INTRODUCTION
The prevalence of female hair loss and thinning increases with advancing age and is most common among post-menopausal women. Indeed, significant androgenetic hair loss occurs in perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal women, affecting at least 50% of women by age 50.1-5 The most recently published statistics show that by age 60, an estimated 80% of women experience hair loss.6 Due to its perceived effect on female attractiveness, hair loss can have a significant psychological impact on affected individuals, leading to low self-esteem,7 anxiety, and depression8,9 and generally diminished quality of life.9
The hormonal changes of menopause are associated with a decrease in hair diameter and change in diameter distribution, increased miniaturization,10,11 and decreased growth rate and time spent in the anagen phase.12 Additional age-related changes in hair diameter and density that are independent of menopause, tend to occur at approximately the same time, compounding the perception of hair loss for middle-aged women.12,13
Current therapies often target sole causes, while research shows the underlying pathophysiology of hair loss and thinning to be multifactorial, caused by intrinsic and extrinsic factors including stress, hormonal shifts, inflammation, environmental insults, oxidative stress, nutritional compromise, and the natural aging process.14 Treatment options are limited and mostly offlabel. Minoxidil, the only FDA-approved drug indicated for the treatment of hair thinning and loss in women has potential side effects, and many women find it difficult to incorporate into daily haircare routines.5,15 A nutraceutical formulation developed to provide a multi-targeted approach to thinning hair was evaluated in a randomized placebo-controlled study in women with self-perceived hair thinning.5 Results showed significant and progressive improvements in hair growth and hair quality at 3 and 6-months compared to placebo.
The hormonal changes of menopause are associated with a decrease in hair diameter and change in diameter distribution, increased miniaturization,10,11 and decreased growth rate and time spent in the anagen phase.12 Additional age-related changes in hair diameter and density that are independent of menopause, tend to occur at approximately the same time, compounding the perception of hair loss for middle-aged women.12,13
Current therapies often target sole causes, while research shows the underlying pathophysiology of hair loss and thinning to be multifactorial, caused by intrinsic and extrinsic factors including stress, hormonal shifts, inflammation, environmental insults, oxidative stress, nutritional compromise, and the natural aging process.14 Treatment options are limited and mostly offlabel. Minoxidil, the only FDA-approved drug indicated for the treatment of hair thinning and loss in women has potential side effects, and many women find it difficult to incorporate into daily haircare routines.5,15 A nutraceutical formulation developed to provide a multi-targeted approach to thinning hair was evaluated in a randomized placebo-controlled study in women with self-perceived hair thinning.5 Results showed significant and progressive improvements in hair growth and hair quality at 3 and 6-months compared to placebo.
