FEMALE ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA - IMPACT ON SELF-ESTEEM

Abstract

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a chronic hair disease popularly known as baldness, which can affect men and women. Even though it is considered benign in nature, it can have a significant psychological impact, especially on women, due to the cultural and social importance given to female hair, which is commonly associated with ideal beauty. Hair loss can negatively affect self-esteem and consequently the quality of life of this population, leading, for example, to anxiety and depression. There are treatment options available, such as topical minoxidil and low-level laser therapy, which are effective in treating AGA. However, many treatment options have side effects, low efficacy or are financially inaccessible. It is important to understand its causes and mechanisms to develop better treatment approaches, combined with a greater understanding of the psychological consequences of this condition, which can contribute to developing holistic treatments with more effective results, improving quality of life. This study aims to better understand AGA, its impacts on female self-esteem, in addition to reviewing the techniques used for its treatment, considering possible combinations between them.