TLDR Hair loss affects quality of life, self-esteem, and confidence, but younger patients cope better.
This study investigated the impact of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) on quality of life (QoL) and lifestyle patterns in male patients in Mumbai. The study found that heredity is associated with the age of onset of hair loss, but lifestyle factors and stressful life events are not significantly affected by the onset of AGA. Quality-of-life is affected in both age groups, but younger patients seem to have better self-assurance as well as better psychological health. Hair loss affects personal attractiveness and social life, and causes low self-esteem and loss of self-confidence. The degree of visibility of hair loss affects the QoL of patients with male pattern baldness, with those with more visible hair loss scoring higher on the emotions, self-assurance, functioning, and stigmatization subscales.
49 citations
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January 2004 in “Dermatology” Men with a family history of hair loss are more likely to experience it themselves, especially if both parents have hair loss.
102 citations
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January 2003 in “Dermatology” Smoking may contribute to hair loss in men.
222 citations
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October 1993 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Hair loss affects women's mental health more than men's, causing anxiety, low self-esteem, and social insecurity.
192 citations
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June 1992 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Hair loss can cause low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression in men.
38 citations
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January 1991 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Men over 35 with hair improvement felt better psychologically, while younger men felt better even without hair improvement.
25 citations
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January 1998 in “Dermatology” Male pattern hair loss negatively affects quality of life, but drug treatments can help.
August 2024 in “Archives of Dermatological Research” Combining botulinum toxin type A with Minoxidil significantly improves hair growth and patient satisfaction in male hair loss.
151 citations
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May 2014 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology” Effective treatments for male pattern baldness include oral finasteride and topical minoxidil, while topical minoxidil is best for female pattern baldness.
10 citations
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October 2018 in “Sexual medicine reviews” Men using hair loss drugs like finasteride may experience sexual side effects like erectile dysfunction, but it's unclear who will be affected and when. Treating depression and sexual symptoms is suggested, as these men often have higher rates of both. More research is needed to understand why these side effects occur.
147 citations
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January 2014 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology” Laser device increases hair density, safe for treating hair loss in men and women.