PCOS, also known as a polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a hormonal condition that can affect approximately 12% of women in the U.S who are of reproductive age. Male sex hormones known as androgens are produced in excess as a result. This results in symptoms such as weight gain and irregular menstrual cycles.
Hirsutism, often known as abnormally increased hair production on the chin and face, is another sign that many individuals believe is associated with PCOS. However, PCOS can also make your hair thinner, and in some instances, female pattern baldness might result from PCOS. The following information will give you the knowledge you need to understand why PCOS triggers hair loss and how to cure it.
Is Hair Loss Associated With PCOS?
Hair loss is not the most prevalent symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but it does occur significantly more frequently in women with PCOS than in other women. Excessive hair growth, especially on the face and body, and acne are common symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) because these women have a higher than average quantity of male sex hormones.
These abnormally high amounts of metabolite dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and testosterone can cause the following symptoms and conditions:
- Affect hair thickness and thickness by causing hair follicles to shrink.
- Reduce the time a hair follicle spends in its usual life cycle, causing hair to shed more quickly but grow back more slowly.
Why Does Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Cause Hair Loss?
Hyperandrogenism is the medical term for the condition that occurs when a woman’s body produces an increased amount of androgens (the male sex hormone). Androgens cause an increase in the amount of hair that grows in the pubic and armpit areas. Women with PCOS tend to have more masculine traits, including abundant hair in areas such as the abdomen, face, neck, and chest.
Dihydrotestosterone, often known as DTG, is among the androgens that can attach to the receptors on your hair follicles when progesterone is absent from the body. Because of the damage that DHT does to the hair follicles, it is no longer viable for healthy hair to develop and flourish. This condition is also known as female pattern hair loss.
How Does Hair Loss Cause by PCOS Appear?
- Less hair grows in each follicle, and the strands themselves become thinner and less thick and dense.
- Loss of hair begins at the front hairline and results in the formation of triangular bald patches.
- There is a possibility that the color of the hair will get lighter.
- The hair appears to be broken, tangled, and less glossy.
- Dandruff builds up
- The scalp starts to itch.
- As a result of weaker hair follicles, you may find a clump of hair strands when washing your hair.
How To Treat Hair Loss Caused by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
PCOS-related hair loss and the core hormone imbalance need to be addressed during treatment for this type of hair loss. The following are six potential treatments for hair loss caused by PCOS:
Hormonal birth control pills: Using birth control tablets can result in decreased levels of androgen, which can help halt the progression of hair loss. In addition, birth control may alleviate some other symptoms of PCOS, such as excessive hair growth on the face or body, acne, and irregular menstrual cycles.
Spironolactone: Spironolactone is a drug that can only be obtained through a doctor’s prescription and is classified as an anti-androgen. This medication’s off-label usage is common for treating hair loss because of its ability to inhibit the impact of androgens. It is usual to take this medication in conjunction with birth control tablets.
Minoxidil: An example of a topical drug is minoxidil, more generally known by its brand name, Rogaine. It is the only medicine approved by the FDA to treat female pattern baldness. It achieves this by expanding the size of the follicles and lengthening the time your hair spends in each development phase.
Hair transplant: The most invasive treatment for hair loss caused by PCOS is a procedure known as a hair transplant. This is a medical technique in which the surgeon will remove a portion of your scalp that has healthy hair development and then transplant these hairs into parts of your head where you are experiencing hair loss.
Home Hair Treatment For PCOS
A variety of home therapies may assist in reducing androgen levels, limiting their influence on hair. Some of this therapy includes:
1. Zinc
According to the findings, taking a zinc supplement can help treat hair loss caused by PCOS. According to the study’s results, taking 50 mg of element zinc once daily for eight weeks had beneficial effects. Taking a zinc supplement may also be helpful in the treatment of hirsutism.
2. Biotin
For healthy hair and growth, several professionals advocate taking biotin supplements. Research indicated that participants who took a marine protein supplement that contained biotin for three months saw remarkable improvements in their hair development.
3. Aloe Vera
You should consume aloe vera juice since it helps flush the body of toxins, restores hormonal harmony, and makes the body more sensitive to insulin. The ovarian steroidogenic function status can be restored by aloe vera. When used topically, aloe vera heals and calms damaged hair, making it easier to manage. Aloe vera, according to the findings of several studies, is effective at combating PCOS-related hair loss from the inside out.
4. Fenugreek Seeds
There is a significant concentration of protein and nicotine in fenugreek seeds. They help prevent hair loss, thinning, dryness, and dandruff. Your hair will be more hydrated, strengthening the follicles of your hair due to the lecithin concentration in fenugreek seed.
Conclusion
Hair loss is one of the symptoms that can accompany polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), along with other symptoms such as irregular periods, increased hair growth around the body and face, and weight gain. Several different therapies, ranging from hormonal contraception to topical drugs to surgery, can help lessen the amount of hair loss you experience. Utilizing several other treatments will almost certainly result in the most favorable outcomes.