Managing Hair Loss in Midlife Women

February 2013 in “ Maturitas ”

Paradi Mirmirani

female pattern hair loss FPHL hair shaft damage telogen effluvium hormonal changes menopause estrogen hair density hair diameter hair cycle genetic predisposition topical minoxidil hair transplantation cosmetic approaches molecular signals minoxidil Rogaine

TLDR The conclusion is that proper evaluation and treatment of hair loss in midlife women is important, considering the emotional impact and potential for various treatments.

The document from 2012 reviews the management of hair loss in midlife women, focusing on female pattern hair loss (FPHL), hair shaft damage from hair care practices, and telogen effluvium. It emphasizes the emotional distress caused by hair loss and the importance of proper evaluation, treatment, and counseling. The review discusses the hormonal changes during menopause, such as decreased estrogen production, and their effects on hair growth, including decreased hair density, diameter, and changes in the hair cycle. It suggests that FPHL may be related to hormonal changes and genetic predisposition, and outlines treatment options like topical minoxidil, hair transplantation, and cosmetic approaches. Hair shaft damage is linked to hair care practices that weaken hair, and telogen effluvium is described as a temporary condition with potential for full regrowth. The document calls for further research into the molecular signals affecting hair changes in midlife women to develop new treatment strategies.

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research Evidence-Based Treatments for Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Summary of a Cochrane Systematic Review

40 citations , November 2012 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil helps regrow hair in female pattern hair loss, but more research needed for other treatments.

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61 citations , July 2012 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Caucasian women's hair appears thickest in their 20s, with perceived thinning after mid-30s due to both decreasing density and diameter.

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100 citations , December 2011 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

5% minoxidil foam once daily works as well as 2% minoxidil solution twice daily for female hair growth and is more convenient.

research How Real Is Senescent Alopecia? A Histopathologic Approach

37 citations , January 2011 in “Clinics in Dermatology”

Aging alone rarely causes significant hair loss; hormones are a bigger factor.

research Approach to Hair Loss in Women of Color

19 citations , June 2009 in “Seminars in cutaneous medicine and surgery”

Proper education can prevent traction alopecia in women of color.

research Characteristic Features of Japanese Women's Hair With Aging and Hair Loss

76 citations , February 2007 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

Japanese women typically start experiencing hair loss after 40, with reduced hair density and thickness being the main factors.

research The Hair Follicle as an Estrogen Target and Source

159 citations , July 2006 in “Endocrine Reviews”

Estrogens significantly influence hair growth by interacting with receptors in hair follicles and may help regulate the hair growth cycle.

research Clinical Approach to the Patient With Alopecia

21 citations , March 2006 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

Most hair loss disorders can be accurately diagnosed and treated in an outpatient setting.

research Biology of the Hair Follicle: The Basics

224 citations , March 2006 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

The document concludes that understanding hair follicle biology can lead to better hair loss treatments.

research Diversity of Hair Growth Profiles

115 citations , September 2005 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Different ethnic groups have unique hair growth patterns, with African hair growing slower and less dense, Asian hair growing fast but sparse, and Caucasian hair being densest; men are more likely to experience hair loss than women.

research Estrogens And The Hair Follicle

50 citations , May 2004 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft”

Estrogens generally inhibit hair growth and improve skin quality, but their exact effects on hair follicles are complex and not fully understood.

research A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil Solutions in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

219 citations , April 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

5% and 2% minoxidil solutions effectively promote hair growth and reduce hair loss, with 5% being slightly more effective but having more side effects.

research Finasteride Treatment of Patterned Hair Loss in Normoandrogenic Postmenopausal Women

72 citations , January 2004 in “Dermatology”

Finasteride can slow hair loss and promote growth in postmenopausal women.

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174 citations , November 2002 in “Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine”

Hair loss needs more research for better treatments.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss

30 citations , November 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Use "female pattern hair loss" term, finasteride may help, more research needed.

research Male Androgenetic Alopecia

54 citations , July 2002 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

DHT, a testosterone byproduct, causes male pattern baldness.

research Telogen Effluvium: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

144 citations , July 2002 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

Telogen effluvium is a common type of hair loss that can resolve on its own or become chronic, with treatment depending on early diagnosis.

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226 citations , September 2001 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Hair loss in women is genetic, diagnosed by examination and biopsy, and treated with minoxidil, finasteride, or transplantation.

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157 citations , July 2001 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

AGA more common in men, Koreans have lower rates and unique patterns.

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234 citations , February 2001 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

FPHL affects hair density and diameter, causing visible hair loss in older women.

research Lack of Efficacy of Finasteride in Postmenopausal Women with Androgenetic Alopecia

239 citations , November 2000 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Finasteride doesn't effectively treat hair loss in postmenopausal women.

research The Biology of Hair Care

41 citations , October 2000 in “Dermatologic clinics”

Better hair care products are needed to protect against grooming and chemical damage.

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416 citations , September 1997 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

People with hair loss have more androgen receptors and enzymes in certain follicles, with men and women showing different patterns.

research Tamoxifen-Induced Female Androgenetic Alopecia in a Patient with Breast Cancer

15 citations , May 1997 in “Annals of Internal Medicine”

Tamoxifen caused hair loss in a 52-year-old woman.

research Chronic Telogen Effluvium: Increased Scalp Hair Shedding in Middle-Aged Women

234 citations , December 1996 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Middle-aged women with chronic telogen effluvium experience increased hair shedding but usually don't get significantly thinner hair.

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222 citations , October 1993 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Hair loss affects women's mental health more than men's, causing anxiety, low self-esteem, and social insecurity.

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214 citations , March 1993 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Telogen effluvium is a reversible hair loss condition that requires a detailed diagnosis and often resolves on its own.

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85 citations , December 1990 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil promotes hair growth in women with early-stage alopecia.