Menopause, skin and common dermatoses. Part 1: hair disorders

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Hair Biology

Background:

• Menopause, typically occurring between ages 45-55, involves declining estrogen levels from ovarian follicle depletion.
• While cardiovascular and bone density impacts are known, menopause's effects on skin and hair require further investigation.
• Hormonal fluctuations during menopause influence various physiological processes, including hair follicle regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the existing literature on the effects of menopause on hair health.
• To examine the relationship between menopausal hormonal changes and common hair conditions.
• To identify potential research gaps and therapeutic targets for menopausal hair changes.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted focusing on dermatology and hair-related studies concerning menopause.
• Searched databases for relevant research articles on hormonal regulation of the hair cycle and menopausal hair disorders.
• Synthesized findings from selected studies to provide an overview of current knowledge.

Main Results:

• Menopause is associated with alterations in the hair cycle, including a reduction in anagen (growth phase) hairs.
• Conditions such as female pattern hair loss and frontal fibrosing alopecia are linked to the perimenopausal and postmenopausal periods.
• Estrogen and androgen levels play a crucial role in regulating hair growth, and their decline during menopause affects hair health.

Conclusions:

• Menopause and associated hormonal shifts demonstrably impact the hair cycle and contribute to common hair loss conditions.
• Further research is essential to fully elucidate the mechanisms behind menopausal hair changes.
• Understanding these mechanisms could lead to the development of targeted therapies, including hormonal interventions.