Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS is a common medical condition that can occur in many women between the ages of 15 and 44. This is described as the reproductive or childbearing years. PCOS develops because there is an imbalance of hormones. If hormones become imbalanced, they can cause several health issues like irregular menstruation, acne, obesity, and even hair loss.
Hair loss or thinning hair is one of the most widespread and emotionally draining PCOS symptoms. It usually stresses out and saddens the women as they experience their hair thinning or losing it. Fear not, there are so many ways you can manage it. In this blog article, we will guide you through learning how PCOS and hair loss are related and remedies for hair fall due to pcos and how to avoid it. We will also offer useful advice on hair care, lifestyle changes, and supplements that can support healthy hair growth.
Understanding Hair Loss Due to PCOS
PCOS affects your body by changing how your hormones work. One of the biggest problems in PCOS is having too many androgens. Androgens are male hormones that women also produce, but in much smaller amounts. In PCOS, these hormones can get too high, and that causes problems including pcos female pattern hair loss.
Too much androgen can cause:
- More facial or body hair
- Acne
- Irregular periods
- Hair loss or baldness on the scalp
Normal Hair Loss Patterns in PCOS:
Hair loss with polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common phenomenon. PCOS causes loss of hair in a typical pattern. You may experience:
- Thinning on the crown (top) of your head
- Hair becoming softer and thinner around the frontal scalp (near front hairline)
This type of hair loss because of PCOS is called androgenic alopecia, or female pattern hair loss.
How PCOS Leads to Hair Loss
There are several reasons why you experience hair loss and polycystic ovarian syndrome:
1. High DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) Levels
DHT is a very potent derivative of testosterone. In women with PCOS, there is increased testosterone which can transform into DHT. Where there is increased DHT, it harms your hair.
DHT can:
- Reduces/shrinks your hair follicles
- Thins and weakens your hair
- Slows the new hair growth
Over time, that leads to visible thinning or hair fall due to pcos.
2. Insulin Resistance
Most women with PCOS also have insulin resistance. That is, the body does not use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar. When insulin resistance happens:
- The body produces more insulin
- This leads to higher androgen levels
- Which can also contribute to hair loss
Insulin resistance also contributes to weight gain, which worsens PCOS symptoms.
How to Treat PCOS-Related Hair Loss
Hair loss can happen if you have PCOS. It can make you feel sad or worried, but there are ways to help. Here are some ways on how to treat hair loss triggered due to PCOS:
Medical Treatment Options
It’s important to visit a doctor before starting any pcos hair loss treatment. Your doctor will advise you based on your symptoms and hormone levels. Following are the usual treatments:
- Oral Contraceptives: Regulate menstrual cycles and lowers androgens
- Spironolactone: Inhibits the action of androgens on hair follicles
- Minoxidil (Topical): Triggers growth of hair when used on scalp
These drugs take time to work. Be patient, be consistent, and always follow your doctor’s advice.
Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes
Natural pcos hair loss remedies can be added to medical treatment. They are simple, safe, and convenient to add to your lifestyle.
Healthy Diet Advice:
- Eat vitamin- and mineral-rich foods such as:
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale)
- Nuts and seeds (almonds, chia)
- Eggs (high in biotin and protein)
- Fish (such as salmon, high in omega-3s)
Don’t eat junk food and sweet snacks. These may increase insulin resistance.
Stress Relief:
Stress may affect your hormones and exacerbate pcos and hair loss. Try:
- Yoga or stretching exercises
- Meditation or deep breathing
- Spend time outside or do activities you enjoy
Regular Exercise:
Exercise may make your body’s use of insulin better and even out your hormones. Try:
- Walking
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Dancing
Try for at least 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week. These home remedies for hair fall due to pcos may help in reducing hair fall and promoting hair growth naturally.
Supplements to Support Hair Health in PCOS
Some hair growth supplements can be taken to fill in nutritional gaps and stimulate hair growth. But always consult with a doctor before starting any new supplement. Following are the supplements that can be taken into consideration:
- Biotin Tablets: Enhances hair texture and thickness
- Zinc: Helps reduce hair shedding
- Vitamin D: Supports hormonal balance
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Reduces inflammation and improves scalp health
- Inositol: Helps improve insulin sensitivity in PCOS
It is possible to encourage hair growth from the inside out with the right supplements and DHT Blocker taken on a regular basis.
Hair Care Tips for Women with PCOS
Daily hair care also helps in minimising hair fall and maintaining your hair healthy.
Easy Hair Care Tips:
- Be gentle: Refrain from hairstyles that tug at your hair tightly such as ponytails or braids.
- Limit heat styling: Don’t overuse straighteners or curlers. Heat damages hair.
- Use mild products: Select shampoos and conditioners that are:
- Sulfate-free
- Gentle on the scalp
- Trim frequently: Trim your hair every 6 to 8 weeks to avoid split ends and ensure strength of the hair.
Conclusion
PCOS and hair loss can be challenging and emotional, but don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s common for many women to go through this, and the best news is that you can treat it. With the combination of the appropriate medical treatment, healthy diet, supplements, and hair care, you can restore your hair to good health and feel more confident. Nourish your hair from the inside out with a healthy diet and supplements tailored to aid in the alleviation of PCOS symptoms and promote hair growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the symptoms of PCOS in females?
PCOS can cause irregular periods, weight gain, acne, and extra hair on the face or body. Some women also have trouble getting pregnant.
Q2. Can you regrow hair loss from PCOS?
Yes, with treatment like medicine and healthy habits, some hair can grow back. But it may take time and results are different for each person.
Q.3 What is the biggest indicator of PCOS?
The most common sign is having irregular or missed periods. This means your periods don’t come on time.
Q4. At what age PCOS ends?
PCOS usually gets better after menopause, around age 45 to 55. But symptoms can improve earlier with treatment.
Q5. What type of hair loss is associated with PCOS?
PCOS can cause thinning hair on the head, especially at the top. This is called female-pattern hair loss.
