PCOS Hair Loss: Cause, Treatment, Home Remedies

PCOS hair loss is one of the most common symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrom(PCOS) and affects women in their reproductive ages, i.e., 13-45 years. It is a condition where cysts form in the ovaries due to the release of a number of immature or partially mature eggs and effects both on a physical and an emotional leveling which hair loss is one of the most concerning issues among women.

Although there are many medications available for PCOS hair loss regrowth success, most women prefer to check home remedies for PCOS hair fall. So we have brought to you some of the most effective PCOS hair loss home remedies.

Does PCOS Cause Hair Loss?

Androgens produced in a woman’s body play an important role such as stimulating the growth of underarm hair and pubic hair, regulating blood flow during menstruation, etc. But when excessive androgens are produced (medically known as hyperandrogenism), one of these hormones, namely dihydrotestosterone (DHT), tends to bind to follicles of hair on the scalp making the survival of healthy hair difficult. This results in hair eventually becoming thinner, shorter and lightened, until the hair is not produced at all. All these factors of PCOS cause hair loss, a condition known as androgenic alopecia or female pattern baldness. 

Main Cause of PCOS Hair Loss

The main cause of PCOS hair fall is a high level of male hormone, ‘Angrogen’ in women. Women have two ovaries, one on either side of the uterus. Each ovary releases an egg alternately every month. When this normal functioning is replaced by one or both ovaries releasing immature eggs that turn into cysts, it results in enlarged, fluid-filled sacs inside the ovaries. This condition is known as PCOS hair loss.

PCOS occurs due to a hormonal imbalance where the body produces more androgens than normal. Androgens are the male hormones that the ovaries also produce in very small quantities. Some of the symptoms caused by PCOS include irregular periods, infertility or issues in conceiving, acne, weight gain on the abdomen, excessive facial and body hair (hirsutism) and hair loss on the head. 

PCOS Hair Loss Home Remedies:

Along with consulting your doctor for PCOS hair fall treatment, there are a few things you can do in the comfort of your home for PCOS hair loss regrowth success. PCOS hair fall home remedies include the following.  

1. Aloe-vera Juice:-

Consuming aloe-vera juice helps restore the body’s hormonal balance.

2. Cinnamon oil:-

Cinnamon oil applied to the scalp helps circulate blood to follicles that in turn stimulate growth of healthy. 

3. Fenugreek Seeds:-

Crushed fenugreek seeds used in a hair pack help fight hair thinning and make the roots stronger. 

4. Amla:-

Amla works as detox where it helps remove the accumulated DHT from the receptors in the hair follicle, thus unblocking them and allowing the hair to grow normally again.  

5. Scalp:-

Scalp massages strengthen hair roots, improve blood circulation in the scalp and nourish your hair follicles.   

6. Zinc and Biotin Supplements:-

Taking supplements can help in arresting your hair fall; zinc and biotin are two recommended PCOS hair loss regrowth success home remedies supplements. 

Home Remedies For PCOS Hair Thinning and Balding

Additional Read: How to Stop Hair Fall? 

Medications Treatment For PCOS Hair Loss

Keep in mind that treatments tend to see more success when it comes to slowing down the progression of this kind of hair loss rather than actually reversing it. With hair loss due to PCOS, doctors usually decide to first control the overproduction of androgens with medications, and then proceed with topical treatments. 

1. Minoxidil

With a topical medication called minoxidil, PCOS symptoms of hair fall and thinning can be addressed. Prescribed by doctors, it is used in the treatment of male and female pattern baldness and can be applied directly to the scalp’s problematic areas to promote growth of hair and increase thickness. 

2. Oral Contraceptives

These can lower levels of androgens, which in turn help to reduce PCOS hair fall. Birth control pills also come to the rescue for other PCOS symptoms, such as acne and irregular periods. It is important to consume these medicines only after consultation with your doctor. 

3. Hair Transplant

Hair transplant is a surgical method used to treat androgenic alopecia that comes with PCOS. In this PCOS hair loss regrowth success treatment, follicles of hair are taken from other places on the scalp that have not been affected and transplanted to the front of the scalp or wherever hair loss is seen. These follicles once embedded take to the scalp and begin to grow as normal.  

Lifestyle Changes For PCOS Hair Loss:

1. Hair loss can cause a lot of stress which unfortunately adds to your hair fall; meditation and yoga for PCOS can help you destress and improve blood circulation. 
2. Avoid harsh shampoos and hair products as these can cause further damage to already weakened hair. Instead, opt for paraben- and sulphate-free gentle hair products. 
3. Avoid hot hair tools such as hair irons, blow dryers and crimping machines that tend to damage the hair when used often. 
4. Research has shown if overweight, losing even 5% of your body weight can reduce the symptoms of PCOS.  
5. Watching what you eat is crucial when it comes to PCOS, so try and avoid dairy products, junk food, sugary foods and fried foods. 
6. Include high fiber foods in your diets such as green leafy veggies and fruits. 
7. Consume nuts and seeds like almonds, flaxseeds, walnuts, as well as lentils, legumes, sprouts, and whole grains. 
8. Include herbs and spices such as ginger and garlic, turmeric, cinnamon, and fenugreek seeds in your diet as this help to decrease insulin resistance and act as anti-inflammatory agents.

Is PCOS Hair Loss Reversible?

Hair fall due to PCOS does not tend to grow back by itself, but with medications and treatments available today for  PCOS hair loss regrowth success is possible as doctors can stimulate new growth on the scalp. The rate of PCOS hair loss regrowth success is high as there are a number of medicines and treatments that help restore your hormonal balance, target the androgens affecting your hair follicles, and also nourish and care for new hair growth. 

Also Read: PCOS Treatment in Ayurveda

Schedule appointments with gynecologists for your PCOS and PCOD issues and trichologists for hair fall-related symptoms on Bajaj Finserv Health. Book online consultation and video consultations, and get access to health plans as well.