PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a hormonal disorder that can cause hair loss in women. The condition is caused by an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone hormones, which can lead to cysts in the ovaries. PCOS can cause other symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, acne, and excess facial hair. Hair loss is one of the most common symptoms of PCOS, affecting up to 70% of women with the condition. Androgenic alopecia is a common type of hair loss that affects women with PCOS.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects women of childbearing age. The main symptom of PCOS is irregular menstrual periods. PCOS can cause irregular or lengthy menstrual cycles, as well as high levels of the male hormone androgen in women. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to release eggs regularly.
PCOS can cause problems with a woman’s menstrual cycle, making it difficult to get pregnant. PCOS also increases the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
The symptoms of PCOS can vary, and some women may have no symptoms at all. The most common symptom of PCOS is irregular periods. The menstrual cycle of a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome may be irregular or excessively longer bleeding. Other symptoms of PCOS include:
- Weight gain
- Excess hair growth in the face, chest, back or buttocks
- Thinning hair on the scalp
- Oily skin or acne
- Patches of dark skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs
- Anxiety or depression
- Infertility
The link between PCOS and hair loss
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause hair loss in women. The main hormone involved in PCOS is androgen. Androgen is a male hormone that can cause the growth of facial and body hair in women. PCOS can also cause thinning of the scalp hair.
There are several theories as to why PCOS causes hair loss. One theory is that high levels of androgen lead to hair follicle miniaturization. This means that the hair follicles shrink and the hairs they produce are thinner and shorter. Another theory is that androgens interfere with the normal hair growth cycle. Normally, hairs go through a growth phase, a resting phase, and a shedding phase. But in women with PCOS, the shedding phase may occur more often than normal, leading to excessive hair loss.
The impact of hair loss on women with PCOS
There are two main types of hair loss that can occur in women with PCOS: androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium. Hair loss is prevalent in women with PCOS, and androgenetic alopecia is the most common hair loss type. It is characterized by a thinning of the hair on the scalp, as well as a receding hairline. Telogen effluvium is a less common type of hair loss that can occur in women with PCOS. It is characterized by a sudden shedding of the hair, which can lead to baldness.
Treatment options for PCOS-related hair loss
PCOS is a common condition that can cause hair loss in women. There are treatments available that can help with this problem. If you are experiencing hair loss due to PCOS, talk to your doctor about treatment options. You can stop hair loss and improve your overall health with proper treatment.
Oral contraceptive pills
Birth control pills are a common treatment for women with PCOS, as they can help to regulate hormones and prevent pregnancy. However, some women may have hair loss as a side effect of taking birth control pills.
Also, anti-androgen drugs can be used to treat PCOS and help with hair loss. These drugs work by blocking the effects of testosterone, which can help to slow down or stop hair loss.
Minoxidil
Applying minoxidil to your scalp can help promote hair growth. It is important to note that minoxidil will not cure PCOS or prevent hair loss, but it can help regrow hair that has been lost due to the condition. It comes in both over-the-counter and doctor-prescribed forms.
Spironolactone
The most prevalent type hair loss in women with PCOS is androgenetic alopecia, often known as male pattern baldness. Spironolactone is a medication that can be used to treat androgenetic alopecia. It works by blocking the effects of androgens, hormones that can promote hair loss.
Hair transplant
Hair is surgically removed from one part of the scalp and replanted in another during a hair transplant. The procedure can be used to restore hair growth in areas where there is thinning or balding.
There are several benefits of having a hair transplant, including:
- The hair loss problem is solved for ever.
- It can restore confidence and improve quality of life.
- It does not require ongoing maintenance like other treatment options, such as medication or wigs/hairpieces.
A hair transplant is a major surgery, it has the possibility of serious consequences.
Supplements
PCOS hair loss treatment supplements are becoming more and more famous as women seek alternative methods to treat their hair loss. And while there is no one-size-fits-all supplement for PCOS hair loss, a few seem to be helping women regrow their hair.
Saw palmetto is an herb that is in use for a long time to treat hair loss. It works by avoiding the production of DHT, a hormone that contributes to hair loss. Saw palmetto is available in supplement form and is available in most health food stores.
Zinc is an essential mineral for healthy hair growth. It helps to keep the hair follicles strong and prevents them from miniaturizing. A zinc deficiency can also lead to hair loss, so it’s important to ensure you’re getting enough of this essential mineral. There are many zinc supplements on the market, so it’s important to choose one that is high quality and effective.
Omega-3 fatty acids are another popular treatment for PCOS hair loss. Omega-3s help reduce inflammation throughout the body, including the scalp. They also help nourish the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. You may get omega-3 supplements at any health food store or on the internet.
Among the B-complex family of vitamins, biotin is water-soluble. It plays an important role in the metabolism of fats and proteins, and helps to keep skin and hair healthy. Biotin deficiency can cause hair loss, so taking a supplement containing biotin may help prevent or treat this condition.
Home remedies
Some home remedies may also help with PCOS hair loss.
There are some remedies that can be done at home to help with hair loss from PCOS. First, try to reduce stress levels. Stress can aggravate symptoms of PCOS and lead to further hair loss.
Eat a healthy diet and avoid crash diets. Crash diets can cause nutritional deficiencies that can trigger hair loss. Eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and proteins can help keep your hair healthy.
Use gentle shampoos and conditioners that are designed for sensitive scalp conditions. Avoiding harsh chemicals and over-washing can help prevent further hair loss.
Apple cider vinegar is effective in treating hair loss. It helps to balance the pH levels of the scalp and can also help to unclog hair follicles.
Massaging your scalp with essential oils can also help to improve circulation and promote hair growth. Rosemary oil, lavender oil, and thyme oil are all good options.
In what ways may I disguise my thinning hair?
Hair loss is a general problem that can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, medical conditions, medications, and even stress. There may be no way to stop hair loss, but it can be concealed in several ways.
One way to camouflage hair loss is with hairstyling techniques. For example, if you have thinning hair on the top of your head, try wearing your hair longer or in layers. You can also use volumizing products to give your hair more body. If you have a receding hairline, consider getting a short haircut or combing your hair forward.
Another way to disguise hair loss is with makeup and clothing. If you have bald spots, try using a concealer or wearing a hat or scarf.
When to see a healthcare provider for Hair Loss?
If you worry about hair loss, it is best to see a healthcare provider. They will be able to identify the rootcause of the hair loss and whether or not it is a sign of a bigger health problem. There are many potential causes of hair loss, so it is important to see a healthcare provider to rule out any serious causes.
In most cases, hair loss is not a sign of a severe health problem and can be treated with over-the-counter products or home remedies. However, if the hair loss is sudden or severe, or if you have other symptoms such as itching or burning, you should see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Final words
PCOS is the most common cause of ovulatory dysfunction and can lead to fertility problems. PCOS can also cause other changes in the body, including hair loss.
Hair loss is a common symptom of PCOS, affecting up to 70% of women with the condition. It can be diffuse (thinning all over the scalp) or localized (balding in specific areas). PCOS-related hair loss is often described as “male pattern baldness,” but it can affect women of any age.
There is no cure for PCOS, but the available treatments that can help manage the symptoms. Talk to your doctor about treatment options if you’re experiencing hair loss due to PCOS.