Study reveals high prevalence of female pattern hair loss in postmenopausal women

Both men and women are more likely to lose their hair as they get older. Women also have an additional risk associated with a decrease in estrogen levels during menopausal transitions. A new study tries to identify women’s hair loss prevalence (FPHL), hair characteristics, and related factors in healthy postmenopausal women. The results of the study were published online today in menopause, the Journal of the North American Menopause Society (NAM).

Women’s hair loss pattern is the most common hair loss disorder in women. It is characterized by gradual thinning on the part line, followed by increasing diffuse hair loss which radiates from the top of the head. Women’s hair loss pattern can develop anytime between teenagers and postmenopausal periods. However, it is believed that the loss of estrogen during the menopausal transition can play a role in accelerating FPHL because estrogen receptors are present in hair follicles. Mensopausal related hormone changes have been proven to affect the hair of the scalp, reduce hair diameter, and limit hair growth Hair loss can have a significant influence on women’s self-esteem and overall quality of life because it affects the appearance and confidence. Because women spend, on average, one third of their lives after the match, research on causes and care of hair loss is very important.

In a new cross-sectional study involving 178 women seen at the menopausal clinic, the researchers aimed to evaluate the prevalence of FPHL in healthy postmenopausal women and investigate the characteristics of postmenopausal hair and factors related to FPHL. From the women studied, 52.2% was found to have FPHL. FPHL prevalence increases with age. Low self-esteem is detected at 60% of participants and increases with the severity of FPHL.

Researchers besides noting that high body mass index (obesity) is associated with increased prevalence and deteriorating FPHL in postmenopausal women. Further studies are needed to determine whether sex steroid hormones, especially estrogen and testosterone, and a history of polycystic ovarian syndrome related to hair loss in postmenopausal women.

The study results are published in the article “Prevalence of Women’s Pattern Loss in Postamenopausal Women: Cross-sectional Study.”