From causes to treatments, we take a closer look at how PCOS can affect your hair
This article/page uses the terms ‘male/man/men’ and/or ‘female/woman/women’. Please note, this is in reference to the sex assigned at birth.
While it’s perfectly normal to shed some hair in the shower or on your hairbrush, for those with PCOS, hair loss can be much more than this. It can be both physically and emotionally challenging, but understanding why it happens and what can be done to help treat it can really help.
Here, we discuss the link between PCOS and hair loss, the signs to spot, and what treatments are available to help you regain your confidence.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a very common hormone condition that can affect how your ovaries work. It can affect women of all ages and is often diagnosed in their late teens or early 20s, causing a variety of symptoms such as:
- Irregular periods
- Excess facial and body hair
- Thinning hair or hair loss on the head
- Oily skin and acne
- Weight gain
- Difficulty getting pregnant
While the exact cause of PCOS isn’t fully understood, it’s thought to be related to a combination of hormonal imbalances and genetic factors. PCOS can affect everyone differently, but if you think you might have PCOS, or you’re concerned about any of the above symptoms, speak to your GP for advice.
How does PCOS cause hair loss?
Before we get into ways to help manage PCOS-related hair loss, it’s helpful to understand the underlying cause.
Most women with PCOS have excess androgen hormones, like testosterone (known as the ‘male’ hormone). This can cause both an excess amount of facial and body hair, as well as hair loss on the head. While it’s not as common as excess hair growth on the face and body due to PCOS, it’s still a widely experienced symptom of the condition.
Recognising the signs of hair loss from PCOS
When we talk about hair loss, it’s easy to think of it falling straight from the root, but in PCOS, hair loss can also be caused by the hair breaking along the scalp when it becomes particularly dry and damaged.
So what are the signs? You may notice:
- Hair loss around the front and side of the scalp
- Hair in the parting becoming thinner
- The scalp becoming more visible
- The hairline beginning to recede above the temples
- Thin hairs developing and bald patches showing (although women usually don’t develop completely bald areas)
Hair thinning and hair loss can be different for different women. If you do notice your hair thinning or falling out, there are some things you can try to help manage it, which we’ll get into next.
Can hair loss from PCOS be reversed?
In some cases, it’s possible to reverse hair loss from PCOS if the underlying cause itself is treated. So for PCOS, this means correcting the hormonal imbalance, which can be done in a number of ways from lifestyle choices to treatments.
You may want to consider:
- Adopting a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of nutrient-rich foods
- Exercising regularly to help increase blood circulation (this allows more oxygen and nutrients to get to your scalp)
- Managing everyday stress as this can contribute to hair loss
- Consulting a trichologist (expert on hair and scalp conditions) to help revive the hair follicles
In the meantime, you could consider trying out some hair thickening shampoos and hair fibres. While these won’t reverse any hair loss, they may help maintain hair health and also disguise any hair loss. It’s also a good idea to refrain from brushing your hair while it’s wet, as well as wearing tight hairstyles (like a high ponytail), as these can cause additional stress on your hair and lead to more breakage.
Can you treat hair loss from PCOS?
The good news is, there are treatments available to help manage hair loss from PCOS. It’s worth noting that treatment is often tailored to each person, depending on how severe the hair loss is.
There are prescription treatments available such as:
- The combined oral contraceptive pill – certain combined pills are often used to treat excessive hair growth and hair loss from PCOS as they contain anti-androgenic hormones.
- A minoxidil containing product (also known as Regaine® for women) – this topical medicine can encourage hair regrowth and helps slow down hair loss by applying it to the scalp once or twice per day. Always read the label.
Make sure you speak to your GP or specialist before trying any treatments as they can advise the most appropriate course of action for you. It’s also important to let your doctor know if you’re trying to get pregnant, or are pregnant, as some medicines and treatments won’t be suitable for you.
When to see a specialist
If you’re experiencing hair loss and you think it may be caused by undiagnosed PCOS, make an appointment with your GP to discuss your concerns. If you do have PCOS and you’re experiencing hair loss for the first time, rest assured there is help out there for you. It’s important to speak to a healthcare professional if:
- You lose a lot of hair suddenly
- You notice your hair loss accompanies a red scalp, irritation or flaking
- Your hair loss is followed by pus-filled pimples on your head
If your hair loss is negatively affecting you, whether it’s impacting your relationships and mental health, or you’re struggling to do your day-to-day activities, make sure you speak to your GP or specialist who can offer advice, support and available treatments to help you take back control.
