Menopause and Its Effects on Skin and Hair

    September 2023 in “ Gynäkologische Endokrinologie ”
    Susanna Weidlinger, Magdalena Weidlinger, Kristine Heidemeyer
    Image of study
    TLDR Menopause causes skin and hair to become drier and thinner, but hormone therapy can improve these conditions.
    The document discusses the effects of menopause on skin and hair due to hormonal changes. A survey of 1287 French women showed that 72% noticed negative changes to their skin and hair during menopause. The drop in estrogen levels during menopause leads to reduced lipid production, increased water loss, dryness, and a weakened skin barrier. Skin collagen decreases by 30% in the first 5 years after menopause, then by 1-2% per year for the next 15 years. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) can significantly reverse these skin changes. Postmenopausal acne can occur due to hormonal changes, with treatment options including topical therapies and systemic anti-androgen therapies. Hair follicles are also affected, with a decrease in the proportion of growth phase hairs observed in postmenopausal women. Androgens can cause hair growth on the face and body but can inhibit scalp hair growth, contributing to androgenetic alopecia. However, MHT's effectiveness as a therapy for female pattern hair loss is not well-supported by data. Lifestyle factors also significantly influence skin and hair biology.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    17 / 17 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 83 results

      community 6 Months Into Dut Progress Pictures

      in Progress Pictures  100 upvotes 6 days ago
      Switching from finasteride to dutasteride caused significant shedding but minimal side effects. The user plans to continue dutasteride for 12 months despite concerns about hair density.

      community Fats on your Head to Stop Hair Loss?

      in Research/Science  139 upvotes 1 year ago
      The conversation discusses the potential of long-chain unsaturated fatty acids, like oleic and linoleic acid, as an additional treatment for hair loss, which may inhibit the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT and promote hair growth. Users humorously suggest using oils topically and discuss other hair loss treatments, but the main focus is on the science behind fatty acids and their role in hair health.

      community Why is it that low testosterone causes hair loss as well? How can I be balding?

      in Chat  158 upvotes 1 year ago
      The conversation discusses the confusion over low testosterone potentially causing hair loss, with users sharing personal experiences and knowledge about hair loss treatments like Finasteride. Some users suggest that hair follicle sensitivity to DHT, not testosterone levels, is the key factor in balding, and others discuss the side effects of hair loss medications.

      community Injecting estrogen for hairline regrow

      in Chat  269 upvotes 1 month ago
      A user plans to undergo a temporary MtF transformation to regrow hair, using estrogen, RU58841, and Dutasteride, then revert with testosterone. Many users criticize the plan, suggesting alternatives like hair transplants, and emphasize that estrogen is not a reliable solution for hair regrowth.

      community High Estrogen causing hair loss?

      in Treatment  15 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 24-year-old male using topical finasteride for hair loss is experiencing thinning despite treatment and has high estrogen levels. He is seeking advice on whether high estrogen could be causing hair loss and how others with high estrogen levels have addressed it.

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results