Why is Female Hair Loss Steadily Increasing?

Traditionally, hair loss has been regarded as a condition exclusive to men. In fact, thanks to the female hormone (estrogen) which positively affects hair growth and maintenance, women generally have more hair, faster growth rates, and a significantly lower incidence of hair loss compared to men. However, having treated hair loss patients for the past 20 years, I witness every day that this formula is breaking. We are seeing a sharp increase in female hair loss patients, and the age of onset is becoming younger and younger.

While it was once a concern primarily for middle-aged women, now women in their 20s, 30s, and even teens are visiting clinics under deep stress due to hair loss. Statistics from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service clearly reflect this phenomenon. As of 2023, out of 254,866 hair loss patients in Korea, 113,196 were women—accounting for 44.4% of the total. This is an increase of approximately 13.4% compared to five years ago in 2018 (99,842 patients). Why is female hair loss rising so steeply? The reasons can be found in several complex factors intertwined in the lives of women living in modern society.

1. Nutritional Imbalance and Deficiency: The Double Burden of Weight Control and Menstruation

One of the primary causes of female hair loss is 'relative nutritional deficiency.' Modern women, in particular, face lifelong pressure to lose and maintain weight, which has a fatal impact on hair health. Furthermore, even if they appear to eat well, they often consume fewer of the specific nutrients required for hair.

• Repeated Weight Loss: Attempting to lose a lot of weight in a short period or through crash diets inevitably leads to restricted food intake. This results in deficiencies in protein—the main component of hair—as well as essential vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and biotin. When the body lacks nutrition, it prioritizes sending energy to vital organs necessary for survival and reduces or cuts off the supply to relatively less important parts like hair. Consequently, hair follicles fall into a state of 'malnutrition,' causing hair to thin or production to stop altogether.
• Chronic Iron Deficiency: Due to monthly menstruation, women are more susceptible to iron-deficiency anemia than men. Iron is a key component of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. If iron is insufficient, hair follicles do not receive enough oxygen, hindering hair growth.

2. The Counterattack of Hormones: A Broken Balance

Stable female hormones act as a strong shield protecting the hair. However, various factors in modern society are weakening this shield.

• Stress and Hormonal Disruption: Women tend to react more sensitively to stress than men, and chronic stress disrupts the body's hormonal regulation system. Cortisol, the stress hormone, triggers hair loss by shortening the growth phase (anagen) and lengthening the resting phase (telogen).
• Rising Hormone-Related Disorders: Recent studies suggest that the prevalence of hormonal imbalance disorders like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is increasing due to changes in modern lifestyles. PCOS is a representative condition that raises androgen (male hormone) levels in the body, causing acne and hirsutism along with female-pattern hair loss.
• Thyroid Disorders: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism show a higher incidence rate in women. Both conditions can affect the hair growth cycle and cause significant hair loss.

3. Frequent Chemical Treatments: Constant Scalp Irritation

The pursuit of beauty can also be a significant burden on the scalp. Chemical procedures like perms and dyeing cause direct irritation not only to the hair but also to the scalp. Nowadays, many start perming or dyeing their hair as early as their pre-teen years. These procedures become even more frequent in adulthood. The chemicals used in these treatments can damage the scalp's protective barrier and cause contact dermatitis or folliculitis, often leading to hair loss. Given that the frequency of these procedures is much higher in women than in men, it can be inferred as a major cause of female hair loss.

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Complex Causes is Needed

As such, hair loss in modern women is a very complex issue that cannot be explained by a single cause. It is the result of a combination of structural problems in modern society, such as excessive weight loss driven by social pressure, chronic stress, rising hormonal disorders, and frequent chemical treatments. Therefore, treating female hair loss requires more than just looking at the scalp; it necessitates a holistic approach that comprehensively identifies the patient's lifestyle, diet, stress levels, and underlying medical conditions. The first step to protecting your precious hair is not ignoring the warning signs your body sends and seeking an expert to find the root cause together.