Hair loss is among the most challenging symptoms for women diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). While PCOS causes multiple other symptoms that can be embarrassing or uncomfortable, it is often the hair loss that causes the biggest emotional impact for women. PCOS-related hair loss is very different from ordinary hair loss because it has a unique cause and requires a different management approach.
The following article outlines what causes PCOS hair loss, what does it look like, and which treatment approaches are used most often.
Table of contents
- What is PCOS and what is the connection between PCOS and hair loss?
- What does hair loss caused by PCOS look like?
- Why are hormones responsible for the pattern of hair loss?
- Medication Treatments Available
- Lifestyle Changes That Can Help With Hormonal Imbalance
- Changes in Hair Care Routine for PCOS-Associated Thinning Hair
- When to visit a doctor?
- Key takeaways
- FAQ
What is PCOS and what is the connection between PCOS and hair loss?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects the function of the female reproductive system, primarily of the ovaries. In PCOS, there are increased levels of androgens, which are the male hormones that are normally produced in low levels by the ovaries of healthy women. PCOS symptoms are caused mostly by this hormonal imbalance, including irregular menstrual cycles, acne, excessive hair growth, and hair loss.
What does hair loss caused by PCOS look like?
Women with PCOS can suffer from androgenic alopecia, which is characterized by the following signs:
- Hair thinning mostly in the crown area
- Growing wider part line
- Reduced overall hair density without bald spots
- Fine and thinning hair compared to your normal state
- Gradual hair loss that happens with time
Androgenic alopecia in women with PCOS is similar to the male pattern baldness because it is triggered by the same type of hormones but occurs in women due to the higher level of androgens.
Why are hormones responsible for the pattern of hair loss?
DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is an androgen that binds with the receptors of the hair follicles that are genetically susceptible to DHT. The increased androgen levels will gradually reduce the size of the follicles and slow down the hair growth rate.
Medication Treatments Available
Since polycystic ovaries hair loss is hormonal-related, the most efficient ways of treatment imply targeting the underlying issue. The treatments that the physician might recommend to a patient could be the following:
- Anti-androgens that help decrease hormonal effects on the hair follicles
- Minoxidil – the topical FDA-approved hair growth enhancer regardless of the cause of hair loss
- Hormonal birth control that can help manage the hormonal levels
- Insulin sensitizers because of the high correlation between the increased level of androgens and insulin resistance
All of these treatment options include prescription medication depending on one's specific case and hormones profile. Therefore, a doctor's diagnosis and prescribed treatment plan is critical here – there is no room for DIY treatment in this situation.
Lifestyle Changes That Can Help With Hormonal Imbalance
Although the changes in the lifestyle alone cannot stop PCOS hair loss, they can contribute to balancing hormones:
- Insulin resistance managing via eating well-balanced meals with steady blood glucose levels
- Physical activity that helps achieve insulin sensitivity and hormonal balance
- Stress management because of the negative impact of chronic stress on hormonal balance
- Protein-rich nutrition that promotes keratin synthesis required for hair growth
- Correcting possible nutritional deficiency related to iron, vitamin D, or B12 that might add up to hair loss
Changes in Hair Care Routine for PCOS-Associated Thinning Hair
- Using volumizing shampoos and not damaging ones
- Avoiding any damaging styling tools and pulling hairstyles
- Scalp massaging for improved blood circulation
- Being careful during brushing, especially if hair is wet and fragile
These suggestions will not help stop hormone-related hair loss per se, but they will prevent additional hair damage during treatment.
When to Visit a doctor?
Visit your doctor or endocrinologist if you observe:
- Gradual hair loss at the crown and widening part line in combination with other signs of PCOS, such as irregular periods, acne, excessive facial and body hair
- Hair loss that worsens gradually
- Hair loss along with other new symptoms like changes in weight or fatigue
Only after a correct diagnosis (usually via hormone testing) and appropriate treatment plan, you will have chances to overcome the condition – self-medication using over-the-counter products is not likely to help.
Key Points to Remember
- The PCOS hair loss has androgenic pattern and is caused by increased androgens affecting hair follicles in the scalp area.
- It appears as thinning at the crown and widening part line instead of diffuse hair loss.
- Treatment of this condition requires addressing the hormonal imbalance – it can be done only via visiting a specialist.
- Certain lifestyle measures and gentle hair care can help, but they should be used along with the medical treatment of the condition.
Conclusion
Although PCOS hair loss may be quite discouraging, the awareness of its particular hormonal nature allows you to overcome the problem successfully. You need to understand the importance of treating the hormonal imbalance causing the problem in order to achieve this goal.
This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
