Today’s report also covers research into the effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy on hair growth, pricing bias in hair care products, and more (1,216 words, 6 minutes)
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Good morning and welcome to the Women in Dermatology e-newsletter from Chronicle Companies. We’re pleased to have you join us. This biweekly bulletin will update you on new findings regarding dermatologic issues that affect women and the female dermatologists who care for them. We welcome your feedback and opinions, so let us know if you have any comments, observations, or suggestions. You can email them to us at health@chronicle.org
The authors of a study published in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology (Jun. 2023; 9(2):p e084) write that postpartum hair loss is a common condition that occurs a few months after childbirth and can last up to one year. They add there is a lack of reliable information on this topic, including its prevalence. This study examined the factors associated with postpartum hair loss and aimed to identify the aspects linked to its development.
The authors conducted a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study that included 331 women who had given birth at two different facilities in Tokyo between June 2021 and April 2022. Participants all completed a survey 10 to 18 months after delivery that covered various aspects such as personal information, pregnancy details, delivery information, childcare, and the severity of postpartum hair loss. Then, the women were divided into two groups based on the absence or presence of postpartum hair loss, and the researchers used logistic regression to analyze the data.
Results showed that of 331 women surveyed, 304 (91.8%) experienced postpartum hair loss and 73.1% reported feeling anxiety or stress about this condition. On average, hair loss began at 2.9 months post-birth, reached its peak at 5.1 months, and ended at 8.1 months. Additionally, women with postpartum hair loss delivered their babies earlier, had lower birth weights, a higher rate of preterm labour, and longer-term breastfeeding.
The study also found the duration of breastfeeding is a significant predictor of postpartum hair loss. Women who stopped breastfeeding between six and 12 months had nearly six times higher odds of experiencing hair loss than women who stopped breastfeeding within six months after childbirth. Regarding preterm labour, the authors note that women who did not experience hair loss did not experience preterm labour either. According to the authors, these results could mean that postpartum hair loss may be regulated by estrogen levels.
Bottom line
The authors found that over 90% of women involved in this study experienced postpartum hair loss. They conclude that long-term breastfeeding is a significant predictor and that pre-term labour is associated with this condition, which could mean that postpartum hair loss is regulated by estrogen.
The effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy on hair growth
A study published in the Educational Journal of the British Association of Dermatologists evaluated the effect of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on hair growth. The researchers found that feminizing GAHT in trans women can reduce facial and body hair growth and improve androgenic alopecia (AGA) symptoms. At the same time, masculinizing GAHT in trans men can increase facial and body hair growth but also trigger or exacerbate AGA symptoms.
For this systematic review, the authors reviewed the existing literature evaluating the impact of GAHT on hair changes.
Evaluating the efficacy and safety of non-ablating fractional laser in the treatment of striae gravidarum
Research in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy evaluated the safety and efficacy of a non-ablating fractional laser (NAFL) in the treatment of striae gravidarum (SG) or stretch marks on Iranian women. The authors found that NAFL is a safe and effective treatment for stretch marks.
The authors conducted a prospective study that included 50 participants with SG. Each participant received three monthly sessions of 1,540 nm NAFL over 20 weeks. The clinical changes were evaluated using before and after pictures. The results showed NAFL improved the appearance of SG with minimal side effects.
A study published in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology analyzed the price differences for haircare products targeted toward people with coily or curly hair compared to the products targeted at individuals with straight hair. The researchers found a significant price difference between products for coiled or curly hair and products for straight hair, and determined that products for coiled or curly hair products are more expensive.
For this study, the authors collected data from six brands available on Amazon (U.S.) during Aug. 2022. The brands evaluated were Head & Shoulders, L’Oréal Paris, Pantene, Dove, TRESemmé and Garnier Fructis. Then they examined cost by categorizing the data based on the manufacturer, hair texture, and average price per ounce. While the study is limited by the small sample size of only shampoos and conditioners, the authors conclude that pricing policies should ensure a more inclusive approach to haircare.
Trends in supplement use for hair, skin, and nails
A research letter in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology assessed the trends of hair, skin, and nail (HSN) supplement use between 2011 and 2020. The authors found HSN supplement users were more often women under 40 years of age. They also found that Black and Hispanic people were more likely to report HSN use than non-Hispanic White individuals.
For this study, the researchers used a representative sample that included data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2011 to 2012, 2013 to 2014, 2015 to 2016, and 2017 to Mar. 2020. Of 40,959 participants, only 3.9% reported HSN supplementation. The results showed most HSN supplement users were women under 40 years of age. Black, Hispanic and people with more than a high school education were also more likely to use HSN supplements.
Dr. Shari Marchbein, a New York City-based dermatologist, talks about PCOS and acne. She also discusses hormones, treatments, and more.
A case of adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma successfully treated with bexarotene in an elderly patient
A case study published in JEADV Clinical Practice described an 86-year-old woman who presented with red, hard tumours on her left cheek, back, and thighs. After a thorough examination, the patient was diagnosed with severe smouldering-type adult T-cell leukaemia-lymphoma (ATL). She was initially treated with topical steroids, narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy on the small tumours on her thighs, and local electron beam irradiation on the larger tumours on her cheek and back. These treatments shrank most of her tumours, but she also developed new lesions on her thighs and lower abdomen. The physicians then prescribed oral bexarotene and a topical steroid.
The tumours on her thighs temporarily disappeared, but new lesions appeared in the same location within 10 months of starting the treatment, so she was administered additional local electron-beam radiation. She later had three tumours surgically removed from the abdomen and continued to take bexarotene. After 24 months, her lesions were resolved, and the patient remained in remission.
“We are seeing a growing and evolving demographic that represents skin of colour patients. For that reason it’s important as dermatologists that we are able collectively as a group have the cultural competency as well as knowledge in order to treat different skin tones and the skin conditions that may be seen in this population.”
— Dr. Monica Li, a Vancouver-based dermatologist, in an interview with the Calgary Journal.
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