Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that interferes with the normal functioning of the ovaries, often leading to irregular menstrual cycles. It is surprisingly prevalent, affecting roughly 1 in 10 women in the United States.

Coping with PCOS presents various hurdles, given its myriad symptoms. These can range from weight fluctuations and acne to hair-related complications. While PCOS may lead to increased facial or body hair, it paradoxically can also trigger hair thinning or loss from the scalp, a condition recognized as female pattern hair loss.

Despite these challenges, there are viable strategies to tackle and manage hair thinning caused by PCOS. In this article, we’ll navigate you through these solutions, providing hope and direction to those grappling with this condition.

What Causes PCOS Hair Loss?

A hormonal imbalance primarily causes PCOS-related hair loss. Women with PCOS often have higher levels of androgens, commonly called “male hormones,” even though they are present in all sexes. These hormones include testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS).

In a normal hair growth cycle, hair follicles go through growth, rest, and shedding periods. But with elevated levels of androgens, this cycle gets disrupted. Androgens shorten the growth phase and extend the rest phase, which leads to hair thinning and, eventually, hair loss.

One of the most common types of hair loss in women with PCOS is androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern hair loss. This type of hair loss is characterized by thinning hair along the top of the head and the crown area, while the back of the head is less affected.

Many women with PCOS also have insulin resistance, a condition in which the body’s cells don’t respond well to insulin and can’t easily take glucose from the bloodstream. As a result, the pancreas produces more insulin to compensate. High insulin levels also contribute to higher androgen production, leading to further hair loss.

Therefore, the cause of hair loss in women with PCOS is multifaceted, with the primary culprits being the overproduction of androgens and insulin resistance. However, every woman’s experience with PCOS and hair loss is unique, and factors like genetics, lifestyle, and overall health can also play a significant role in the severity and progression of hair loss.

What Does Hair Loss In PCOS Look Like?

Hair loss in individuals with PCOS often results in shedding around 100 to 150 strands daily. Given that a typical daily hair loss ranges from 50 to 100 strands, this heightened hair fall might not initially be evident. The hair loss may remain unnoticeable until a reduction of 20-25% in overall hair volume is experienced.

Female pattern hair loss, often associated with PCOS, typically presents as a diffuse thinning that initiates from the crown of the head, leaving the frontal hairline largely unaffected. The hair strands become finer and shorter, eventually ceasing to grow entirely.

This is distinct from male pattern hair loss, which begins with a receding frontal hairline followed by a bald patch on the top of the head. However, in rare cases, females with PCOS, due to elevated levels of male hormones, may experience this male-patterned hair loss, though it’s highly unusual.

Is PCOS Hair Loss Reversible?

Managing hair loss induced by hormonal imbalance, like in PCOS, can be challenging. However, the possibility of hair regrowth exists if a hormonal equilibrium is restored in your body. Yet, it’s crucial to understand that hair regrowth is a gradual process demanding patience.

Encouragingly, various treatments are available that can aid in promoting hair regrowth and mitigating the thinning effect. It’s a promising sign for those grappling with hair loss due to PCOS.

Nutrition For Hair Loss

Your overall well-being, which significantly influences your hair health, is deeply rooted in nutrition. Did you realize that the food your body consumes reaches your hair last? Hence, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy diet that supplies your hair cells with essential vitamins and nutrients for optimal growth.

Deficiencies in specific nutrients, such as iron (leading to anemia), zinc, protein, and biotin, can influence your hair’s structure and growth patterns. So, what should your diet include to help curb hair loss? There are multiple food items worth incorporating into your meal plan.

Eggs stand out as a reliable choice since they are rich in protein and a good source of biotin. Healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids positively affect your hair, skin, nails, and overall heart health. Vitamin D, critical for maintaining immune function, is another essential nutrient. Including Vitamin D fortified foods in your diet can be a beneficial move. Consuming various fresh fruits and vegetables also ensures your body supplies vital nutrients.

On the other hand, restrictive diets such as the keto diet could potentially harm your hair health. These drastic dietary shifts can cause unnecessary stress to your body, shocking your system and potentially exacerbating hair loss. Above all, it’s imperative to maintain a well-rounded, balanced diet with diverse foods.

Dietary Recommendation To Deal With PCOS-related Hair Loss

In dealing with PCOS-related hair loss, controlling the hormone DHT, which binds to hair follicles and causes hair loss, is essential. Alongside medications and maintaining a healthy body weight, dietary adjustments can significantly impact over time. However, patience is key, as these changes won’t produce results overnight.

1. Green Leafy Vegetables: Incorporating high-fiber vegetables like spinach and kale can combat insulin resistance, contributing to hair loss.

2. Lean Proteins: Choices like tofu and chicken are beneficial and support overall health.

3. Low-Glycemic Index Foods: These include non-starchy vegetables, certain fruits, lentils, peas, legumes, and barley. Such foods help manage PCOS symptoms, including insulin resistance and elevated glucose levels, which can contribute to hair loss.

4. Healthy Fats: Omega-3 fatty acids in fish, flaxseeds, and chia seeds can support hair health. Read more information here: “The Best Healthy Fats for PCOS” can steer you toward oils and foods that not only add flavor but also help manage inflammation and hormonal imbalances, making your diet a key player in your wellness journey.

5. Avoid Unhealthy Options: Avoid highly processed foods such as pastries, white bread, sugar, and white potatoes, all of which can exacerbate PCOS symptoms.

6. Limit Simple Sugars and High Glycemic Foods: These can trigger spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, worsening PCOS and hair loss.

7. Incorporating Iron And Zinc-Rich Foods Into Your Diet:

• Eggs
• Red meat
• Legumes
• Dark Chocolate
• Nuts & Seeds
• Spearmint Tea
• Nourishing fats

By focusing on nutrient-rich, whole foods and avoiding processed and high-sugar items, a well-balanced diet can be an essential part of the strategy to manage and even reverse PCOS-related hair loss. Always consult a healthcare provider or nutritionist for personalized guidance and support tailored to your situation and symptoms.

Do Multivitamins Help With Hair Growth?

Multivitamins have become popular as a supplement to promote overall health, including hair growth. But do they make a difference in the quality and growth of hair?

The truth is that hair growth is a complex process that depends on various factors, including genetics, hormones, and overall health. However, specific vitamins and minerals are essential in supporting healthy hair growth. Nutrients like biotin, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin E, iron, and zinc are well known for their positive impact on hair.

Multivitamins, which often contain these vitamins and minerals, may help when a specific deficiency hinders hair growth. For example, an iron deficiency can lead to hair loss, and supplementing with a multivitamin containing iron could reverse this effect. Similarly, biotin is often touted for its ability to strengthen hair and promote growth.

However, it’s worth noting that while multivitamins can provide a convenient way to obtain various essential nutrients, they are not a guaranteed solution for hair growth. Eating a balanced diet that naturally includes these vitamins and minerals is typically a more practical approach to support hair health. Furthermore, taking multivitamins unnecessarily when there’s no deficiency can sometimes lead to an excess of certain nutrients, which might have adverse effects on the body.

While multivitamins containing nutrients essential for hair health might support hair growth in cases of deficiencies, they are not a magical solution for everyone. It’s always wise to consult with a healthcare provider or a nutritionist who can assess individual needs and recommend dietary changes or supplements as needed rather than self-prescribing multivitamins. Read more here: “Multivitamin for PCOS” it can help you identify the essential vitamins and minerals that can support hormone balance, boost energy, and enhance your overall well-being in your fight against PCOS.

Supplements To Prevent Hair Loss

Although supplements can’t wholly halt hair loss, they can aid in safeguarding and fortifying new hair growth. Ensuring new hair growth is stimulated and shielded from damage is crucial, which promotes its health and thickness. Remember, your hair continuously cycles through stages of development and rest.

Supplements require consistent use and time to work, but they can enhance your hair’s health and appearance. To observe noticeable results, it is recommended to take these supplements for at least six months regularly. Consider focusing on supplements rich in iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamins D, A, and C.

Iron

If you’re dealing with iron deficiency, often called anemia, it’s worthwhile to consider an iron supplement or a multivitamin containing iron, as anemia can lead to hair loss.

Zinc

Research has demonstrated that zinc supplementation can lessen hair loss in PCOS patients. Women with PCOS reported improved hair loss and hirsutism after an 8-week regimen involving 50mg of zinc.

Biotin

Biotin, a B vitamin, is frequently included in supplements targeting hair, skin, and nails. While studies on its effectiveness are limited, some research does suggest its potential benefits in boosting hair growth.

Vitamins D, A, and C

These vitamins contribute to immune health and provide the body with essential antioxidants, promoting healthy hair. Although there are no direct studies linking these supplements to hair growth, their contribution to overall health can indirectly improve the health of your hair.

Natural Treatments for PCOS Hair Loss

Natural treatments for PCOS-induced hair loss primarily involve lifestyle changes and using natural products that can help balance hormones and promote hair growth.

Balanced Diet: Nutrition is critical in managing PCOS and its symptoms. A diet rich in lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can help regulate hormone levels and reduce insulin resistance.

Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity can help manage weight, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial in managing PCOS symptoms, including hair loss.

Stress Management: High-stress levels can exacerbate PCOS symptoms and contribute to hair loss. Techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and other relaxation exercises can help reduce stress levels.

Natural Supplements: Certain natural supplements like saw palmetto, spearmint tea, and omega-3 fatty acids have been known to help reduce the androgen levels in the body, which could potentially alleviate PCOS symptoms, including hair loss.

Essential Oils: Some essential oils, like rosemary and lavender, have been studied for their potential to stimulate hair growth. They can be mixed with carrier oil and massaged into the scalp.

Herbal Remedies: Some herbs, such as licorice and chaste berry, have been suggested to help balance hormones in women with PCOS. However, more research is needed in this area.

Avoidance of Chemical Hair Products: Using natural, chemical-free hair products can also be beneficial. Certain chemicals in hair products can cause hair to dry and break off, leading to more noticeable hair loss.

How To Hide Hair Loss

Concealing hair loss can be approached from multiple angles, ranging from hairstyles and products to accessories and specific treatments. Here are some suggestions:

Opt for Volumizing Hair Products: Shampoos, conditioners, and styling products designed to add volume to your hair can make your hair appear fuller and thicker.

Use a Root Concealer Spray or Powder: These products can be applied to the roots and scalp to blend with your natural hair color, effectively reducing the appearance of thinning areas.

Consider a New Hairstyle: Certain hairstyles can give the illusion of thicker hair. Shorter hair, for instance, often appears fuller than long hair. Adding layers can also add volume. A professional hairstylist can advise you on the best cuts and styles for your hair type and condition.

Try Hair Fibers: Hair fibers are tiny, keratin protein particles that bind to your existing hair, creating the appearance of fuller hair. They come in various colors to match your hair.

Use Hair Accessories: Hairbands, scarves, and hats are fashionable and can also help conceal areas of hair loss.

Experiment with Hair Extensions or Wigs: If your hair loss is more extensive, consider using hair extensions or investing in a high-quality wig. There are numerous styles and natural-looking options available.

Scalp Micropigmentation: This is a more permanent solution where natural pigments are applied at the epidermal level of the scalp to mimic the natural appearance of actual hair follicles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PCOS-induced hair loss can be a distressing and challenging symptom to manage. However, remember that you’re not alone in this journey; many options are available to help you address and manage this condition effectively. Consistency is critical when you opt for topical treatments, natural remedies, or lifestyle modifications. Patience is also crucial, as results may take time to be noticeable. 

Dietary adjustments and regular exercise can help manage PCOS symptoms, including hair loss. Nutritional supplements and certain hairstyles or hair products can also go a long way in hiding hair thinning and promoting hair health.

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment plan. They can provide personalized advice based on your health history and symptom severity. Lastly, even though dealing with PCOS and hair loss can be challenging, it’s important to remember that these conditions don’t define your beauty or worth. With the proper support and guidance, you can navigate this journey confidently.