Are you experiencing heavy hair fall?
Do you have PCOS?
Chances are your PCOS is the reason behind your hair fall or hair thinning.
Have a lot of questions about PCOS hair loss? Let’s solve the mystery.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS as it is commonly called is a hormonal disorder. It leads to various symptoms and hair loss is one of them.
Androgenic Alopecia is a condition observed as a symptom of PCOS in many females. What is it and why does it cause hair loss? Let’s find out!
What is Androgenic Alopecia?
Androgen, the male hormone is produced by the female body. This male hormone is responsible for triggering puberty and hair growth in our body. PCOS leads to an increased production of the male hormone. When the level of androgen in our body increases, it triggers the development of more masculine features including body hair.
At the same time, it also triggers hair loss, especially from the scalp area. The hair on the head gets thinner. This condition is known as Androgenic Alopecia or female pattern hair loss.
In female pattern hair loss, following characteristics can be observed:
- Thinning of hair
- Hair fall in the frontal and parietal areas of scalp
- Receding hairline
Although Female Pattern Hair Loss is a result of production of excess androgen it is also very common in premenopausal women who have normal androgen levels. Based on this inference it can be concluded that besides high androgen levels other factors including estrogen level also play an important role in hair loss.
Treatments of PCOS Hair Loss
PCOS Hair Loss can be treated with the help of medication and proper care. Since PCOS is caused due to hormonal disbalance, regulating hormone levels is an important step in the treatment.
Here are some treatment options that people seek to prevent PCOS hair loss:
- Contraceptive Pills
Contraceptive pills are helpful in reducing hair loss in PCOS. Birth Contraceptive pills can lower the androgen level in our body. As the androgen level decreases in the body, it’s symptoms are also minimized.
Oral contraceptive pills have been effective in reducing hair fall and thinning in case of PCOS. Besides hair fall, these pills are also helpful in treating other symptoms of PCOS.
A combination of anti-androgen drugs and oral pills are often prescribed to people suffering from PCOS.
- Spironolactone
Known as the Aldosterone Receptor Antagonist, spironolactone is an oral medicine. It is often prescribed with a combination of birth control pills. Spironolactone is used as a diuretic and commonly taken with Rogaine.
- Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a topical medicine used for treating female pattern baldness. It is applied on the scalp. Minoxidil is effective in promoting hair growth as well as improving the thickness of the hair.
- Hair Transplant
If medication is not effective, in that case a surgical treatment can be opted. Hair Transplant is a surgical treatment in which hair from other regions is taken and transplanted in the areas needed. It is done by professionals and requires some procedures.
Since the hair transplant treatment is expensive, a lot of people are not able to afford it.
Besides regular medications, there are many home remedies done for treating PCOS Hair loss.
Are home remedies helpful?
There are many home remedies that have proven to be effective in female pattern hair loss.
- Zinc
According to studies, elemental zinc is beneficial for people with PCOS. Taking zinc supplements regularly reduces hair loss and was also found to be effective in treating Hirsutism.
Before taking any zinc supplements do consult your doctor.
- Weight loss
Weight loss is one of the best home remedies to treat your PCOS Hair Loss. Weight loss lowers the androgen level in our body and therefore, reduces the symptoms of hair loss.
Weight loss is also helpful in treating other symptoms of PCOS.
Losing just 5 to 10% of body weight can help in female pattern hair loss.
- Balanced diet
PCOS is a result of imbalance of hormones. Diet plays a significant role in creating that imbalance.
Maintaining a healthy diet rich in Magnesium, zinc, iron and Vitamin A is recommended to reduce PCOS Hair Loss.
Deficiency of iron is one of the main causes for hair loss and people with PCOS usually have low iron.
Hair loss can be a cause for great worry. Although Female Pattern Hair Loss can’t be reversed, there are ways one can control or reduce the symptoms.
Eating healthy and taking the right medication along with the right hair care products is essential.
No medicine should be taken without a prescription from the doctor.
Have unanswered questions? Talk to a doctor on Drome and untangle your health mysteries today!