PCOS Hair Loss: Cause, Treatment And Home Remedies

Hormones are responsible for various biochemical reactions and changes in our bodies. Although the sex hormone testosterone is commonly associated with male functions, most people are not aware that it is also produced in women too, but in small amounts. PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome –  It is a hormonal condition in which there is an imbalance in sex hormones, mainly due to increased levels such as male hormones.

Some symptoms of PCOS include:

1. Excessive hair loss

2. Weight gain

3. Excessive acne

4. Hair loss or thinning

5. Irregular menstrual cycle

6. Excessive growth of body hair, especially on the face and chin.

PCOS Hair Loss: Does Hair Grow Back?

Imbalance hormones usually trigger hair thinning, baldness, and patchiness. Usually, the hair that falls cannot grow back on its own but with proper PCOS hair loss treatment and care, restoration and growth of new hair can be triggered.

Image credit: Pixabay

Causes of PCOS

The exact triggers of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are unknown. However, at least one of the following events, changes, or causes takes place in the body of patients with PCOS.

1. Insulin Resistance: High levels of insulin

2. Imbalance in Hormones

3. Genetics

Note: In general, PCOS is also linked to other health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, anxiety, endometrial cancer, and sleep apnea.

Insulin Resistance: High levels of Insulin

The hormone, Insulin, is produced by the pancreas and its main function is to control and regulate the amount of sugar in the blood by glucose to breakdown and produce energy.

Insulin resistance is a condition where the body cells become unresponsive to the effects of insulin and as a result, the blood sugar levels are not regulated and consequently increases.

Due to the unresponsive nature, the body tries to produce more insulin which has negative side effects on the body and directly interferes with the development of ovarian follicles and thus, also prevents ovulation.

It may also cause excessive weight gain.

Imbalance in Hormones

Women with PCOS, observe the following changes:

1. High levels of testosterone: A hormone that is largely produced in males, although all women usually produce small amounts of it

2. Raised levels of luteinizing hormone (LH): A stimulating hormone that may cause abnormal effects on the ovaries, if produced excessively.

3. The decrease in the levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG): It is a type of protein that reduces the effects of testosterone by binding it to the blood.

4. Increase in the levels of prolactin, a hormone that stimulates the breast glands to produce milk. Although, this change is very rare.

Although the exact cause of these hormonal changes is not clear, it has highly been linked to the above-mentioned insulin resistance.

Genetics

Some scientists claim that PCOS is a genetic condition, meaning it runs in the family. Therefore, if your mother, aunt, sister, or grandmother is suffering from PCOS, there are high chances that you can have this genetic trait too. As a result, you will be at a higher risk. Diagnosis of PCOS Visit a doctor if you are showing any symptoms of PCOS who will most likely arrange a hormone test.

They may also arrange an ultrasound scan to try to detect for polycystic ovaries- a high number of follicles in the ovaries. Lastly, you may also be required to undergo a blood test to check for diabetes or high cholesterol.

Treatment and Home Remedies: How to Stop PCOS Hair Loss

PCOS cannot be cured. However, this condition is highly manageable and the symptoms of PCOS are highly treatable by some medications and lifestyle changes.

Medications

1. Hormonal birth control contraceptives

2. Anti-androgen medication

3. Metformin

4. Progestin Therapy

5. Clomiphene, Letrozole, and Gonadotropins.

6. Spironolactone and Eflornithine

7. Hair Transplant

Lifestyle Changes

1. Daily Exercise – Yoga, pranayamas, meditations, long walks, etc

2. Low GI diet or low-calorie diet- Avoid food like potatoes, white rice, bread, sweets, sugar products. Eat foods like green vegetables, most fruits, raw carrots, kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils, and bran breakfast cereals.

3. Limit carbohydrates- Consume low carb foods like banana, apple, orange, or eat high carb foods in limited or controlled amounts.

4. Maintain a healthy weight- This is because obesity is linked with diabetes which is in turn linked to Insulin resistance and PCOS.

5. Avoid smoking as it enhances androgen levels

6. Consume anti-inflammatory foods.

Best Products for PCOS Hair Loss

1. Zinc-rich foods

2. Biotin supplements

3. Vitamin-rich foods

4. Magnesium-rich foods

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

6. Evening Primrose oil

7. Green tea

8. Aloe vera juice

9. Jaggery

10. Chia and sesame seeds

11. Cinnamon and honey

Conclusion

The exact causes of PCOS are unknown and hence it cannot be cured. However, the symptoms like hair loss of PCOS are highly manageable up to a point where one is able to live a comfortable and unrestricted lifestyle which just a few changes.