When it comes to Hair issues, hair loss is the most common problem faced by women. There are different causes of hair loss such as genetics, stress, diet, hormones, etc. But there is one more major cause of hair loss which is relatively less known – PCOS, a medical condition associated with a hormonal change.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common medical condition, affecting one in every 10 women. The condition is related to the enlargement of the ovaries and the formation of follicular cysts.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) & Hair Loss

PCOS usually affects women who are in the age group between 14 to 60 years. If you are diagnosed with PCOS, your body will start resisting insulin initially. In order to regulate your sugar levels, your body produces more insulin (a blood sugar-regulating hormone). This, in turn, results in a rapid increase in testosterone (a hormone present in larger amounts in men) production in your system. The testosterone gets converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Although small quantities of DHT are already present in women, when its quantity increases, the hair follicles get clogged, which in turn, affects the process of hair growth, resulting in hair loss problems such as female pattern baldness.

There have been number of studies conducted to understand the relation between PCOS and hair loss. Research has shown that 67% of all women who suffer from alopecia or hair loss also have PCOS.

Most women assume that their hair loss is due to a thyroid hormone imbalance. This is because the symptom of hair loss due to a thyroid imbalance and PCOS are similar. It is important to visit a dermatologist to have a thorough examination to determine the root cause for the right course of treatment.

Symptoms of PCOS Hair Loss

Before we learn how to control hair loss due to PCOS, it is important to understand the symptoms so that it can be determined whether PCOS is the actual cause for your female pattern baldness.

• Thinning Hair: This is the first symptom observed with this condition. Your follicles shrink leading to hair thinning.

• Widening At The Hair Partition: Although we lose around 100-150 hair strands a day, PCOS can lead to excessive hair loss in less time. This causes the widening of hair partitions thus resulting in partial balding.

• Patterned Hair Loss: Since PCOS is caused by the excess of testosterone production, it leads to hair thinning in a particular pattern at the partition or hairline.

Also Read: How To Stop Receding Hairline?

• Balding At The Crown: The crown region suffers from an abundant amount of hair loss leading to the scalp showing through the hair.

• Partial Balding: Eventually, it leads to partial baldness, which becomes quite visible.

Is PCOS Hair Loss Reversible?

Yes, it is possible to reverse your hair loss from PCOS. A dermatologist and an endocrinologist are the medical experts who can provide the right diagnosis and the ideal course of treatment.

There is a high chance of reversing your condition if the treatment is started at the first signs of hair loss as there is a possibility that the hair follicles can be reactivated, resulting in the growth of new hair. Apart from consulting a dermatologist and following their instructions, one should also pay attention to other factors such as their diet, lifestyle, physical exercise, etc.

How Does A Dermatologist Approach Cases With PCOS?

(I) Diagnosis: Your doctor might need to run a few tests to check if you are affected by PCOS and hair loss. To start, your BMI (Body Mass Index) is calculated. This is followed by blood tests which may also include hormone tests and an ultrasound examination. Since a thyroid deficiency and PCOS can sometimes have the same impact, dermatologists look for symptoms that are distinctively related to PCOS like an elevated testosterone level.

(II) Treatment: PCOS hair loss treatment helps in the regrowth of your lost hair through PRP treatment and the regulation of excess androgen in the body through medication.

• PRP Treatment For PCOS Hair Loss: The Platelet Rich Plasma treatment is highly recommended by dermatologists and can lead to the regrowth of hair successfully. In this procedure, a blood sample is taken and is processed in a centrifuge. This machine separates the plasma from the blood through a double spin technique. The plasma becomes activated and the platelets in it are enriched. This concoction of platelet-rich plasma is injected into our scalp with through microinjections. This stimulates the dormant hair follicles prompting hair regeneration. This drastically boosts the growth of healthy cells and helps in regaining the lost hair by covering the bald patches.

Does PRP Hair Treatment Work for PCOS Hair Loss?

This treatment is effective because it helps in regrowth of hair. As explained earlier, hair regrowth with PCOS is possible through PRP treatment where the injected platelet-rich plasma along with growth factors, help in reactivating the dormant hair follicles, thereby, resulting in hair regeneration. Addressing the hormone levels with medication simultaneously helps with the treatment of PCOS.

Also Read: What Is The Cost Of PRP Hair Loss Treatment?

(III) Medication:

• Minoxidil: This medicine is approved by the USFDA, and can widen the blood vessels in our scalp by channelling an adequate amount of potassium, promoting growth factors in the scalp. Since the supply of nutrients to hair follicles is improved, it results in healthier and thicker hair.

• Oral Contraceptive Pills: These pills control and regulate androgen levels (that are elevated in PCOS) in women. Thus the help in treating hair loss due to PCOS.

How To Stop Hair Fall Due To PCOS?

Try following the suggestions below to control your condition.

• Diet: Maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet is extremely important. Try to stay hydrated and consume more fruits and vegetables. Avoid the intake of preservatives, foods with high glycemic indices and artificial sweetening agents.

• Exercise: It has been observed that being overweight can also lead to PCOS. You should try to exercise more often and make sure your BMI is in its ideal range.

• Reducing Stress: Stress can be a direct cause of hair loss in men and women. It is also associated with PCOS. Meditate often and avoid over-thinking to reduce stress.

• Enough Sleep: Insomnia or the lack of sleep can cause a hormonal imbalance in your body. Try to maintain a healthy sleeping pattern of 6-8 hours a day.

• Develop A Routine To Care For Your Hair: Make sure that you take proper care of your hair by using products suitable for your hair type. If you must blow dry your hair, set it to a “cold mode” and use a soft comb.

• Don’t Smoke: Excessive smoking can affect the microcirculation process and the DNA of the hair follicle. It leads to inflammation around the follicles as well.

• Comfortable Hairstyles: Have a comfortable hairstyle and avoid tightening your hair excessively. This can weaken your hair and might cause traction alopecia in the long run.

• Choose The Right Shampoo: Pick a shampoo and conditioner that is meant for your hair and skin type to avoid unnecessary hair fall due to incompatible contents in these products.

• Condition Your Hair Regularly: Do not use an excess amount of conditioner on your scalp and use a dermatologist recommended product.

• Avoid Blow Dryers: Extreme heat makes the hair weak leading it to shed easily. This must be prevented as PCOS causes the thinning of hair.

FAQs
• Is hair loss a symptom of PCOS?

Hair loss may be a symptom of PCOS but it is not an indicative one. There are other signs you must also look for. Visit your dermatologist for the hair loss and a gynaecologist for a detailed health examination.

• Does metformin cause hair loss from PCOS?

There are no suggestive studies or evidence that can support the claim. Studies indicate that it helps with the insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance associated with PCOS which in turn reduces hair loss.

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