The Tempe Primary Care team, led by Frank Rosenberg, FNP-C, has decades of combined experience in women’s health, including menopause. We can help you sort out symptoms, rule out other potential causes, and create a plan that fits your life.
Below, you’ll learn four common changes your hair and skin might go through during menopause, plus simple ways to manage them.
1. Hair Thinning/Shedding
One of the most frustrating effects of menopause is hair thinning, especially around the part line or temples. As estrogen levels drop, your hair growth cycle can shift, meaning more hair falls out and less grows in at the same time.
What can help:
- Eat protein and iron-rich foods
- Be gentle with heat styling and tight hairstyles
- Ask your provider about labs for thyroid, iron, and vitamin levels
2. Dry, Rough, or Frizzy Hair
Even if you don’t lose hair, your texture might change. For example, hair that once felt soft can become brittle or dull. Hormonal fluctuations can also alter natural scalp oils, affecting shine and smoothness.
Protect your hair with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and apply a weekly deep-conditioning mask. It also helps to limit frequent color processing.
3. Dry, Thinning Skin
Menopause often brings dry, itchy, or thinner-looking skin. Estrogen supports collagen and hydration, so when levels drop, skin can lose firmness and moisture, becoming dry, slack, and thin.
Another major shift is collagen loss. Collagen is an essential protein in the skin, and it can decrease significantly in the first several years after menopause.
Daily skincare basics that matter most:
- Apply fragrance-free moisturizer
- Wash with a gentle cleanser (no harsh scrubs)
- Wear broad-spectrum SPF every day
4. Breakouts or Dark Spots
Yes, menopause can bring acne back, often around the jawline. Hormonal fluctuations may also make sun spots or uneven tone more noticeable over time.
Continue moisturizing your skin, as dryness can actually trigger increased oil production. Talk to your provider about options to help with acne and discoloration.
Take Control of Menopause Symptoms
Hair and skin changes during menopause can be annoying, but you don’t have to guess your way through them. Contact Tempe Primary Care to discuss what’s normal and what might signal another issue. Call (602) 283-0080 or book an appointment online at our Tempe or Chandler, AZ, offices.
