Hair loss can be one of the more troublesome symptoms of PCOS, affecting both physical and mental health. Whether seeing numerous strands in the shower or noticing a receding hairline, understanding the root cause of hair loss and management skills can be helpful.
Hair regrowth is possible with certain PCOS hair loss treatments, including scalp massages, supplements, and medicines. Management of PCOS hair loss is well described in this guide. Also, read on to learn about hair loss associated with PCOS, including why and how it happens, and most importantly, how to stop hair loss from PCOS.
What is PCOS? Does it cause hair loss?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women’s reproductive potential. It occurs because of the overproduction of androgen hormones from the ovaries of women, and a woman experiences a variety of symptoms. Women suffering from PCOS may sometimes experience changes in the appearance of hair, such as hair thinning, receding hairline, and thinning on the crown of the head. This happens due to elevated levels of androgen hormones in the body that may occur with PCOS. Women naturally produce small amounts of androgens from their ovaries. However, women suffering from PCOS experience an increased production of these hormones, leading to the development of a female pattern of hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).
PCOS and hair loss are linked, as PCOS causes hormonal imbalances in the body. The symptoms may differ from one individual to another. It is quite common for patients with PCOS to experience hair loss.
Women suffering from PCOS may also have low levels of a protein called SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin). This protein adheres to testosterone (a sex hormone), which the body can’t use when it adheres to testosterone. As such, a reduction in SHBG could be an indication that an individual has too much testosterone available for the body to use. As mentioned above, high levels of androgens, including testosterone hormones in PCOS, can affect the hair growth cycle. This could cause a gradual thinning and hair loss radiating from the top of the head.
What is androgenetic alopecia?
Female-pattern hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia, is commonly reported in women. As per research studies, various genetic and hormonal factors are responsible for causing it. It is often linked to conditions that increase the production of androgen hormones, such as PCOS. Androgens play a crucial role in developing sexual characteristics in men. However, the hormones also perform important functions in both men and women, including managing hair growth. The hair growth cycle of hair follicles includes different phases, androgens help control this cycle. However, excessive production of androgens can overstimulate the hair follicles, leading to shorter hair growth phases, resulting in shorter and thinner hair strands, ultimately leading to hair loss.
PCOS and hair growth: Is PCOS-associated hair loss reversible?
There is no cure for PCOS until now. However, the condition can be managed, and symptoms can be improved. Moreover, it is possible to stop hair loss linked with PCOS, but restoring hair growth to its previous state may not be possible. Incorporating treatments for PCOS may stimulate the growth of new hair. There are also other alternative options that individuals with PCOS may use to reduce related hair loss.
What medical treatments for PCOS-related hair loss are available?
Different medicines are available for improving PCOS symptoms. This majorly involves the use of hormonal birth control pills and antiandrogen hormones. Certain medications that help to control hair loss may also offer beneficial effects.
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- Birth control
Specifically, hormonal birth control pills directly act on the endocrine system. Usually, these oral hormonal contraceptives contain either estrogen or progestin alone. They prevent ovulation (the release of the egg from the ovary). These hormonal birth control methods can be extremely effective in resolving PCOS symptoms. Research suggests that estrogen hormone plays a key role in hair growth and reduced levels of androgens.
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- Antiandrogens
Antiandrogens are categorized under the class of medications that are specifically discovered to address the effect of androgenic hormones such as testosterone. However, these drugs do not receive the approval of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating PCOS; they are believed to restrict the action of androgens and reduce hair loss.
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- Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a medicine the Food and Drug Administration approves for treating hair loss in men and women. It is sold under Mintop Forte 2% (60 ml) and is available as a topical medicine applied directly to the scalp. Minoxidil shortens the resting phase and extends the growth phase of the hair growth cycle. This, in turn, boosts hair growth and increases the thickness of hair. Hair4u 5% containing minoxidil also treats hair loss. All minoxidil solutions stimulate hair follicles and improve blood flow to encourage hair growth when used over the scalp.
Are there any home remedies for PCOS hair loss?
The majority of people would like to try their hands on natural treatments for managing PCOS symptoms. Studies suggest that supplementation with products containing chaste berries may cause a significant reduction in the levels of testosterone and androgens. This may also help reduce the symptoms of female pattern hair loss.
Real-life tested, expert-recommended hair growth serums for longer and stronger strands are also available. However, choosing products with clinically proven pharmaceutical agents is key to finding an effective hair growth serum. Research suggests that hair serums may help enhance and improve hair quality in those experiencing female pattern hair loss due to PCOS. The most effective hair growth serums contain niacinamide, biotin, hyaluronic acid, copper, thiamine, and riboflavin. Minoxidil is currently the only hair care ingredient that is FDA-approved for topical treatment for hair loss. Find the best remedies for PCOS hair loss and follow them thoroughly to get the desired results. An individual with hair loss may also opt for wigs, hair extensions, and scarves to cover their hair loss. Visit your healthcare specialist for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on women ‘s hair loss.
