Hair loss can have dismaying or even devastating influence on a women’s quality of life, not least because hair loss is often wrongly considered a less significant psychological and emotional problem for women than it is for men. Too often, a woman’s hair loss is not taken seriously by family and friends or even by a woman’s personal physician.
Hair loss in women isn’t something that’s socially acceptable but it is something that can be overlooked as a normal occurrence. Gradual thinning hair is often associated with aging, temporary hair loss is common with pregnancy, and often women have pattern hair loss that runs in the family. However, hair loss should never be considered normal, especially when it can have a devastating influence on a woman’s quality of life.
While hair loss itself can present psychological and emotional problems for a woman, failure of others to recognize the seriousness of these problems may contribute additionally to psychological and emotional effects that can range from decreased self-esteem to anxiety and depression.
Too often, women’s hair loss is not taken seriously, but its importance in a woman’s life should never be underestimated. Hair loss itself can inflict emotional problems but the failure of others to recognise the seriousness of these problems may further contribute to the psychological effects of hair loss.
Hundreds of women with hair loss were recently interviewed using a validated questionnaire, as described by David H. Kingsley, PhD, at a recent international meeting of the ISHRS. Women responding to the questionnaire reported:
Loss of self-esteem- “I feel other people are always looking at my hair.” “I constantly compare my hair loss to others.” “I feel unattractive or undesirable as a result of my hair loss.”
Anxiety and depression- “Losing my hair has been the most disturbing event of my life.” “I constantly worry about my hair loss.”
Social dysfunction- “I go out less because of my hair loss.” “I feel my hair loss is affecting my career.” “My hair loss has limited my sexual activity.”
Loss of control- “I am constantly seeking advice about my hair loss.”
Lack of support- “Friends and family don’t take my hair loss seriously or underestimate its importance to me.”
Even when a woman’s thinning hair is seemingly ‘normal’, treatments are available and should be considered when hair loss influences a woman’s quality of life. In any case, hair loss should not be taken at face value and seen as ‘normal’ because it can be an indication of an underlying medical problem that needs urgent addressing. Such conditions where hair loss is a common side effect include polycystic ovarian syndrome, thyroid and other autoimmune diseases, psychological or physical stress, and dietary deficiencies, just to name a few.
A woman’s hair loss should always be taken seriously and they should consult a hair loss specialist to learn how to treat and manage the problem effectively. For a free consultation with a hair loss specialist, call the Belgravia Centre on 020 7730 6666 or send an email for more information. Alternatively, fill in the online diagnostic form for free expert advice about your condition and get access to the best individualised treatment, without the need to come into the centre.
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