Prevalence of Female Pattern Hair Loss in Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

February 2022 in “ Menopause ”

Sukanya Chaikittisilpa, Nattiya Rattanasirisin, Ratchathorn Panchaprateep, Nalina Orprayoon, P Phutrakul, Ammarin Suwan, Unnop Jaisamrarn

female pattern hair loss FPHL Ludwig grades postmenopausal women body mass index BMI menopause hair loss hair thinning

TLDR Over half of postmenopausal women experience hair loss, with severity increasing with age, time since menopause, and higher body mass index.

The cross-sectional study involved 178 postmenopausal women aged between 50 and 65 years, and aimed to identify the prevalence of female pattern hair loss (FPHL), hair characteristics, and associated factors. The study found that the prevalence of FPHL was 52.2% (95% CI, 44.6-59.8). The severity of FPHL by Ludwig grades I, II, and III was 73.2% (95% CI, 62.9-81.8), 22.6% (95% CI, 14.6-32.4), and 4.3% (95% CI, 1.2-10.7), respectively. Age, time since menopause, and body mass index were all significantly associated with FPHL. After adjusting for age and family history of FPHL, only body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 was significantly associated with FPHL (adjusted OR = 2.65, 95% CI, 1.23-5.70). The study concluded that the prevalence of FPHL was high in postmenopausal women, highlighting the need for hair loss awareness in menopause clinics.

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