In today’s world, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects the majority of women! PCOS is a common hormone disorder and its symptoms include excess facial and body hair, acne, hair loss and many others.

Some women with PCOS grow thicker facial and body hair, while some exhibit scalp hair thinning, hair loss and experience a female baldness pattern. Get Dermatologist-given treatment to stimulate the growth of new hair, NOW!

Why does PCOS cause hair loss?

If you have PCOS condition, your body produces excess male hormones known as androgens which include testosterone normally produce in men. This hormone is usually responsible for triggering puberty and stimulating underarms hair growth, pubic hair growth along with controlling other important bodily functions.

When this hormones dominate in your female body, you tend to get more masculine features, that includes excess hair in places where it doesn’t usually grow for women, such as the:

  • Face
  • Neck
  • Chest
  • Stomach

The spike in male hormone will result in hair thinning too, especially the front of your scalp starts thinning. 

If you’re losing hair due to PCOS, it won’t grow back on its own. 

Since the hair loss in the case of PCOS is caused by a hormonal imbalance, the first step to treat hair loss starts with the regulation of your hormones using the right combination of medications given by the Doctor.

Birth Control Pills

Yes, contraceptive pills lower androgen levels, reduce excess facial hair growth and slow down hair loss from your scalp. Birth control pills also help in making your periods regular and are known to control acne too. 

An anti-androgen drug is used in combination with oral contraceptives for female pattern hair loss caused by PCOS. Talk to your doctor to start with this treatment.

Aldactone

Spironolactone or Aldactone is an oral medication that’s quite effective in blocking the effects of androgen on the skin and is usually prescribed in combination with oral contraceptive pills. 

Self-medication can be dangerous, consult a doctor to find out the right treatment for your conditions.

Rogaine

Minoxidil or Rogaine is also used in treating female pattern baldness and is approved by the FDA. This has to be applied to your scalp daily for it to promote hair growth in your scalp. 

It is also known to give your hair a thicker appearance. 

Finasteride (Propecia) and dutasteride (Avodart)

Both of these medications are used in treating male pattern hair loss. Some doctors still prescribe them to those with PCOS for solving female pattern baldness too. 

But, some studies show that these have side effects on women.

Hair transplant

This is a surgical procedure done by Dermatologists/Skin experts to implant hair on the scalp. Here, hair follicles are removed from the dense hair area (backside hair) and planted into the area of thinning or baldness (front side hair). This works great for some.

Home remedies and PCOS hair loss

Trying a natural alternative? There are some home remedies to lower androgen levels, reducing their effect on your hair.

Zinc Supplements

2016 study says taking a zinc supplement may help with PCOS-related hair loss. Using 50 mg of elemental zinc daily for 8 weeks had beneficial effects on many with hair loss problems. 

Weight management

Losing a considerable amount of weight the right way lowers your androgen levels. This, in turn, reduces the effects of the wrong hormone produced in women with PCOS. This may reduce further hair loss and control other symptoms associated with PCOS.

Biotin Supplement

Quite a popular supplement – Biotin is often used for healthy hair growth in women. A 2015 study found that taking biotin supplement for 90 days resulted in significant hair growth.

Get Dermatologist-Given Treatment for your Hair Fall from a Dermatologist with just a tap on your phone from anywhere! Download CureSkin App

Some tips to hide your hair loss until it grows back.

Sometimes, a change in your hairstyle makes hair loss gone unnoticed. Here’s how you can style your hair.

  • Part your hair the other way.
  • Try shorter bangs that root further up on the top of your head
  • applying a hair root cover-up powder on your scalp to cover the bald patches
  • Wearing hair extensions to compensate for the hair thinning.
  • Use hair care products that bring in volume to your hair  and make your hair appear fuller
  • Cut your hair short into a layered hairstyle
  • Try hairstyles that will cover up your bald areas, such as a top knot or low ponytail
  • Use a wider hairband to cover the bald spot

Stay strong in difficult times

PCOS is a condition that can take a toll on you when it causes visible symptoms.

Connect with experts who know what you’re going through and vent out your distress. Explore treatments and remedies that work for you from the right people.

Take care of yourself, you are much more than your hair!