People born with ovaries are more likely to develop polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormone disease. With PCOS, ovarian follicles continue to grow, transform into cysts, and produce additional androgens in the body. These androgens are commonly referred to as “male hormones,” even though everyone has them. Follicles usually break monthly before menopause to discharge an egg. This syndrome has several symptoms, including obesity, diabetes type 2, and irregular menstrual cycles. PCOS is characterized by several symptoms, some of which are more obvious than others.
Some individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome will experience hirsutism, also known as excessive hair growth, on areas of their body or face that do not typically produce thick hair. On the scalps, some other people may also experience baldness and thinning of their hair. Many even go so far as to experience both simultaneously.
How Can Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Cause Hair Loss?
Androgenetic alopecia, often known as pattern baldness, has been linked to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Androgenetic alopecia is characterized by abnormally high levels of certain hormones, which can lead to thinning or hair loss. Because of its role in puberty, desire, and the regulation of hair development, androgens, also known as “masculine” hormones such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are present in people of both sexes.
Polycystic ovary syndrome sufferers have higher concentrations of androgens than the average person with ovaries, leading to hair thinning and loss on the scalp and the rest of the body. PCOS patients experience pattern hair loss between 20% and 30% of the time. If you suffer from PCOS and lose your hair, it is unlikely that it will grow back on its own. To encourage new hair growth, you will need to utilize various treatments.
Therapies For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome -Related Alopecia
A hormonal imbalance causes PCOS; therefore, it seems reasonable that hormone therapy would help treat the condition. Before noticing benefits, you may need to experiment with a few different prescriptions.
Topical Treatments
Minoxidil 5% is a medication the FDA has approved for treating female pattern baldness and hair loss. You administer this scalp therapy in a topical form daily. It promotes the growth of new hair. There is widespread consensus amongst specialists that the application of topical minoxidil should come before any other treatments.
Oral Contraceptives
Oral contraceptives and birth control pills have the same effect of lowering androgen hormone levels. They are employed to treat various symptoms of PCOS, such as acne, and normalize menstrual periods’ regularity. Some medical practitioners advise their patients to take the birth control tablet and another anti-androgenic medicine simultaneously when treating hair loss.
Antiandrogens
You can treat edema with the diuretic spironolactone, marketed under the brand name Aldactone (fluid retention). Since it inhibits the action of androgens, it is also employed in treating pattern baldness and acne. According to studies, between 44 and 74% of women with pattern hair thinning who used spironolactone saw an improvement in the rate at which they lost their hair. You won’t notice any changes until you’ve been on this prescription for a while.
Finasteride With Dutasteride
Propecia and Avodart are two hair-regrowth oral drugs licensed by the FDA to address hair loss and baldness. Both of these medications are available in tablet form. Although they may be effective for some, biologically born women who take them can experience unpleasant side effects, which may limit their application.
Platelet-Rich Plasma
PRP is a procedure that involves drawing some of the blood, spinning it down to condense the platelets inside it, and then injecting the platelet concentrate into the areas of the scalp that are experiencing hair thinning or loss. There is a need for additional study to determine the efficacy of this treatment for PCOS-related hair loss.
Low-Level Light Therapy
Low-level, red-light treatments or close light therapy can help stimulate hair growth. The evidence is mixed, with some research indicating that it is beneficial, while others suggesting that there is minimal difference.
Hair Transplants
Surgical procedures include the removal of hair follicles from a region of the body that has a healthy quantity of hair and their subsequent transplantation to an area of the body that has experienced hair loss. You may need a few different surgeries to get your entire figure back.
Alternative Therapies for Female Pattern Baldness Caused By Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Various natural treatments and home remedies are available to help decrease the impact that excessive androgen levels have on the hair.
Diet
Consuming meals that are high in fiber can help reduce the adverse effects of PCOS-induced elevated blood sugar. Reducing the side effects and symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can help you preserve the hair you already have, even though it does not directly affect hair loss.
Loss Of Weight
Suppose you are experiencing PCOS and have excess body fat, which is a typical indication of PCOS. In that case, weight loss can help to lower your androgen levels, reducing your polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms and the amount of hair loss you experience.
Supplements to prevent hair loss due to polycystic ovary syndrome
Vitamins that promote healthy hair development include vitamins C and D, in addition to biotin, a liquid-based B vitamin. Zinc is a mineral that has been shown to assist with various health conditions, including PCOS and hirsutism. It has been discovered that low iron levels are present in some individuals who suffer from female pattern hair loss. Even though there aren’t numerous studies demonstrating iron aids with hair loss, taking iron supplements could be beneficial, especially when iron concentrations are lower than average.
However, an iron overload can have serious repercussions; therefore, it is essential to ensure that necessary daily amounts are not exceeded and to see a medical practitioner before commencing any supplements.
Conclusion about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and hair loss
It’s possible that receiving a diagnosis of PCOS-related hair loss could make you feel completely overwhelmed. A significant portion of a lot of people’s identities is based on their hair. In addition to the advice given above, you may want to consider joining a support group specializing in helping people deal with the psychological effects of hair loss. Have a conversation with your healthcare practitioner about the medical procedures and changes to your lifestyle that can help you appear and feel the best.