Hair loss associated with PCOS is distressing and surprisingly common. Here is our guide to the condition and how to deal with PCOS hair loss.
What Is PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects up to one in ten women and comes with a range of unwanted symptoms. PCOS hair loss is just one symptom, but it is a type of hair loss that is particularly unwelcome for women.
Men and women all produce androgen type hormones. Men will usually produce many more, with women producing larger amounts of oestrogen type hormones. When women produce too many androgens it leads to a rise in testosterone levels. This, in turn, can lead to the same type of pattern balding usually seen in men. In a nutshell, this is what sets PCOS hair loss apart. It sees women losing hair from the frontal hairline and at the crown. It is why women going through PCOS can find the associated hair loss so distressing.
Hair loss is far from the only unwanted symptom a sufferer might have to go through. It gets its name from the enlarged ovaries and fluid-filled sacs that surround the eggs. Although they are not actually cysts, despite the name.
Insulin resistance and a general issue with inflammation throughout the body is also regularly experienced. Beyond these, you can add acne and weight gain, along with reduced fertility.
Treating PCOS
There is no quick cure for any complex hormone problem. PCOS is no exception. Treatment starts with advice around diet and lifestyle. Eating healthily, exercise, and regular sleep patterns will all improve your own ability to manage the condition. Birth control can be prescribed as this helps to regulate hormone levels, increasing the production of oestrogens.
An important factor regarding treatment options is whether the sufferer is trying to get pregnant. This excludes some of the recovery options available. Particularly, the FDA approved hair loss medications as these have known side-effects that include dangers to babies in the womb.
Treating PCOS Hair Loss
With the exception of those women trying to get pregnant, there are many options available. Procedures like PRP are autologous, meaning they use the patient’s own blood to improve the situation. This means there is zero chance of a reaction by your immune system.
The Hair Ambulance
Catching PCOS early is key. Making those lifestyle changes is essential and will give your hair loss expert the best chance of aiding you to recovery. A trichologist will take a holistic view of your broader health before recommending a personalised programme. For more information on PCOS you can visit the NHS page here. You can also see our recent article about homeopathy and PCOS here.
The Hair Ambulance brings world-leading hair loss solutions to your door. Hair loss is no longer inevitable. Use the contact form here to either arrange a home visit or book a consultation at one of our private hair loss clinics. Early intervention is a necessity. Do not delay if you are concerned about your hair loss.