Hair loss and other hair changes in perimenopause and menopause - including shedding, thinning and changes in texture - are common, new research has found.
The paper, published in the British Journal of Dermatology, surveyed 1,457 women in England, with 84% reporting changes to their hair [1]. Balance app founder Dr Louise Newson was one of the study’s co-authors.
Hair shedding and thinning
Almost two-thirds of women (65%) reported hair shedding, while 57% experienced thinning and 45% noticed changes in their hair texture. Itchy scalp was reported by 44%.
Changes weren’t limited to scalp hair. More than a third of women (37%) reported thinning eyebrows, while 30% experienced increased facial or body hair and 27% noticed their eyelashes becoming thinner.
For some women, these changes had a significant emotional impact. More than a quarter (27%) reported that their hair symptoms had at least a moderate effect on their quality of life, while interviews highlighted the impact on confidence and identity.
‘Menopause hair changes shouldn’t be dismissed’
The researchers say better recognition, reliable information and access to appropriate support are needed to reduce the impact of perimenopause and menopause-related hair changes.
Despite the prevalence of hair symptoms, almost a third of women (32%) said they had received no information about them, while just 12% had sought advice from a GP and 3% from a dermatologist.
Dr Louise Newson said: ‘Hair changes during perimenopause and menopause are incredibly common, yet they’re so often trivialised or dismissed as simply part of getting older.
‘Hair loss and thinning can have a real impact on women’s confidence and wellbeing. Women deserve to be listened to and should speak to a healthcare professional to understand what’s causing these changes and what can help, including hormone treatment (HRT).’
Read the paper in the British Journal of Dermatology here: https://doi.org/10.1093/bjd/ljag086.299
