Menopause and Its Effects on Skin and Hair

    September 2023 in “ Gynäkologische Endokrinologie ”
    Susanna Weidlinger, Magdalena Weidlinger, Kristine Heidemeyer
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    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.
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