PCOS Hair Loss: Causes, Signs, Treatment, Remedies, And More

Why Does PCOS Cause Hair Loss?

PCOS is a reproductive disorder (also impacts metabolic processes) that causes enlarged ovaries with small cysts. The female body produces androgens or male hormones like testosterone that trigger puberty, hair growth, and other metabolic functions.

PCOS triggers excess androgen and dihydrotestosteroneⁱ  XAn endogenous male sex hormone that stimulates the development of male sex characteristics. (DHT) production in women that regulates the hair growth cycle and blocks the hair follicles, leading to shorter, thinner hair and eventually, hair loss (1).

PCOS may trigger female pattern hair loss, and you will experience excess hair growth, and hair loss in different body parts.

Caiti, a blogger, shares the effect symptoms of PCOS hair loss have on her: “I lose hair ALL the time. I know it’s normal to lose some, but you wouldn’t believe how much I lose. The hairdresser told me I was balding, and I cried. I knew she was right, but it’s hard to hear (i)!”

Here is how you can differentiate PCOS hair loss from other types of hair loss.

What Does PCOS Hair Loss Look Like? Symptoms Of PCOS-Related Hair Loss

PCOS hair loss starts with hair thinning, especially at the frontal and the vertex (middle) region of the scalp. This is also known as androgenetic alopecia or female pattern hair loss, commonly associated with PCOS (2). However, PCOS hair loss does not involve any scarring, which means the hair follicles may still be active.

An early diagnosis is crucial for treating PCOS hair loss. If left untreated, PCOS may cause permanent hair loss and baldness. Here are the treatment options you should consider.

PCOS Hair Loss Treatment

1. Suppress The Male Hormone Production

To suppress excess androgen production, the doctor may suggest:

• Oral Contraceptive Pills: These pills contain estrogen that can lower the androgen levels (3). They can be used simultaneously with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors for treating hair loss.

• Antiandrogens: Research found that a daily dose of 250 mg of flutamide can reduce hair loss and improve female pattern baldness or alopecia (4).

2. Block Excess Male Hormones

This can be done by using antiandrogens like:

• Spironolactone (Aldactone): It blocks DHT and prevents hair loss. Spironolactone is popularly prescribed for treating hair loss in androgen excess cases (2).

• Minoxidil (Rogaine): This FDA-approved drug promotes hair growth. A 2% minoxidil solution can increase hair count and weight (2), (5), (6). It may take a few months to show results (2). However, it may also cause side effects like allergic reactions or contact dermatitisⁱ  X A skin condition where the skin develops rashes and irritation after coming in contact with an irritant or allergen. . Hence, consult a doctor before using minoxidil.

• Finasteride (Propecia) And Dutasteride (Avodart): There is limited evidence regarding the efficacy of using finasteride for hair loss caused due to hair loss. However, both finasteride and dutasteride are approved by the FDA for treating male pattern hair loss. Finasteride is shown to stabilize alopecia in women with hyperandrogenismⁱ  XThe effect of excessive male sex hormones, such as androsterone, androstenedione, and testosterone in women. (7). However, pregnant women should avoid it as it may cause genetic abnormalities in the fetus (8).

• Diane-35: This drug contains cyproterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol. It is shown to reduce hair loss and hair thinning within 6-9 months (9).

3. Cosmetic Procedures

The doctor may also suggest procedures like hair transplant and laser phototherapyⁱ  X A non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to improve cell growth and regenerate hair follicles. , and microneedling with PRP (dermarollingⁱ  XA minimally invasive treatment where a device is used to stimulate hair follicles by creating micro tears to increase hair growth. ) for covering bald spots. A study on male patients showed that laser phototherapy could stimulate hair growth (10). Hence, it may also work for female pattern hair loss.

4. Take Biotin Supplements

Biotin supplements are a popular method for treating hair and nail-related issues. While there is limited evidence to support the efficacy of biotin in reducing hair loss, a few case studies have suggested that it might be helpful to some extent. Hair loss is one of the symptoms of biotin deficiency and a study found that taking biotin supplements may help promote hair growth in those with low serum biotin levels. The same study also found that biotin supplements didn’t reduce hair loss in people with optimal serum biotin levels (11). You may take biotin only if you have a biotin deficiency. However, consult a doctor before taking the supplements to avoid any adverse effects.

Other than medical treatment options, you may also try home remedies to manage hair loss.

Home Remedies For PCOS Hair Loss

1. Fenugreek Seeds

As per anecdotal evidence, fenugreek seeds may help improve hair health and minimize hair fall.

You Will Need

• Fenugreek seeds
• A glass of warm water
• Honey (optional)

Process

Soak the fenugreek seeds in a glass of warm water overnight. You may add honey to this water and drink it early in the morning on an empty stomach.

2. Aloe Vera

Anecdotal evidence suggests that drinking a glass of aloe vera juice early in the morning on an empty stomach can regulate hormonal imbalances and may help reduce hair loss.

You will need

• Aloe vera juice
• 1 glass of warm water
• Honey (optional)

Process

Mix aloe vera juice in water. You can add honey (if required) and consume it every day early in the morning.

3. Cinnamon

Including cinnamon in your diet may help regulate hormone levels and minimize hair loss. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove these effects.

You will need

• A teaspoon of cinnamon powder
• 1 glass of hot water
• Honey (optional)
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Process

Mix cinnamon powder, honey, and lemon in a glass of warm water and drink on an empty stomach for best results.

Did You Know?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that a mixture of castor oil, olive oil, and coconut oil slows down hair fall and helps regain hair strength.

Following a healthy, nutrient-rich diet is crucial for managing PCOS symptoms, including hair loss. Here is what you can eat to prevent PCOS hair loss.

What To Eat and Avoid To Prevent PCOS Hair Loss?

• Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Consume vitamin and antioxidant-rich foods, such as whole grains, eggs, healthy fats from nuts and avocado, spinach, citrus fruits, and carrots. A well-balanced diet provides the essential nutrients to your body to stay healthy and prevent hair loss. Consult a doctor to check if you need nutritional supplementation

• Protein-Rich Foods: Include sufficient proteins in your diet. Insufficient nutrients and protein levels in the body are linked to hair loss (12). Consume lean protein like fish, chicken, and lentils.

• Consume Zinc-Rich Foods: Research found that zinc supplementation in patients with PCOS could decrease hair loss (13). Consume foods, such as oysters, chickpeas, yogurt, beans, nuts, and whole grains (14). You may also consult the doctor and take zinc supplements.

• Eat Foods Rich In Iron: Include white beans, nuts, lentils, spinach, kidney beans, and peas in your diet (15). This is because iron deficiency may cause hair loss (12).

• Take Multivitamins: You may take multivitamin supplements to combat the lack of vitamins and minerals in your body. Consult a doctor for the proper dosage.

• Avoid eating processed foods, such as refined flour (like white bread, pizza dough, regular pasta, white rice), sugar, fried, and fast foods. These inflammatory foods can exacerbate metabolic conditions, such as insulin resistance, common in PCOS (16).

If you are wondering if hair loss from PCOS can be reversed, here is the answer.

Is PCOS Hair Loss Reversible?

Yes, it is reversible if the hair follicles are still active. There are medical treatments available to prevent hair loss and stimulate hair growth from the active hair follicles.

Quick Tip

Always use a wide-toothed comb to minimize hair breakage. Avoid brushing wet hair as it is more prone to breakage.

Infographic: Top 7 Ways To Treat PCOS Hair Loss

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. One of the most distressing symptoms that they experience is hair loss. But don’t worry. The good news is there are various home remedies and medical treatments that can help treat PCOS hair loss. Check out this infographic to know more!

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Metformin help with PCOS hair loss?

Yes, research suggests that Metformin can help reduce hair fall in people who take it as a treatment for PCOS (17).

Can PCOS cause B12 deficiency?

Studies suggest that people with PCOS and low insulin resistance tend to have low concentrations of serum vitamin B12 when compared to those without insulin resistance (18).

Can people with PCOS drink milk?

While low-fat milk and dairy products could have a positive effect on PCOS, people with acne-prone skin or lactose intolerance are advised to avoid them.

Is oily hair a sign of PCOS?

Yes, the hormonal imbalance may lead to excess sebum production resulting in greasy hair, oily skin, and acne.

How long does it take for metformin to work on PCOS?

It may take about 6 months to see results in menstrual regularity and lower BMI when people with PCOS are treated with Metformin (19).

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Dr. Shruti ChavanMBBS

Dr. Shruti Chavan is a consulting dermatologist at Dr.Sheth's Skin and Hair Clinic since 6 years. She is a co-committee member of CDSI (Cosmetic dermatologist Society of India). She is highly skilled in non-surgical facial skin rejuvenation and face lift by the use of injection treatments and lasers.   Dr. Chavan is well-versed with dermatological and aesthetic procedures. Her special...more

Annie JangamBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Annie Jangam is a researcher-turned-content writer with 11 years of experience. She enjoys dissecting complex clinical studies and shuffling through the scientific jargon to make science interesting and easy to understand. Her scientific aptitude and love for writing paved the way to pursue a career in writing research-backed articles on skin care and hair care. Her expertise stems from her...more

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru. Her passion for writing and editing and her background in psychology help her create content that...more

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over two years of experience in writing on health and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach. She writes on skin care and aims to present well-researched...more