The biggest physical health problems faced by women have been revealed in a survey

Caroline BleakleyAugust 16, 2023

According to a new study, almost a third of women have never told anyone about a worrying physical problem.

From weight issues (36%) to thinning hair (29%), a recent survey of 2,000 women found that 30% haven’t spoken to anyone about the issues they’re facing.

In addition to weight issues and hair loss, women also reported concerns about hair quality (32%), acne (26%), cellulite or stretch marks (30%), and even chronic fatigue (24%).

When asked which issues they are most uncomfortable with, weight issues (23%) and hair loss (23%) rank first.

As symptoms peaked, women took matters into their own hands and bought or used products to correct the problem (35%), changed their diet (30%), and used both surgical (25%) and nonsurgical ( 24%) considered options.

Women also admit that these issues have even forced them to stay away from work or stay away from the camera when working remotely (27%) and even avoid friends and family (24%).

The study conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Nutrafolwas launched to coincide with Hair Loss Awareness Month in August to explore the impact of hair loss on women beyond the purely physical effects.

Of the 57% of women who spoke to someone about their concerns, hair loss came first (18%), twice as many women raised acne/blemishes (9%) and more than women with weight issues (12) . %).

When women first experienced hair loss, their attitude changed. Of those experiencing hair thinning, many said they felt sad (46%), embarrassed (43%) or even scared (42%).

Beauty standards are also attributed to these pessimistic feelings, with more than half (56%) agreeing that these standards have had a negative impact on them, particularly among African American women (63%, compared to 53% of Caucasian women).

Hair loss has paralyzed many, with women reporting a negative impact on their confidence (45%), careers (33%) and even personal relationships (30%).

The effects of hair loss are so profound that women also reported feeling no longer like themselves (39%) or even less like a woman (32%).

“Physical changes are a natural part of the aging process, but for many women this can lead to new insecurities about their appearance or anxiety about not feeling like themselves,” said Dr. Michelle Henry, board-certified dermatologist. “I often see patients who are suffering from hair loss and are not sure how to deal with it or who to turn to for support. It can be an incredibly isolating experience.”

Women at different stages of life shared different attitudes and beliefs about hair loss. Millennials likely attributed this to environmental factors such as pollution (21%), compared to 13% of Gen Xers and just 7% of Baby Boomers.

Millennials were more likely than any other generation to dislike talking to other people about their hair loss (44%, compared to 37% of Gen Xers and 36% of Baby Boomers).

They were the most likely to say their careers were impacted by hair loss (41%, compared to 27% of Gen Xers and 11% of Baby Boomers).

Two-thirds of respondents agree that the way their hair looks on any given day can completely transform how they feel about themselves.

In fact, the average woman who suffers from hair loss spends around 15 times a day worrying about the problem.

That doesn’t mean women aren’t optimistic though – compared to five years ago, a third feel the same way about their hair today and 31% feel better. And in another five years, another third expect to feel better doing it.

“Science has proven that hair loss is multifactorial, and fortunately there are non-invasive ways to address these root causes — whether it’s age-related collagen deficiency, hormonal or metabolic changes, or everyday stress,” said Dr. Henry. “I often recommend clinically proven supplements that address many of the factors that contribute to thinning, which in turn can boost wellness from within.”