Women’s hair loss, study investigates effects of menopause and low estrogen

17 Feb 2022 --- Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is prevalent in healthy postmenopausal women, Thai researchers have discovered. They speculate that estrogen loss during menopause may accelerate FPHL as estrogen receptors are present in hair follicles.

The researchers believe that the quality of life may be improved if FPHL is detected early and then treated. FPHL is also the most common hair loss disorder in women, notes the study.

“Female pattern hair loss was prevalent and associated with lower self-esteem in healthy postmenopausal women,” adds Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director at North American Menopause Society (NAMS).

“A better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for this common type of hair loss in women may lead to more effective preventive strategies and treatment options.” 

Hormonal changes impact hair growth
As men and women age, they will likely experience hair loss. The added risk for women is associated with declining estrogen levels, explain the researchers. 

Additionally, the study notes that a high body mass index (BMI) or obesity was linked to increased and worsened FPHL in postmenopausal persons. Knowing what’s normal to experience may help ease concerns and help prepare for what’s to come, says NAMS.   

Hormonal changes during menopause showed effects on scalp hair, reducing hair diameter and limited hair growth. FPHL is expressed in gradual thinning at the hair parting and an increasing “diffuse hair loss” starting on the head.

FPHL can develop between teenage years and postmenopausal years. The researchers emphasize the need for more research into the causes and treatments of hair loss as women spend one-third of their lives postmenopause. 

Female pattern baldness investigated 
The study aimed to evaluate FPHL involving 178 healthy postmenopausal women aged 50 to 56. It also investigated their hair characteristics associated with FPHL. 52.2% of women were found to have FPHL. 

Using standardized global photography, each participant was evaluated by Ludwig’s classification, a method of classifying female pattern baldness. Trichoscopy was also used to measure hair diameter and density. 

Three dermatologists evaluated the pictures of the participant’s scalp to confirm FPHL. 

Additionally, the study considered scalp sebum, testosterone serum, estradiol, thyroid hormone, hemoglobin, family hair loss and an evaluation of low esteem. 

The researchers found hair loss to have an enormous impact on the self-esteem levels of 60% of participants. Confidence and general quality of life were also impacted as hair loss changes physical appearance. 

Separate analysis has identified that there is currently a lack of communication around hormone-free treatments for menopause symptoms. There remains an opportunity for further research into the effects of sex steroid hormones and polycystic ovary syndrome on hair loss after menopause. 

In relevant news, Amyris recently acquired MenoLabs to boost menopause health. 

Edited by Venya Patel