It can be easy to write off hair thinning in menopause as a cosmetic concern. But for the women who undergo it, the effects often go well beyond appearance. Density changes, increased shedding and a waning confidence can affect how a person feels socially and how connected she feels to her former appearance.
More than half of women are estimated to experience some degree of hair thinning or loss by the age of 50. Menopause can intensify the problem because declining oestrogen and progesterone levels alter the hair-growth cycle. The active growth phase, known as anagen, becomes shorter, while shedding and follicle miniaturisation may increase.
Established treatments for female-pattern hair loss include minoxidil, low-level laser therapy and the off-label use of oral anti-androgens. But the results may be modest, and some options may not be suitable for long-term use due to unwanted side effects. This has stimulated interest in regenerative and non-hormonal therapies, including topical preparations based on stem cell-derived exosomal proteins.
One such formulation, PTT-6®, has been assessed alongside microneedling in a small study involving women with menopausal or androgenetic hair loss.
Why menopause can affect the hair cycle
Hair follicles go through several phases, including an active growing phase. The hormonal changes of and after the menopause may shorten this growth period, resulting in more hairs falling out and some follicles becoming progressively smaller.
The hair loss may be diffuse thinning rather than a single bald spot. You may notice changes around the hairline and temples especially, as less volume affects the overall framing of the face.
Androgenetic alopecia can create a similar concern. Although its presentation and contributing factors may differ between patients, follicle miniaturisation and declining density are central features. In both cases, treatment is rarely just about increasing the number of visible hairs. It must also address whether existing follicles can be supported safely and practically over time.
What is PTT-6®?
PTT-6® is a topical formulation rich in exosomal proteins derived from ethically sourced mesenchymal stem cells taken from red deer umbilical cord lining. It is used by Calecim Professional in a treatment approach intended to support cellular communication and follicular activity.
Some of the proteins are involved in processes relevant to hair regeneration, including modulating inflammation and stimulating follicular stem cells. PTT-6® is a cell-free formulation of growth factors and is an alternative to hormonal therapies and traditional hair-growth medications.
How the treatment was studied
A study was conducted at Time Clinic in London and enrolled 12 women aged between 37 and 54. Each participant had menopausal hair loss or androgenetic alopecia classified as Ludwig scale I or II.
Women with active scalp disease were excluded, as were those who had recently used oral or topical hair-growth medication. Pregnancy was also an exclusion criterion.
The treatment started with a clinical microneedling session using a 1.25mm stamp device, followed by application of PTT-6®. The participants continued treatment at home for five weeks. They used a 0.5mm microneedling stamp once a week and applied the topical serum. They were trained in proper use and monitored for compliance.
Progress was reviewed at six and 12 weeks. The assessment process included high-resolution photographs, patient questionnaires and qualitative feedback concerning shedding, density, thickness and overall satisfaction.
Not every participant completed the entire study. Eight of the ten women who took part in the six-week assessment completed the 12-week evaluation. The reduction in participants is important in the interpretation of the results.
What changed during the study?
At six weeks, nine of the 10 participants who completed that assessment reported noticeable improvement. Their observations included less daily shedding, thicker-feeling hair and greater volume around the temples and hairline.
The photographs also showed visible changes in density, particularly in areas affected by diffuse thinning. Some participants reported receiving positive comments about their hair from family members or peers without having asked for feedback.
By week 12, all eight remaining participants showed improvement described as ranging from mild to definitive. The reported changes involved hair growth and thickness.
The treatment was reported to be well tolerated even by those with sensitive skin without any side effects. This is an important early finding for a treatment that is meant to be part of an ongoing routine.
Promising results, with important limitations
This provides support for combining Calecim Professional’s products with PTT-6® with microneedling in women experiencing menopausal or androgenetic hair loss. It suggests that this approach may help reduce shedding and improve visible density and thickness without the use of hormonal therapy.
A developing option rather than a definitive answer
The early evidence positions PTT-6® as a promising, non-invasive and non-hormonal intervention for two forms of hair loss that can be difficult to treat.
Menopausal hair loss carries a genuine emotional burden, and women need options that acknowledge both the biological problem and the realities of long-term treatment.
