Psychological Effects of Androgenetic Alopecia on Women: Comparisons with Balding Men and Female Control Subjects

    October 1993 in “ Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology ”
    Thomas F. Cash, Vera H. Price, Ronald C. Savin
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    TLDR Hair loss affects women's mental health more than men's, causing anxiety, low self-esteem, and social insecurity.
    Women with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) experience negative psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, social insecurity, lower self-esteem, and dissatisfaction with their appearance compared to balding men and female control subjects. The study found that hair loss has a greater negative impact on women's mental health than men's, with women experiencing a more negative body image and less adaptive functioning. Women with AGA experience more significant psychological effects than men, including anxiety, lower self-esteem, and higher levels of social anxiety due to feelings of diminished attractiveness. Psychological support is necessary for women with AGA.
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