Skin by Dr Pearl

Why is my hair falling out? 👀

If your edges, crown or parting look thinner in your 40s or 50s, you’re not imagining it, and it’s not vanity. It deserves a proper look.

Here’s what’s going on 👇

🔹 Falling oestrogen. Around menopause, hormone changes can make hair thinner and slower to grow, often at the crown and parting.

🔹 CCCA (central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia). This is the most common type of scarring hair loss in Black women. It usually starts at the crown and spreads outwards. It can cause itching, tenderness or burning, though some women notice no symptoms at all.

🔹 Traction alopecia. Years of tight braids, weaves, wigs or ponytails can pull on the hairline and edges.

🔹 Other causes worth checking: thyroid problems, low iron, stress, illness and some medicines.

⚠️ Why acting early matters: scarring hair loss can be permanent. Treatment works best when started early, so the aim is to protect the hair you have.

✅ What you can do:

Speak to your GP and ask for basic blood tests (such as iron and thyroid)
Ask for a referral to a dermatologist if scarring hair loss is possible
Loosen tight styles and give your scalp regular breaks
Talk about your menopause symptoms too, as treatment may help some women

Your hair is part of your identity. Getting help is self-care, not vanity. 💜

💬 Have you noticed changes in your hair since perimenopause? Tell me below. 📌 Save this and share it with a sister, friend or auntie who needs to hear it.

This post is for general information only and is not a substitute for personal medical advice.

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Comment if this is you, you’re not alone

As a GP, here’s what I wish every Black woman knew about her menopause. 🩺
I’m Dr Pearl — 20 years in the NHS, British Menopause Society (BMS) certified menopause practitioner, and
the last 5 years spent entirely in menopause care. Even with all of that, I didn’t recognise my own symptoms
when perimenopause started. That’s exactly why I do this work now.
Research from the SWAN Study (Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation) shows Black women enter
menopause around 8.5 months earlier than white women on average — and often experience longer, more
severe symptoms. If you’ve ever been told it’s ‘just stress,’ you deserve better answers.
Follow for weekly, GP-backed menopause truths. 💜
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.


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