When the cold wind blows, hair falls out... How to properly manage 'autumn hair loss'

[Financial News] Autumn is a painful season for 'hair loss sufferers.' Typically, human hair increases in number during spring and decreases in fall. Hair not only protects the scalp and helps regulate body temperature but also plays a role in first impressions. Therefore, when hair loss progresses, it often causes stress. On the 19th, medical professionals advised that hair loss, which causes significant psychological distress to individuals, can be slowed down through medication or daily lifestyle habits.

 

"Decade of hair loss".. 90% of people with hair loss have a genetic cause

 

Hair loss refers to a condition where hair is absent in areas where it normally should be present, leading to thinning hair or hair loss in specific areas, which is called alopecia. It is broadly classified into hair loss where hair follicles are maintained (genetic, telogen, and alopecia areata) and hair loss where follicles are not maintained (scarring alopecia).

Among them, 85-90% of all alopecia cases are hereditary (androgenetic) alopecia, which is classified into male and female pattern baldness. The main causes are genetics, aging, and male hormones (DHT hormones), and as aging progresses, the population with hereditary baldness is gradually increasing. Westernized eating habits, extreme dieting, smoking, and other environmental factors also have an impact, and inflammatory substances secreted from fat tissue can worsen hair loss, so obesity is also related to alopecia.

 

Professor Moon Ik-jun of Seoul Asan Medical Center Dermatology Department explained, "Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as baldness, is a common condition affecting about 25% of men over 50 in Korea. Typically, hair loss begins in the front and crown areas in the late 20s or 30s, eventually leaving only the sides and back of the head."

 

In addition, alopecia areata occurs due to autoimmune diseases, while scarring alopecia results from trauma, burns, infections, etc., which cause permanent destruction of hair follicles.

 

Professor Kim Beom-jun of the Department of Dermatology at Chung-Ang University Hospital said, "Saturated fats of animal origin increase the blood levels of male hormones, and foods high in sugar also boost insulin secretion, leading to the production of arachidonic acid, a precursor of male hormones." The reason for severe hair loss during the autumn with significant temperature fluctuations is also because increased male hormones actively produce proteins that induce hair loss. The cold and dry autumn weather thickens the stratum corneum, impeding scalp blood circulation and promoting hair loss.

 

'Widening parting line'.. Why does 'female pattern hair loss' occur?

 

Female pattern hair loss is a problem experienced by many women and is no longer just a concern for middle-aged men. According to data released by the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service, the number of women with hair loss has been increasing by 2.5% annually from 2018 to 2022. Once hair loss begins, natural recovery is difficult, and it progresses gradually and rapidly, so early intervention is necessary.

Female pattern hair loss refers to the manifestation of androgenetic alopecia in women. Unlike men, where hair loss primarily occurs at the hairline or crown, women experience a widening of the part and thinning around it. It mainly appears in women over the age of 30, and the condition worsens with age, especially after menopause. Patients typically notice a gradual thinning or reduction in hair volume over time rather than sudden hair loss.

 

Professor Shin Jeong-won of the Department of Dermatology at Bundang Seoul National University Hospital stated, "Unlike male pattern baldness, where the influence of male hormones androgens is absolute, female pattern hair loss is presumed to involve not only hormones but also many other factors that are still unknown." He added, "In fact, oral medications such as finasteride, which are effective in suppressing male pattern baldness, have little effect on female pattern hair loss and can cause deformities, making them difficult to use in women of reproductive age."

 

Professor Shin added, "The primary method of treating hair loss is applying topical agents containing minoxidil or alparatide, and if iron levels are below the standard, iron supplements are also taken."

 

If there are no pregnancy plans or if the woman is postmenopausal, hormone suppressants used in men may be considered, as well as diuretics with anti-androgen effects. Other options include hair transplantation or home-use LED hair loss treatment devices, which can be effective and serve as alternatives when topical treatments are difficult to use, and combining these with other treatments can also be helpful.

 

Treatment methods vary by type.. If hair loss is severe, 'hair transplantation' is also an option.

 

In cases of hereditary hair loss, a complete cure is difficult, but it can be slowed or alleviated through medication. In the early stages, drugs that mainly block the 5-alpha reductase enzyme necessary for DHT hormone production (such as oral medications like finasteride and dutasteride) are used. In advanced stages, topical medications (such as minoxidil) are used to stimulate hair follicles and promote entry into the growth phase. Using both oral and topical medications together can have a synergistic effect.

Since hair during growth phase grows about 1 cm per month, continuous medication treatment for about 6 months is necessary to achieve a significant hair growth effect. However, since hair loss requires lifelong treatment, stopping medication can lead to recurrence even if it is effective. It is advisable to consult with a specialist to determine the appropriate medication and dosage.

 

For advanced hair loss, autologous hair transplantation by harvesting the back of the head and transplanting it to the front is effective. The posterior scalp has relatively fewer androgen receptor expressions compared to the forehead or crown scalp, so hair is better preserved even with severe hair loss. Combining medication therapy after transplantation to protect the remaining hair yields the best aesthetic results.

 

In addition, telogen effluvium naturally recovers over several months once the cause is removed, so efforts to identify the cause are most important. Alopecia areata caused by autoimmune diseases is treated with topical steroids or immunotherapy. Scar-type alopecia involves permanent destruction of hair follicles, making hair regeneration impossible, so hair transplantation is mainly performed.

 

Professor Kwon Osang of Seoul National University Hospital's Department of Dermatology said, "Hair loss is a part of the aging process, and just as aging cannot be stopped, hair loss is also difficult to treat completely." He advised, "However, early detection and proactive management can lead to improvement, so if you notice your hair becoming thinner and falling out more, it is advisable to visit a hospital for consultation."

 

camila@fnnews.com Reporter Kang Gyumin

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It seems that autumn has arrived.

When I wash my hair, a handful of hair comes out.

As I lose weight, I am losing a lot of hair.

We should seriously consider medication treatment.