TLDR Dairy cows' skin and hair follicles change size and growth phase around the time they give birth.
The study observed temporal changes in the skin morphology of 7 pluriparous dairy cows during the periparturient period. Hair follicle width decreased from 108.8 ± 5.9 µm in the dry period to 95.5 ± 5.5 µm at 28 days postpartum, then increased to 104.2 ± 5.3 µm at 56 days postpartum. The percentage of anagen hair follicles was highest in the dry period (41.4 ± 3.4%) and lowest at 28 days postpartum (18.5 ± 3.4%). Sebaceous gland size followed a similar pattern. Despite these changes, overall skin morphology parameters remained stable, indicating that the cows' nutritional state during the periparturient period did not significantly affect their skin morphology.
9 citations,
June 2014 in “British Journal of Dermatology” The study found that balding scalps have more thin hairs and larger oil glands, which might contribute to skin conditions related to hair loss.
34 citations,
May 2013 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Hair growth slows and shedding increases after childbirth, but most women don't experience excessive hair loss.
42 citations,
July 2012 in “PLOS ONE” Estrogen can temporarily slow down hair growth but this can be reversed.
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.
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.
154 citations,
October 1996 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America” Estrogen affects hair growth and skin cell multiplication.
October 2018 in “Springer eBooks” The document concludes that various hair disorders have different treatments, including medication, surgery, and addressing underlying causes.