PCOS triggers excess androgen and dihydrotestosterone (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. 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 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 hyperandrogenic 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 dermatitis. 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 hyperandrogenism (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 phototherapy, and microneedling with PRP (dermarolling) 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. 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. 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 (11). 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 (12). Consume foods, such as oysters, chickpeas, yogurt, beans, nuts, and whole grains (13). 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 (14). This is because iron deficiency may cause hair loss (11).
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 (15).
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. 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 (16). 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 (17). Can people with PCOS drink milk? While low-fat milk and dairy products could have a positive effect in 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 (18).
