--- title: Does the menstrual cycle affect hair and scalp health? | Niyora description: Yes. Women with irregular menstrual cycles are more likely to have hair and scalp problems. Hair and scalp disorders seem to change during different phases of url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/menstrual-cycle-patterns-as-a-key-to-understand-hair-and-scalp-disorders-an-2024/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does the menstrual cycle affect hair and scalp health? Survey study, 2024 # Does the menstrual cycle affect hair and scalp health? Yes. Women with irregular menstrual cycles are more likely to have hair and scalp problems. Hair and scalp disorders seem to change during different phases of the menstrual cycle. Moderate study design 17,009 women with active menstrual cycles from 20 countries, mean age 34.49±9.66 years ## What they did An international survey across 20 countries asked 20,001 women about hair and scalp conditions and their menstrual cycle regularity. Only women with active menstrual cycles were included. ## What they found Among 17,009 women with active menses, 83% reported at least one hair or scalp disorder. The most common were itchy scalp (48.8%), dandruff (47.6%), and oily scalp (45.8%). Women with irregular cycles had higher rates of itchy scalp (55.9% compared to 46.6%) and dandruff (55% compared to 47.3%) than women with regular cycles. Some disorders appeared more often during the premenstrual and menstrual phases than during the middle of the cycle. ## What it means for you Menstrual cycle irregularities are linked to more hair and scalp problems. Hormonal changes during the cycle may affect hair and scalp health. The main limit is that this is an international study based on women's reports of their own symptoms, so it cannot prove that the cycle causes hair problems. 17,009 women with active menstrual cycles 83% reported at least one hair or scalp disorder 48.8% had itchy scalp ## About the study Original title Menstrual Cycle Patterns as A Key to Understand Hair and Scalp Disorders: an International Study on 17,009 Women Authors Christos C. Zouboulis, Claire Deloche, Julie Faure et al. Journal Journal of Women s Health and Development Year 2024 Study design Survey study Participants 20,001 Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.26502/fjwhd.2644-288400131](https://doi.org/10.26502/fjwhd.2644-288400131) Original abstract Introduction: Hair and scalp conditions are significant indicators of overall health and well-being, impacting quality of life in multiple domains, including emotional and social aspects. This international study assessed self-reported hair and scalp disorders in women aged 18–55 years and explored their associations with menstrual cycle regularity and phases. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted between January 13 and February 20, 2023, across 20 countries. A stratified proportional quota sampling ensured national representativeness. A digital questionnaire collected data on demographics, menstrual cycle characteristics, and 11 hair and scalp disorders, with additional details on the timing and persistence of these disorders. Women without recent menses, peri-menopausal, post-menopausal, and post-partum participants were excluded. Statistical analyses were performed using HARMONIE 1.7 software, with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: Among 20,001 surveyed women, 17,009 with active menses were included. The mean age was 34.49 ± 9.66 years. 58.8% of women reported regular cycles, while 41.2% had irregular cycles. Overall, 83% of participants reported at least one hair or scalp disorder. The most common conditions were itchy scalp (48.8%), dandruff (47.6%), and oily scalp (45.8%). Disorders were more prevalent in women with irregular menses; for instance, itchy scalp (55.9% vs. 46.6%) and dandruff (55% vs. 47.3%) were significantly higher (p<10^-3). Permanent conditions like diffuse hair loss and frontal alopecia were noted, while intermittent disorders showed higher prevalence during premenstrual and menstrual phases than in the peri-ovulatory phase. Conclusion: This study highlights the significant association between menstrual irregularities and hair and scalp disorders, emphasizing hormonal influences. These findings call for further research into targeted treatments addressing hormonal imbalances to improve women’s dermatological and overall well-being. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Perimenopause and menopause](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-perimenopause/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Randomised trial, 2005 Does stopping ovulation help irritable bowel syndrome that gets worse during the menstrual cycle? Systematic review, 2025 Do drugs that stop ovulation help women with PMS? Survey study, 2022 What are the biggest research gaps in women's health, especially for menstrual conditions? Study, 2018 Do irregular periods and menopause affect thinking and memory in women with schizophrenia? Survey study, 2014 Do women who had PMS develop more hot flashes in menopause? Study, 2005 Do women with depression experience worsening of symptoms before their period? 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