PCOS and Hair Loss: What’s Causing It and How to Fight Back

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome causes hormonal imbalances that can lead to hair loss.
Common treatments include low-level laser therapy (LLLT), minoxidil, oral anti-androgens, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections, following an anti-inflammatory diet, and bariatric surgery.

Hair loss in women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is quite common. Approximately 6-13% of reproductive-age women are affected by PCOS,1 and up to 20-30% of them experience hair loss.2 Furthermore, up to 70% of PCOS cases are undiagnosed.1

PCOS is one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders and often includes irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, cysts, and acne, as well as hair loss and excessive body hair growth.

Why does PCOS cause hair loss? Is there a PCOS hair loss treatment? In this guide, we’ll answer these common questions and more. Let’s dive in!

What Causes PCOS?

PCOS is a complex condition that can be caused by numerous factors, such as hormonal dysregulation, genetics, obesity, insulin resistance, environment, and exposure to endocrine disruptors.

It can be difficult to identify PCOS, as evidenced by the fact that 70% of cases go undiagnosed.

Hair Loss is A Very Common Side Effect

Although it’s commonly accepted that 20-30% of women with PCOS experience hair loss, some reports show higher numbers ranging from 40-70%, depending on the population who participated in the studies.3

In one clinical study, 8% of women who had thinning hair had a previous PCOS diagnosis and 2.5% were newly diagnosed after being evaluated.4

Stages of Hair Loss in Women With PCOS

When caused by PCOS, thinning hair typically has a female pattern, preserving the frontal hairline while thinning more prominently at the vertex and crown.5

Here’s what the stages of this type of hair loss typically look like:

Thinning: In the early stage of PCOS hair loss, the hair will typically have less volume and will subtly widen in the part.

Shedding: Next, the hair will shed moderately. The scalp may be visible and you may notice more hair than usual in the shower or on your hairbrush.

Miniaturization: Over time, excessive amounts of androgens, such as testosterone, turn into DHT, which can cause hair follicles to shrink, and become shorter and finer.6

Other Symptoms of PCOS

Why does PCOS cause hair loss?

The hormonal balances that cause hair to shed can cause other symptoms, including menstrual irregularity, weight gain, acne, cysts, and insulin resistance. Paradoxically, PCOS hair loss can occur on the scalp while excessive amounts of hair grows on the body.

Unsurprisingly, these symptoms often contribute to significant emotional stress, which is an intangible side effect that often goes untreated.

Proactive Steps for Coping

The side effects of PCOS can be troubling, but there are ways to reduce their severity.

Be gentle on your hair. Avoid tight hairstyles, excessive brushing, and products and treatments that contain harsh chemicals or use heat.

Consider clip-in extensions, wigs, hairpieces, scalp-thickening powders, or volumizing sprays.

Try nourishing, sulfate-free shampoos and mild conditioners to prevent hair from breaking.

Reach out for support, such as professional counseling and/or a local support group.

Common PCOS Hair Loss Treatments

When treated early, hair loss in women with PCOS is usually reversible and non-scarring.7

Although regrowth may be limited when the miniaturization stage has progressed severely, it may be possible to prevent further hair loss with the right treatments.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) stimulates hair follicles at the cellular level, improves nutrient delivery and blood flow, and supports the renewal of the hair’s growth phase.

Using topical minoxidil products like Rogaine may improve the hair’s growth cycles and overall density.

As long as they’re taken under specialist supervision, oral anti-androgens like flutamide, finasteride, or spironolactone can reduce DHT action.8

Injections of PRP (platelet-rich plasma) can mitigate PCOS hair loss.

Metformin and insulin-sensitizing agents can indirectly reduce androgen levels by reducing insulin resistance.

Following an anti-inflammatory diet and avoiding sugars and simple carbs may reduce the overstimulation of androgen.

Losing weight can support balanced hormone levels and insulin sensitivity. Bariatric surgery has been shown to be an effective weight loss option for obese women who have PCOS.9

How to Combat Hair Loss From the Comfort of Home

Does PCOS cause hair loss if you proactively treat the condition?

Although results will vary from person to person, you can significantly mitigate the hair loss by following a daily regimen with the following potential PCOS hair loss solutions:

Wear The Original LaserCap periodically throughout the day. This prescription-strength hair loss treatment is a convenient, non-invasive, safe, and natural way to restore your natural hair.

Applying 2% or 5% minoxidil once a day may help to restore hair, typically within three to six months.

Follow a diet rich in omega-3s, B vitamins, zinc, iron, and lean protein. If you have a nutritional deficiency, you may want to take supplements as recommended by a healthcare professional.

Hair loss in women with PCOS may be reduced by being especially gentle with hair, such as detangling carefully, avoiding heat-based products, and using silk pillowcases.

Managing stress can reduce cortisol, which can worsen PCOS hair loss. Take steps to reduce stress, such as practicing mindfulness, meditation, or yoga. Therapy may also help.

When to Contact a Professional

You may be able to manage PCOS symptoms on your own, but professional guidance may significantly reduce the physical and emotional impact of the condition.

Seek professional assistance if the hair loss gets significantly worse, happens rapidly, or you notice that a significant amount of your scalp is visible.

A healthcare professional may be able to help with other side effects, such as acne, cysts, irregular menstrual cycles, weight fluctuations, or hirsutism.

A diagnosis may include a pelvis ultrasound, hormone panels, and glucose tests.

A trichologist or dermatologist may do a scalp exam and dermoscopy and provide personalized recommendations for PCOS hair loss treatment.

Don’t overlook the importance of mental health support. Anxiety and depression are common symptoms of PCOS that frequently get ignored.

Start Your Hair Recovery Journey Today

Does PCOS cause hair loss if you use the right treatments? Although there’s no guarantee that your hair will regrow, the hair loss associated with this condition is often reversible, especially if you use the proper treatments. Many women who have experienced sudden hair loss due to PCOS have had tremendous success using The Original Lasercap.

Whether you just started noticing common signs of hair loss or you’re already experiencing significant PCOS hair loss, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can restore your natural hair.

Explore our before and after photos to see what’s possible! Get your LaserCap Kit today.

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