Female pattern hair loss prevalent in half of postmenopausal women

Thailand: A new study shows that female pattern hair loss (FPHL) was common in postmenopausal women, emphasizing the importance of hair loss education in menopause clinics. This study was conducted by Sukanya Chaikittisilpa and the team. The findings of this work were published in the journal Menopause on 14th February 2022.

The female pattern of hair loss is the most frequent kind of hair loss in women. It is distinguished by progressive thinning at the portion line, which is followed by increased diffuse hair loss spreading from the crown of the head. Female pattern hair loss can appear at any age between adolescence and menopause. However, because estrogen receptors are found in hair follicles, it is thought that estrogen loss during the menopausal transition may have a role in accelerating FPHL. Hormone changes associated with menopause have been proven to impact scalp hair, diminish hair diameter, and inhibit hair growth.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of female pattern hair loss, hair features, and related variables in healthy postmenopausal women, thereby 200 postmenopausal women between the ages of 50 and 65 were recruited. Each subject was tested for FPHL using standardized global photography in all six perspectives and diameter using Ludwig's categorization and trichoscopy for hair density. 3 dermatologists re-evaluated all of the images to confirm the presence of FPHL. The duration since levels of scalp sebum, menopause, estradiol, serum testosterone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and hemoglobin, as well as a family history of hair loss and an assessment of poor self-esteem, were all analyzed. Women who have recently had hair loss treatments were not eligible. To determine the variables influencing FPHL, this study utilized both basic and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

The key findings of this study were as follow:

1. 178 postmenopausal women were tested for hair-loss trends in total.

2. The average age and length of time since menopause was 58.8+/-4.1 and 9.2+/- 5.6 years, respectively.

3. FPHL was found in 52.2% of people. The severity of FPHL was determined by Ludwig grades I, II, and III, which were 73.2%, 22.6%, and 4.3%, respectively.

4. Age, body mass index, and time since menopause were all found to be substantially linked with FPHL using logistic regression analysis.

5. After controlling for age and family history of FPHL, only a BMI of 25 kg/m2 was shown to be substantially linked with FPHL.

In conclusion, this small cross-sectional investigation showed, female pattern hair loss was common and related to decreased self-esteem in healthy postmenopausal women. A deeper knowledge of the processes underlying this prevalent kind of female hair loss might lead to more effective prevention measures and treatment alternatives.

Reference:

Chaikittisilpa, S., Rattanasirisin, N., Panchaprateep, R., Orprayoon, N., Phutrakul, P., Suwan, A., & Jaisamrarn, U. (2022). Prevalence of female pattern hair loss in postmenopausal women. In Menopause: Vol. Publish Ahead of Print. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). https://doi.org/10.1097/gme.0000000000001927

Keywords: Alopecia, Androgen, Hair loss, Menopause, trichoscopy, estradiol, hormone therapy, hemoglobin, dermatology, baldness, Menopause journal