Polycystic ovary syndrome, or in short PCOS, is a hormonal disorder that affects the functioning of the ovaries and causes irregularities. This disorder, which is quite common today, is seen on average in one out of every 10 women. Apart from weight gain and acne problems, PCOS can also be the source of different hair-related problems. You don’t need to worry too much about this condition that causes problems such as thinning or even loss of hair.
Although PCOS can cause hair loss, hair can be restored. Some known methods are helpful.
Table of Contents
What Causes PCOS Hair Loss?
Hair loss is one of the known effects of polycystic ovary syndrome. The basis of this problem is the androgenic hormones whose levels change due to PCOS. The fact that the level of these hormones is higher than normal causes the hair to become more fragile and duller. Eventually, hair loss takes place. The loss that occurs in this way is called female pattern baldness. Treatment can sometimes be more difficult than it is thought.
PCOS is not just about female pattern baldness. It is also stated that it is associated with different types of hair loss like alopecia areata. It is not known exactly how many women with PCOS experience hair loss. However, according to some studies, the ratio of women with PCOS who have this problem is between 40% and 70%.
PCOS hair loss manifests itself in the anterior and lateral areas of the scalp. There is a significant retraction of the hairline. Also, the hair in the parting area becomes much thinner. These symptoms are the most important signs that show that the loss is female pattern baldness.
Although polycystic ovary syndrome may cause hair loss, it should be kept in mind that there may be other reasons behind this problem. Some of the other causes of the loss can be listed as follows:
- Stress
- Nutritional disorders
- Anemia
- Side effects of some medications
- Chronic diseases
- Exposure to extreme temperatures
For the treatment of PCOS hair loss, first of all, hormone levels must be checked and abnormal hormone levels must be balanced. As a result of complex research that endocrinologists and gynecologists carry out together, different treatment methods can be recommended.
Read Also: Does Itchy Scalp Cause Hair Loss?
Symptoms of PCOS Hair Loss
PCOS hair loss has different symptoms. However, it shouldn’t be forgotten that the symptoms of the loss due to this condition are not seen in the same way for everyone. Common symptoms are as follows:
- Losing more hair strands daily
- Finding more hair than usual on clothes and furniture
- Falling hair in piles while in the shower
- More hair-splitting during drying, straightening, and brushing
- Loss of hair by dislodging with its follicles
- The scalp becoming more visible
- Dry and itchy scalp
- Dandruff
- Thinner hair
- Visible bald patches
- Retracted hairline
These are some of the symptoms. However, it shouldn’t be forgotten that these symptoms may also occur due to different conditions.
Is PCOS Hair Loss Reversible?
There are different treatment methods for PCOS hair loss. It is possible to classify them as personal care measures and medical treatments. However, these treatment methods may not work for everyone.
The main goal of such treatments is not to regrow the lost hair, but to reduce and stop the hair loss to be experienced.
Read Also: Can My Hair Regrow after Hair Loss?
Natural Treatment Methods
If you are looking for a natural treatment method for this problem, some natural treatments reduce androgen levels and decrease their negative effect on hair. These natural treatments are as follows:
· Zinc
Studies show that taking zinc supplements is effective in hair loss associated with PCOS. The effects of zinc supplements on polycystic ovary syndrome have been examined in a study.
It has been shown that taking 50 mg of zinc every day for 8 weeks is beneficial for hair loss. Moreover, taking zinc has also been found to help with hirsutism.
· Diet
Studies are showing that if women with PCOS lose weight, their androgen levels will go down and their negative effects will decrease. Therefore, hair loss tends to be significantly reduced in those who can lose between 5% and 10% of their current body weight.
· Biotin
Biotin supplementation is a popular method used for hair health and growth. Although there isn’t a lot of evidence that it helps with PCOS-related hair loss, it’s considered a method worth trying.
Medical Treatment Methods
There are imbalances in the hormone levels on the basis of this problem. Therefore, hormone regulation constitutes an important part of the treatment. It may be necessary to use different medications for hormone regulation.
You should consult your doctor before trying to find the right medication for you. For many people, a combination of medications gives the best results. The details of the medications to be used for PCOS hair treatment are as follows:
· Spirinolactone
Spirinolactone is an oral medication known as an aldosterone receptor antagonist. It is a diuretic developed for the treatment of fluid retention. It has been approved by the FDA, the US Food and Drug Administration. Although this medication was developed for a different purpose, it is also used in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
Prescribed for PCOS hair loss, this medication settles on the receptor part of the hair follicle. Then it prevents the androgen hormone from reaching here. However, while doing that it may cause different damages. Adrenal function, estrogen metabolism, and the ovulation process can be adversely affected. Therefore, it is a medication that can cause more harm than good. It would be useful to consider these damages before use.
· Birth Control Pills
Androgen level needs to be lowered to reduce excessive hair growth and slow down the loss. Birth control pills can exactly perform this function. Besides, they also contribute to the elimination of acne and irregularities caused by PCOS. An anti-androgen medication is often prescribed in addition to oral contraceptives for PCOS-related hair loss.
· Minoxidil
This FDA-approved medication is applied topically to the scalp. Minoxidil, which gives effective results in the treatment of female pattern baldness, also provides thickening of the hair.
· Finasteride
Finasteride is an FDA-approved medication used for male pattern baldness. It is not yet approved for female pattern baldness. However, it is known to be prescribed by some doctors.
There is significant evidence that it positively affects hair loss experienced by women with PCOS. However, it shouldn’t be forgotten that it may not always be a good option due to its different side effects on women.
· Hair Transplantation
Hair Transplantation, which is a surgical treatment option, is the transplantation of follicles taken from the sides and neck area to the balding or sparse area. It eliminates baldness and makes sparse areas look fuller. It is a permanent and effective solution option.
When to See a Specialist?
Hair loss is not considered a serious problem by some people. However, it affects not only the appearance of people but also their psychology and daily activities. Therefore, it will be beneficial to consult a specialist doctor after hair loss.
If hair loss has become apparent and there are concerns about some problems that may occur due to PCOS, hormone levels should be evaluated. Different treatment options can be offered for hair loss with hormone level checks.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are also suffering from PCOS hair loss and want to restore your hair, you should first be examined by doctors who are experienced and highly specialized in this field. You should not ignore the fact that the doctor factor is of great importance for the right and effective treatment.
The doctors at our COSMETICIUM clinic have extensive experience in PCOS hair loss. Our doctors, who will evaluate your situation in detail, will prepare a tailor-made treatment plan for you. Thus, it is ensured that you get rid of your problem as quickly as possible. You can contact us for detailed information on the subject and a free online consultation.
Fill In The Form Below To Get Answers To All Your Questions About Hair Loss From Our Doctors Within Hours. (FREE)