Hair loss is most commonly associated with male-pattern baldness, but women can have alopecia, too, and it may have significant impact on their quality of life. Too often, women suffer psychological and emotional effects that can range from decreased self-esteem to anxiety and depression, maintains physician David H. Kingsley of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, Geneva, Ill.
Hundreds of women with hair leas who were interviewed on the topic reported:
* Lees of self-esteem. "Other people are always looking at my hair." "I feel unattractive or undesirable as a result of my hair loss."
* Social dysfunction. "I go out less because of my hair loss." "My hair loss has limited my sexual activity."
* Anxiety and depression. "Losing my hair has been the most disturbing event of my life." "I constantly worry about my hair loss."
The loss of hair in women is likely to be diffuse--a thinning of hair rather than the typical male-pattern "monk's tonsure" or "cue ball" effect. This less apparent level in women accounts in some degree for the underestimation of its importance in their lives, Kingsley asserts. Many people, including physicians, do not commonly think of hair loss as a female concern. Scalp examination is not part of a routine exam and thus the subject of hair loss may not arise unless the woman overcomes her embarrassment and broaches the subject with her physician.
Of the many causes, only a few, such as aging, hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, and heredity may be considered "normal." Treatment is available for some of these.
Other potential causes include cystic ovaries, prescription drugs, hypothyroidism, autoimmune disease, chemotherapy, stress, dietary deficiencies, and damage to hair and scalp caused by styling. A lesser known cause of hair loss is trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling), which can cause bizarre patterns of baldness. Trichotillomania often is a "secret" that the woman is unwilling to discuss as it may be linked with another condition such as an eating disorder.
Approximately one to two percent of women who complain of hair loss have no sign of thinning other than normally expected day-to-day shedding. In some instances, a problem such as marital or job stress may be an underlying factor.
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COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group
