Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Hair Loss

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects how a woman’s ovaries work. It commonly produces symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue and increased facial hair. But it can also cause excessive hair shedding and hair thinning in those with a genetic predisposition and follicle sensitivity.

PCOS can cause hyperandrogenism – where your body produces too many androgens (male hormones). Androgens are naturally found in all women. They affect the degree and frequency of bleeding during your menstrual cycle and can also cause acne and oily skin. However, if your hair follicles are sensitive to androgens they can also decrease the growth of hair on your scalp and increase the growth of hair on your body. This is especially true if you have excessive amounts.

Follicle Sensitivity is not simply ‘caught’ or randomly acquired. It’s genetically inherited and has been there since birth. If you have little or no hair follicle sensitivity, your hair may not be very affected by extra androgens. But normal or even sub-normal amounts of circulating androgens can cause hair loss if your follicles are very sensitive to them.

Treatment for Hair Loss Caused By PCOS

Treatment for PCOS can be complicated, depending on symptoms other than thinning hair. However, if hair loss is the only or predominant symptom, it’s relatively straightforward. Hair thinning from PCOS is treated by orally and/or topically taking anti-androgens. Topically applied solutions usually contain an anti-androgen as well as a stimulant. The most common oral anti-androgens used for hair loss are combination oral contraceptives such as Spironolactone or Dianette, but oral and topical solutions used together are most effective.

Please book a free hair loss consultation with one of our Hair Loss Consultants here at Crowning Glory at Simone Thomas salon if you are concerned or want further advice. We can look at your scalp with a nioscope to see if indeed the hair follicles are active and then advise you accordingly.

Call us on 01202 760003 to book a free Hair Loss Consultation with one of our trained Hair Loss Specialists.