Polycystic ovary syndrome, also known as PCOS. Is a hormonal disorder that disrupts the normal functioning of the ovaries and can lead to irregular periods. It is widespread, and it is estimated that approximately one in ten women in the UK are affected.
Living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can be difficult. Mainly because it can lead to several symptoms, such as acne, weight gain, and hair issues. PCOS can cause you to have more hair develop on the body and face. But it may also lead to a condition called female pattern hair loss. Below is how to prevent hair loss and find an effective treatment for PCOS-related hair thinning.
Why Does Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Cause Hair Loss?
When you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), your body has abnormally high quantities of “male hormones,” often known as androgens. This can result in a hair loss called the female pattern hair loss, also called androgenic alopecia. Some preliminary research has found a correlation between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other forms of baldness, like alopecia areata.
It is not known precisely how many patients with PCOS experience hair loss in a female pattern as one of their symptoms. According to several sources, it may affect 40–70% of persons with the illness.
When You Should Consult A Doctor
Try out the Smart Symptom Checker if you’re concerned about hair loss or other symptoms associated with PCOS. It will help you figure out what steps to take next. In addition to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hair thinning is caused by various other factors, such as stress and other health disorders; hence, it is essential to consult a medical professional to determine the source of the condition.
They can perform tests to clear out other disorders and check if you should be diagnosed with PCOS. After doing so, they will discuss treatment choices with you, if necessary.
How Does Hair Thinning Appear When Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Is Present?
You may lose between 100 and 150 hairs daily if you suffer from PCOS and hair loss. Keep in mind that losing between 50 and 100 hairs is quite normal, so the fact that you are losing more hair than usual might not be immediately noticeable. You may not realize you are losing your hair till you have lost 20–25% of the volume it usually has.
The front hairline is usually unaffected by female pattern hair loss, which manifests as a general thinning of your hair that begins in the crown region of your head and spreads outward. In the beginning, follicles become sparser and shorter, stopping growing entirely. However, if hair loss is brought on by excessive concentrations of male hormones (as in PCOS), it is possible to develop this form of hair loss, even though it is pretty unusual.
Can My PCOS-Related Hair Loss Be Reversed?
Experts can occasionally reverse the hair loss associated with PCOS. However, this is not always the case. It is because therapies for PCOS hair thinning are more effective at stopping further hair loss rather than encouraging hair growth. On the other hand, self-care practices and medical therapies may be of assistance.
Hair Care For PCOS
Home Hair Loss Remedy
Minoxidil, which comes from a lotion, can be purchased at most pharmacies. When applied in the early phases of hair loss, it can stimulate the regrowth of hair. However, it may take anywhere from three to six months for it to work, and it will only continue to be effective while you continue to use it; so, the hair thinning may resume if you stop using it. In patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you may combine minoxidil with other medically recommended treatments for hair thinning.
Diet Changes
It is essential to consume a well-rounded diet to ensure that you are supplying your body with all the nutrients it needs for healthy hair. Even though there isn’t a lot of research linking particular nutrients to PCOS-related hair loss or growth, here are some things you should be aware of:
The symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which include hair loss, can be improved by eating a well-balanced diet. Insulin resistance is believed to be the root cause of many symptoms associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
It may result in the body producing an abnormally high amount of insulin, which, in turn, may cause the ovaries to have an unusually high amount of testosterone, which may cause the PCOS symptoms to become more severe. On the other hand, maintaining insulin resistance might be made more accessible by eating well.
Getting rid of any additional weight can aid in treating PCOS signs like hair loss. Insulin resistance is a condition that can lead to weight gain and make it more challenging to shed excess pounds.
However, decreasing weight can assist in bringing insulin and testosterone levels down to healthier levels. The study shows that even a slight weight loss of 5–10% of total body mass can alleviate PCOS symptoms.
Research suggests that increased zinc consumption is a possible treatment for hair loss caused by PCOS. One study found that women who took zinc supplements of 50 milligrams per day for eight weeks experienced less hair loss.
If you don’t consume much meat, you could be at greater risk of experiencing hair thinning as a sign of PCOS. Meat is a rich source of the mineral zinc, which can help prevent hair loss.
Medical Treatment for Hair Loss Caused By PCOS
“Anti-androgens” are the most common medication prescribed to patients with PCOS experiencing hair loss. These work by inhibiting male hormones, which lessens the influence those hormones exert on the body, including the hair follicles.
If you have a problem with excessive hair growth in other areas of the body, a medication that blocks the effects of androgens may assist you. In addition, this medication is more likely to prevent additional hair loss or slow it down than to stimulate new hair growth.
Conclusion about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Hair Loss
Regardless of the reason, hair loss is unpleasant and challenging to manage. You can adequately address it if a professional provides you with a correct diagnosis and therapy.