Study Finds Greater Incidence of Hair Loss in Divorced and Widowed Women

Although most assume hair loss is a condition exclusive to men, studies indicate that women actually comprise over 40% of the balding population. In most cases, female hair loss (female alopecia) is a devastating condition, causing emotional and psychological distress in a significant population of women. Due to the stress and stigma associated with this condition, various hair restoration and dermatological experts continually seek new ways to treat female hair loss.

One of these researchers, Dr. Bahman Guyuron – a plastic surgeon at Case Western Reserve University, recently conducted a study analyzing lifestyle factors and resulting hair loss in both male and female patients. Dr. Guyuron recruited over 200 identical twins (both male and female) and surveyed each subject’s lifestyle, living habits, and stress factors.

Interestingly enough, the survey results demonstrated a difference in factors causing hair loss in male and female patients. In male study subjects suffering hair loss, Dr. Guyuron found the strongest correlation between genetic predisposition (familial hair loss) and balding. Other elements, such as smoking, excessive sun exposure, alcohol consumption, and exercise, also play a lesser role in male hair loss.

However, the most significant component of female hair loss, according to the study, is the loss of a male spouse. In other words, Dr. Guyuron found that divorced or widowed subjects were more likely to suffer from female hair loss. Additionally, when comparing identical female twin subjects, one divorced or widowed and the other single or married, the correlation between loss of male spouse and female baldness was still observed.

Dr. Guyuron attributes the hair loss to a greater level of stress and suggests that the results indicate the need for further research in female alopecia.
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Blake Bloxham – formerly “Future_HT_Doc”

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum

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