The Scalp and Reproductive Hormones
The hair growth cycle is partially controlled by hormones, and the extent to which your hair follicles respond to those hormones depends on a number of factors, including genetics. Hormones can affect sebum production and cell turnover, which in turn affects how the scalp looks and feels throughout your cycle.
What causes itchy skin and hair loss on your period?
Prior to menstruation, the hair becomes naturally oilier due to high levels of circulating androgens, male hormones, in particular testosterone. This can cause hair to look and feel greasier in the lead up to your period.
During menstruation itself, the sudden drop in oestrogen can cause hair to enter the shedding phase too quickly, triggering a common, temporary form of hair loss called telogen effluvium. The hair does grow back.
Some women also notice their scalp becomes oilier after ovulation. This is because the body releases more progesterone and testosterone at this time, which can cause excess sebum production.
Can some period-related conditions such as endometriosis and menorrhagia (painful/heavy periods) cause hair loss?
Increased blood loss during heavy periods can lead to iron deficiency anaemia. Iron deficiency can subsequently contribute to hair loss during your period, so yes, this is possible. It’s important to contact your doctor if you feel that this may be happening to you as it is treatable with medication.
How To Prevent Hair Loss During Your Period
Step 1: Wear your hair loosely
Wearing tight hairstyles can cause something called ‘traction alopecia,’ whereby the hair falls out as a result constant pulling. This can happen at any time of the menstrual cycle but it can be more apparent during your period due to the decrease in circulating oestrogen at this time.
Step 2: Switch to a sulphate-free shampoo
Sulphate-free shampoos are considerably gentler on the scalp and avoid stripping the natural oils that are essential to healthy hair growth. If you haven't already, it's one of the most straightforward changes you can make for your scalp health across the whole cycle — not just during your period. MONPURE's Strengthening Silk Protein Shampoo is sulphate, silicone and paraben free, and is Good Housekeeping approved.
Step 3: Use a targeted scalp serum daily
The regular use of a scalp serum can be beneficial throughout your cycle, not just around your period. MONPURE's Follicle Boost Hair Density Serum contains pumpkin seed extract, which has been scientifically proven to block the 5-alpha reductase enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT: the hormone most closely associated with hormonal hair loss. It also contains fatty acids, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients that support a healthy scalp environment. Use daily for consistent results.
Step 4: Support from the inside out
Taking a good quality multivitamin alongside vitamin D is a sensible foundation, and certain nutrients have been particularly associated with hair health: biotin, iron, folic acid, B12, vitamin C, zinc and collagen among them. That said, supplements work best when they're filling a genuine gap rather than substituting for a varied diet. Plenty of fruit and vegetables, healthy fats and good protein remains the most important baseline, our guide to the best foods for hair health is a good place to start if you're not sure where to begin.
If you're looking for a more targeted option, MONPURE's Hair Longevity Supplement brings together 12 bioavailable vitamins and minerals in a single daily capsule including biotin, zinc, iron, collagen, vitamin B6 and vitamin C, specifically formulated to support hair health through hormonal fluctuation. The bioavailability of the formula matters: nutrients need to actually reach the follicle to make a difference, which is why the quality of the formula is as important as what's in it.
Sleep and stress management are equally important and often overlooked. When cortisol, the body's stress hormone, remains elevated over time, it causes the cells of the hair follicles to age prematurely, directly disrupting the hair growth cycle and contributing to shedding. If you're going through a particularly demanding period, building in time to rest and recover isn't just good for your mental health, your hair will feel the benefit too.
If you have any further questions about your scalp and hair during your period, please get in touch.
