If your day starts with a long-drawn battle with your hair brush, and if you’re shedding hair more than a golden retriever – don’t blame your shampoo. It might be time to get familiar with PCOS.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, more commonly known as PCOS, is a complex hormonal disorder that affects people with ovaries, often during their reproductive years. It’s characterized by a range of symptoms, including irregular menstrual cycles, the presence of cysts on the ovaries, hormonal imbalances, and various metabolic issues. We’ll talk about how to treat hair loss due to PCOS, and home remedies for PCOS hair loss. Let’s look at a few of the common symptoms of PCOS.
11 Common Symptoms For PCOS
- Irregular Menstrual Cycles
- Excessive Hair Growth
- Hair Loss
- Acne and Oily Skin
- Weight Gain
- Insulin Resistance
- Polycystic Ovaries
- Fertility Issues
- Mood Changes
- Fatigue
- Skin Darkening
PCOS And Hair Fall – What’s The Link?
Is hair fall a symptom of PCOS? Does PCOS cause hair fall? PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects many aspects of a woman’s health, including her hair. Women with PCOS often have higher levels of androgens (male hormones, like testosterone), and these elevated androgens can cause a range of symptoms, including hair thinning and hair loss, sometimes referred to as female pattern baldness.
The excess androgens can make hair follicles more sensitive to shrinking, which then leads to finer and shorter hair. Additionally, insulin resistance, which often accompanies PCOS, can further aggravate hair loss, causing hair fall due to PCOS. How to stop hair fall in PCOS is a common concern for most women.
5 Reasons Why PCOS Causes Hair Loss
Does PCOS make your hair fall out? Hair fall due to PCOS is primarily caused by hormonal imbalances, characterized by higher-than-normal levels of androgens – male hormones that women also produce, albeit in smaller amounts. These hormonal imbalances can lead to several mechanisms contributing to hair loss:
1. Androgen Sensitivity:
Hair follicles on the scalp can be sensitive to androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT). When androgens bind to receptors in the hair follicles, it can lead to miniaturization, making the hair shafts thinner and shorter. Eventually, affected follicles may stop producing hair altogether.
2. Increased Hair Follicle Sensitivity:
In PCOS, some hair follicles may become more sensitive to androgens than others. This differential sensitivity can result in “male pattern” hair loss, which typically affects the frontal and crown regions of the scalp.
3. Disruption of Hair Growth Cycle:
Androgens can disrupt the natural hair growth cycle. They may shorten the anagen (growth) phase and lengthen the telogen (resting) phase, leading to more hair shedding and fewer actively growing hair follicles.
4. Insulin Resistance:
Many individuals with PCOS also have insulin resistance, where their cells don’t respond effectively to insulin. This can lead to higher insulin levels and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in the bloodstream. Elevated insulin and IGF-1 levels may contribute to increased androgen production, exacerbating hair loss.
5. Inflammation:
PCOS is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. Inflammation can affect the hair follicles and disrupt their normal functioning, potentially leading to hair loss.
Is Hair Loss Due To PCOS Reversible?
The reversibility of hair loss associated with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) depends on several factors, including the extent of hair loss, the underlying causes, and how well it responds to treatment. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Early Intervention:
If hair loss due to PCOS is detected and treated early, it is more likely to be reversible. In many cases, addressing the underlying hormonal imbalances and managing PCOS can slow down or even reverse hair loss.
2. Treatment Options:
There are various treatment options available for PCOS-related hair loss. These may include medications to regulate hormones, lifestyle changes, topical treatments, and hair growth therapies. The effectiveness of these treatments can vary from person to person.
3. Personal Response:
Each individual’s response to treatment can differ. Some people may experience significant regrowth of hair, while others may have more modest improvements. It’s important to be patient and consistent with treatment.
4. Severity Matters:
The severity of hair loss matters. If the hair follicles are significantly damaged or if scarring has occurred on the scalp, it may be more challenging to achieve full reversibility.
5. Lifestyle Changes:
Making healthy lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management, can positively impact PCOS symptoms, including hair loss. These changes may contribute to the reversibility of hair loss.
10 Symptoms That You Are Losing Hair Because Of PCOS
Here are a few symptoms of hair loss due to PCOS:
1. Thinning Hair:
PCOS-related hormonal imbalances can lead to the gradual thinning of hair, often starting at the crown area, making the scalp more visible.
2. Increased Hair Shedding:
PCOS can disrupt the hair growth cycle, causing more hair to enter the shedding phase, resulting in noticeable hair loss during daily activities.
3. Male-Pattern Hair Loss:
Elevated androgens in PCOS can trigger male-pattern baldness, causing a receding hairline and hair loss around the temples, resembling typical male hair loss patterns.
4. Excessive Body Hair (Hirsutism):
Although not directly related to scalp hair, PCOS often leads to unwanted body hair growth due to increased androgen levels, further affecting self-esteem.
5. Thicker, Darker Facial Hair:
PCOS may cause the appearance of thicker and darker hair on the face, particularly the upper lip and chin, impacting overall self-image.
6. Bald Patches:
In severe cases, PCOS-related hair loss can lead to the development of noticeable bald patches on the scalp, requiring specialized treatment.
7. Scalp Tenderness:
Hormonal fluctuations in PCOS may lead to scalp tenderness or discomfort, particularly if the hair is pulled or styled tightly.
8. Receding Hairline:
Similar to male-pattern baldness, PCOS can result in a receding hairline, which can be distressing for those affected.
9. Oily Scalp:
Hormonal imbalances may increase sebum production on the scalp, making hair appear greasier, which can exacerbate hair thinning.
10. Difficulty Regrowing Hair:
Due to hormonal disruptions, regrowing lost hair can be challenging for individuals with PCOS, requiring patience and targeted interventions to stimulate regrowth.
7 DIY Home Remedies To Prevent Hair Loss
Let’s talk about how to stop hair fall due to PCOS. If you’re wondering how to control PCOS hair fall, here are a few tips on how to control hair fall in PCOS naturally, and a few home remedies for PCOS hair loss:
1. Aloe Vera:
For this PCOS hair fall treatment, apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to your scalp. Leave it on for about 30 minutes before rinsing it off. Aloe vera can promote hair growth and reduce scalp inflammation.
2. Onion Juice:
Extract onion juice and apply it to your scalp. Leave it on for 15-30 minutes before washing it off. Onion juice is rich in sulphur, which can stimulate hair follicles, and is a good PCOS hair fall solution.
3. Coconut Oil:
Massage warm coconut oil into your scalp. Leave it on for at least an hour or overnight before washing it out. Coconut oil can strengthen hair and reduce breakage.
4. Egg Mask:
Beat an egg and apply it to your hair and scalp. Leave it on for 20 minutes, then wash it out. Eggs are rich in protein, which can help with hair growth.
5. Fenugreek Seeds:
Soak fenugreek seeds in water overnight, then make a paste and apply it to your scalp. Leave it on for about 30 minutes before rinsing. Fenugreek can strengthen hair and promote growth.
6. Amla (Indian Gooseberry):
Create a paste from amla powder and water and apply it to your scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing. Amla is rich in vitamin C, which can strengthen hair.
7. Bhringraj Oil:
Massage bhringraj oil into your scalp and leave it on overnight. Bhringraj oil is known for its hair-strengthening properties and is an effective PCOS hair fall treatment.
5 Reasons When You Should Consult A Doctor!
It’s essential to consult a doctor if you are experiencing hair fall associated with PCOS, especially in the following situations:
- If you notice a significant amount of hair loss or thinning.
- If you experience sudden and rapid thinning or bald patches.
- If you are experiencing hirsutism – excessive growth of facial or body hair.
- If you have irregular menstrual cycles or missed periods in addition to hair loss.
- If you develop scalp conditions such as redness, itching, or flakiness along with hair loss.
In this battle against PCOS Hair Loss, early action is key. Understand their link to take control of your luscious locks, and remember, PCOS-related hair loss can be reversible with the right interventions, including medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and home remedies. So, don’t let hair fall dim your confidence; consult a healthcare professional, explore treatments, and embrace a holistic approach to wellness. With patience and perseverance, you can win the war against hair loss and maintain your crown of healthy hair.
Open up like never before and participate in conversations about beauty, mental health, menstrual & sexual health, and more. Desi women, join our community NOW!
