair loss in older people, particularly for women during and after menopause. A decline in estrogen levels can affect hair follicles throughout the body, including the delicate ones around the eyes. Estrogen is a hormone that supports and prolongs hair growth, and its reduction can lead to weakened follicles and shorter, more brittle hair.

Furthermore, the hormone prostaglandin, which is a growth hormone that stimulates eyelash growth, also decreases with age. This dual hormonal shift directly impacts the health and productivity of the eyelash follicles, causing them to produce less robust hairs or to stop producing them altogether.

Decreased Blood Circulation and Nutrient Delivery

Healthy hair follicle function relies on a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients delivered via the blood. As people age, blood circulation tends to become less efficient throughout the body, including to the tiny blood vessels that feed the hair follicles. Reduced circulation means that the follicles receive less nourishment, hindering their ability to produce healthy, strong hair. Over time, this can lead to the miniaturization of hair follicles, where they become smaller and produce thinner, weaker hairs, or they can become inactive altogether.

The Genetic and External Influences

The Role of Genetics

Genetics play a powerful role in determining how a person's eyelashes will age. Just as family history can predict the likelihood of developing pattern baldness on the scalp, it can also influence when and to what extent eyelash thinning occurs. Some people are simply predisposed to having naturally sparse eyelashes or to experience accelerated thinning as they get older. If your relatives noticed significant eyelash thinning in their later years, you may be more likely to experience the same.

Medical Conditions That Contribute to Madarosis

While natural aging is a primary factor, several medical conditions can accelerate or worsen eyelash loss.

Blepharitis: This is a common condition, especially in older adults, caused by inflammation of the eyelids. It happens when the oil glands near the base of the eyelashes become clogged, leading to redness, swelling, and itching. Chronic inflammation can damage and disrupt the hair follicles, leading to eyelash loss.
Thyroid Disorders: Both an overactive (hyperthyroidism) and underactive (hypothyroidism) thyroid can cause hormone imbalances that affect hair growth, leading to thinning eyelashes.
Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing hair to fall out in patches. Though it can affect any part of the body, it can specifically target eyelash follicles.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

Certain lifestyle choices and environmental exposures can put additional stress on delicate eyelash follicles.

Cosmetic Use: Frequent use of eye makeup, especially waterproof mascara, can cause breakage and irritation, while improper removal can damage the follicles.
Eye Rubbing: Constantly rubbing the eyes can mechanically damage the lashes and irritate the follicles.
Nutritional Deficiencies: A diet lacking essential vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and biotin can impact overall hair health and contribute to thinning.

Medications and Their Side Effects

Some medications can have eyelash loss as a side effect. This can include certain chemotherapy drugs, cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins), and even some blood pressure medications. If medication is suspected, it is important to consult a doctor before making any changes.

Comparison of Factors Affecting Eyelash Loss


Factor	How It Affects Eyelashes	Age-Related Impact	Examples
Genetics	Predisposes an individual to thinning.	Influences the timing and severity of thinning.	Inherited pattern baldness or thin lashes.
Hormonal Changes	Reduces growth signals, weakens follicles.	Primarily affects women post-menopause due to lower estrogen.	Decreased estrogen and prostaglandin levels.
Aging Growth Cycle	Shortens growth phase, prolongs resting phase.	Causes lashes to become shorter, thinner, and less dense.	Slower hair growth rate over time.
Reduced Circulation	Limits nutrient and oxygen delivery to follicles.	A natural consequence of aging, leading to weaker lashes.	High blood pressure, heart disease, smoking.
Blepharitis	Causes chronic inflammation, damaging follicles.	More common in older adults due to hygiene challenges and oil gland changes.	Clogged eyelid oil glands, redness, itching.
Medications	Some drugs have eyelash loss as a side effect.	Older adults often take more medication, increasing risk.	Chemotherapy drugs, statins, antidepressants.

Conclusion: A Multifaceted Process

To answer the question, why do older people lose their eyelashes?, the science points to a complex mix of biological and genetic factors. The natural shortening of the hair growth cycle, combined with hormonal declines and reduced circulation, forms the primary biological explanation. These intrinsic factors are often compounded by genetics and external influences such as medications, certain medical conditions, and lifestyle habits. While it is a normal part of aging, understanding the underlying reasons can empower individuals to take preventative or mitigating steps, such as improving nutrition or addressing underlying medical issues. A dermatologist or ophthalmologist is best suited to offer a personalized assessment and guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is a very common and normal part of the aging process. The hair growth cycle naturally slows down, leading to shorter and thinner eyelashes over time.

Absolutely. For women, the decrease in estrogen and other hormones during and after menopause is a major factor that can cause eyelashes to become thinner and fall out more easily.

Yes, genetics can determine the timing and extent of age-related eyelash thinning. If your relatives experienced sparse lashes in their later years, you may have a higher genetic predisposition.

Blepharitis is an eyelid inflammation that can damage the delicate hair follicles at the lash line. Chronic inflammation from this condition can disrupt the growth cycle and lead to permanent eyelash loss if left untreated.

Nutritional deficiencies can certainly play a role. A diet low in key vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and biotin can negatively impact hair health, including that of your eyelashes.

Yes, some medications, including certain blood thinners, chemotherapy drugs, and others, can have eyelash loss as a side effect. It is important to discuss any concerns with a doctor.

While some thinning is normal, you should see a doctor if you experience sudden, rapid, or asymmetrical eyelash loss, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms like inflammation, redness, or itching.

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.