The Menopausal Transition: Is the Hair Follicle Going Through Menopause?

November 2023 in “ Biomedicines ”

Fabio Rinaldi, Anna Trink, Giorgia Mondadori, Giammaria Giuliani, Daniela Pinto

menopause hair follicle estrogen hair thinning hair loss estrogen receptor genetics metabolism blood flow nutrient availability microbiota HF hair volume hair texture

Studysummary In this article, researchers link menopause to hair follicle lifecycle changes, noting that estrogen decline, metabolic shifts, genetics, and stress can contribute to hair thinning and texture variation, although effects differ among women.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The article investigates the relationship between menopause and changes in the hair follicle (HF) lifecycle, highlighting the impact of hormonal and metabolic dynamics. It notes that hormonal fluctuations, particularly a decrease in estrogen levels, during menopause can lead to hair thinning, loss of volume, and texture changes. However, the extent of these changes varies among women due to genetic factors, stress, diet, and other influences. The article also emphasizes the role of energy metabolism and blood flow in the HF lifecycle and introduces the concept of a "menopause" specific to HF metabolism, influenced by individual factors such as estrogen receptor responses, genetics, and microbiota.

View this study on mdpi.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

23 / 23 results

research Lichen Planopilaris: First Biopsy Layer Microbiota Inspection

1 citations , July 2022 in “PLOS ONE”

This study found that in Lichen Planopilaris, the Microbacteriaceae family was negatively correlated with IL-23 expression, suggesting a role in the disease's inflammation and microbiota composition.

research Menopause, Skin and Common Dermatoses. Part 1: Hair Disorders

1 citations , July 2022 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

This review reports that menopause affects hair cycle regulation and is associated with conditions like female pattern hair loss, but further research is needed to explore hormonal therapy as a treatment option.

research Human Hair Follicles Operate an Internal Cori Cycle and Modulate Their Growth via Glycogen Phosphorylase

30 citations , October 2021 in “Scientific Reports”

This study found that human scalp hair follicles can internally operate a Cori cycle, synthesize glycogen in the presence of lactate, and modulate growth through glycogen phosphorylase activity.

research Hormonal Effects on Hair Follicles

102 citations , July 2020 in “International journal of molecular sciences”

This review discusses the effects of hormonal changes on hair follicles, concluding that hormones like androgens and estradiol significantly influence hair growth and cycle, while the roles of other hormones are still being researched.

research Menopausal Acne – Challenges And Solutions

14 citations , October 2019 in “International Journal of Women's Health”

This article discusses the clinical presentation and management challenges of menopausal acne, noting its multifactorial etiology and recommending tailored treatment approaches based on acne severity and associated features, without reporting new clinical results.

research The Psychological and Aesthetic Impact of Age-Related Hair Changes in Females

6 citations , April 2019 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This review discusses the impact of age-related hair changes on perceived attractiveness and self-perception, emphasizing the need for holistic anti-aging consultations that include hair preservation strategies.

research The Role of the Microbiome in Scalp Hair Follicle Biology and Disease

73 citations , April 2019 in “Experimental Dermatology”

This review explores the hair follicle microbiome's interaction with the immune system, discussing its potential clinical implications for scalp health and disease but reports no new clinical results.

research Scalp Bacterial Shift in Alopecia Areata

48 citations , April 2019 in “PloS one”

This study observed a microbial shift on the scalp of Alopecia areata patients, characterized by an increase in Propionibacterium acnes and a decrease in Staphylococcus epidermidis, compared to healthy controls.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss and Androgen Excess: A Report From the Multidisciplinary Androgen Excess and PCOS Committee

49 citations , February 2019 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This review offers evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing and treating female pattern hair loss, emphasizing clinical assessment and starting treatment with minoxidil, while noting that measurement of certain hormones and vitamins is optional.

research Androgens in Women: Role in Androgen-Mediated Cutaneous Disorders

56 citations , October 2018 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This review discusses the role of androgens in women's skin-related conditions like acne, hirsutism, and female pattern hair loss, noting the lack of dermatology guidelines for when to pursue endocrinologic evaluation.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Clinical, Pathophysiologic, and Therapeutic Review

66 citations , June 2018 in “International Journal of Women's Dermatology”

This article discusses treatments for female pattern hair loss, highlighting that oral antiandrogens and topical minoxidil can effectively arrest progression and reverse miniaturization in many patients with mild-to-moderate cases, but it reports no new clinical results.

research Androgens and Androgen Receptor Action in Skin and Hair Follicles

100 citations , September 2017 in “Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology”

This review discusses the molecular mechanisms of androgens and androgen receptors in skin disorders, particularly androgenetic alopecia, and reports no new clinical results; it highlights potential areas for future treatment development.

research Compartmentation of Mitochondrial and Oxidative Metabolism in Growing Hair Follicles: A Ring of Fire

40 citations , March 2017 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

This study visualized mitochondrial metabolism in cultured bovine hair follicles and plucked human hairs, finding that ROS and mitochondrial polarization correlate in specific hair follicle regions, particularly near keratin deposition sites.

research Nutrition of Women with Hair Loss During Menopause

15 citations , January 2016 in “Przeglad Menopauzalny”

This review discusses the role of diet in managing hair loss during menopause and reports no new clinical results; it highlights the importance of nutrients like sulfur amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Mitochondrial Function in Murine Skin Epithelium Is Crucial for Hair Follicle Morphogenesis and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Interactions

research Mitochondrial Function in Murine Skin Epithelium Is Crucial for Hair Follicle Morphogenesis and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Interactions

56 citations , March 2015 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Healthy mitochondria in skin cells are essential for proper hair growth and skin cell interaction in mice.

research Age-Related Hair Pigment Loss

20 citations , January 2015 in “Current problems in dermatology”

This paper reviews recent research on hair graying, suggesting that an imbalance in oxidative stress handling may affect melanocyte stem cells and melanin production with age, and calls for exploring strategies to prolong melanin production.

A Single-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial to Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of Minoxidil Topical Foam in Frontotemporal and Vertex Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research A Single-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial to Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of Minoxidil Topical Foam in Frontotemporal and Vertex Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

19 citations , January 2015 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology”

This study reported that using 5% minoxidil topical foam twice daily improved hair density and width in both the frontotemporal and vertex regions of men with moderate androgenetic alopecia.

research Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Thyroid Axis Hormones Stimulate Mitochondrial Function and Biogenesis in Human Hair Follicles

95 citations , August 2013 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

HPT axis hormones boost mitochondrial function and growth in hair follicles, potentially aiding hair health.

research Hormonal Changes in Menopause: Do They Contribute to a Midlife Hair Crisis in Women?

38 citations , December 2011 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This review discusses the influence of menopausal status on hair parameters in women without alopecia, finding significant differences in hair growth rate, percentage anagen, and hair diameter distributions, particularly in the frontal scalp.

research Aging of the Hair Follicle Pigmentation System

75 citations , January 2009 in “International journal of trichology”

This review examines the differential aging of melanocytes in hair follicles and skin, and reports no new findings; the authors suggest further research is needed to understand these processes.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss: Current Treatment Concepts

50 citations , January 2007 in “PubMed”

This review discusses female pattern hair loss, highlighting that while oral antiandrogens and topical minoxidil can arrest progression, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, and stresses the need for ongoing therapy.

research Aging of Hair

99 citations , June 2005 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This article reviews factors influencing hair aging and available treatments like minoxidil and finasteride for androgenetic alopecia but reports no new clinical results.

research Metabolism of Freshly Isolated Human Hair Follicles Capable of Hair Elongation: A Glutaminolytic, Aerobic Glycolytic Tissue

71 citations , June 1993 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”