How Do You Treat Hormonal Hair Loss
Publishing, topical minoxidil is the most common treatment for androgenic alopecia or hormonal hair loss as opposed to corticosteroids for non-hormonal hair loss treatment. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and lower the immune response in Alopecia, but they can also increase the risk of skin cancer.
In a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, researchers at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, looked at the effects of topical androgens on hair follicles in mice.
They found that the topical application of testosterone, the active ingredient in testosterone gel, significantly increased the number of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, two hormones that stimulate hair growth, compared to a control group that did not receive topical testosterone.
The researchers also found a significant increase in follicular keratinocytes, which are the cells that produce new hair, and a decrease in fibroblasts, a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infection. These findings suggest that testosterone may have a direct effect on the growth of hair in humans, according to the researchers.
Pcos Hair Loss Tip #: Insulin
As aforementioned, women with PCOS often have insulin problems. Insulin-sensitizing agents are medications that make ones body more receptive to insulin, in turn keeping glucose levels in balance. If not checked, diabetes and other maladies can result.
Other benefits of insulin-sensitizing agents include: the clearing of acne and reduction of unwanted hair growth the growth of scalp hair weight loss lower cholesterol levels more regular periods and the reduction of infertility commonly associated with PCOS.
Regular ovulation should occur within four to six months of taking a medication. A common medication is Metformin.
Pcos Hair Regrowth Success Stories
Brandy
Brandy Pope from the YouTube channel, The Glam Belle, began to notice that her hair was falling out more than normal when she washed it. After several years of dealing with gradually thinning hair alongside other symptoms, her doctor eventually diagnosed her with PCOS.
In a testimonial video on YouTube, Brandy explained that she endured several periods where her hair loss would get better and worse even after being prescribed PCOS medication.
However, in a follow-up video, Brandy shared that she did see improvements after using Rogaine for women and taking biotin, vitamin B12, and iron supplements. She also found that getting frequent trims was also helpful for managing her hairs overall appearance.
Clarissa
Clarissa from the YouTube channel, Clarissa Explains It Yall, also opened up about her PCOS hair loss story. Initially, she began to notice her hair thinning around her part and the crown of her head. This was then followed by bald spots forming around her crown.
To manage this hair loss, Clarissa found a mix of products and techniques to be beneficial. She began by taking Inositol supplements, which helped to thicken her hair while also preventing unwanted hair growth in other areas. She also used The Ordinary Brands multi-peptide serum to help with overall hair thickness.
Kie RaShon
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How To Manage Pcos
Current treatment for hair loss in PCOS is aimed at managing the underlying hormone imbalance using oral contraceptives and medications with antiandrogenic activity plus supportive topical treatment. PCOS guidelines recommend topical minoxidil as the first-line treatment.7 There are other options that your doctor or healthcare provider might mention when discussing treatment options for hair loss with you:
Medications
- Oral contraceptives can lower androgen levels, which can slow hair shedding and help with other PCOS symptoms.
- Spironolactone is a diuretic with anti-androgen activity. It is more effective when added to an oral contraceptive.
- Minoxidil is the only topical medication approved by the FDA for female pattern hair loss. It is applied directly to the scalp to stimulate hair growth.
Laser therapy
Low-level laser therapy appears to be effective in treating androgenic alopecia in both men and women.8 A handheld device called HairMax® LaserComb was approved by the FDA in 2007 for this indication. In 2016, the iRestore Hair Growth System was given clearance to market by the FDA. It is a head cap that promotes hair growth in women with female pattern hair loss.
Home Treatments For Pcos Hair Loss
Shampoos, conditioners, and good hair care
One of the best places to start if you are struggling with hair loss due to PCOS is by making sure that you are taking good care of your hair and scalp.
You can begin by investing in a good shampoo/conditioner combo that strengthens and protects your hair. Look for shampoos that have B vitamins and keratin, and try to stay away from shampoos with sulfates which tend to dry out the hair. You may even want to consult your hairstylist on the best products to use for your specific hair type.
To further protect your hair, its also a good idea to avoid using heated tools such as hair dryers, curlers, and flat irons. Chemical products like dyes, straighteners, and relaxers should also be avoided as they can be extremely damaging to hair already weakened from PCOS.
Brushes
Though it may seem like a small change, the brush you use can actually make a big difference in the health of your hair. Make sure to use a natural bristle brush. The most commonly recommended is a boar bristle brush because it is not only soft and gentle on your hair, but it can also help to stimulate your scalp.
If you have hair loss due to PCOS, you may be worried that brushing your hair might make it fall out more. To avoid this, keep the following tips in mind:
- Brush gently
- Try not to brush too often
- Never brush your hair when it is wet
Supplements
- Biotin
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
Healthy lifestyle
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How I Reversed My Pcos In 6 Steps
So how did I do it? And how can you, too, reverse your PCOS? Heres what Id recommend, based on my personal experience:
1. Get your hormones tested
Having a complete hormone panel run by your doctor is crucial to understanding what type of PCOS you have and what hormones need balancing. Some women have excess androgens , which can cause acne, weight gain around the midsection, facial hair growth and missed periods, while other women may be estrogen dominant , resulting in long menstrual cycles, heavy cramping, intense PMS symptoms and infertility.
Be sure that your doctor runs a complete panel that included estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, AMHA, DHEA and perhaps even your thyroid and insulin, as women with PCOS often have hypothyroidism and insulin resistance, as well.
2. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet
The impact that our diet has on our hormones is pretty amazing. To optimize mine, I followed an anti-inflammatory diet that drastically reduced my intake of gluten, dairy, inflammatory oils, sugar and processed food.
Instead, I filled my plate with plenty of organic, fiber-rich fruits vegetables and whole grains healthy fats and lean protein. I also incorporated lots of hormone-healing foods like spearmint tea, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, bone broth, nourishing teas, collagen and adaptogenic mushrooms.
3. Take hormone-balancing supplements
5. Toss toxic products that disrupt hormones
6. Balance blood sugar
How To Stop Pcos Hair Loss
PCOS hair loss treatments are available. Traditional over-the-counter remedies like specialized shampoos, hair treatments, and vitamins aimed at skin, hair, and nail health are all good places to start. If standard strategies arent working, a hairstylist or health care provider may be able to suggest other options.
The problem of PCOS-related hair loss needs to be addressed in a comprehensive way, both externally with the help of proper hair care and internally by taking care of the body with diet and exercise and consulting a health care provider about the potential benefit of medications.
It may take six months to a year to see the results of hair treatment. Medications should be taken on a strict schedule and hair care procedures should be regular .
Its also important to keep in mind that if hair thinning is associated with hormonal imbalances, regaining hair health may be possible by balancing hormone levels.
A well-balanced diet with vitamins or supplements that a health care provider recommends may also help optimize hair health.
Magnesium, zinc, iron , as well as vitamins A , B , E , and F are all great for health.
Iron deficiency is among the main causes of hair loss, and people with PCOS typically have lower ferritin levels. Eating foods that are rich in iron and/or taking iron supplements can help raise iron levels.
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Omega 3 Supplements Or Fish Oil
Studies have shown that by taking omega 3 fatty acids supplements, the regularity of the menstrual cycle can be restored. However, there is no change in weight, bleeding, size of the ovary or number of ovarian follicles seen. Fish oil supplementation showed a decrease in the waist-hip ratio additionally.8
How To Style Pcos
While youre treating your polycystic ovary syndrome, there are several techniques that you can use to improve your hairs appearance and make any thinning less obvious:
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Try parting your hair differently. If you have hair loss around your part line, try moving your parting to make it less visible. Middle parts, deep side parts and other styles can all make thinning hair much less obvious.
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Use volumizing hair products. Volumizing shampoos, conditioners, mousses, sprays and other products can all create the appearance of thicker hair. Just make sure not to use any products with harmful ingredients that could irritate your scalp.
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Apply a root concealer. Root concealers and touch-up kits arent just for covering up gray hair theyre also useful for hiding thinning. Try applying these around your part line or hairline to create the appearance of thicker hair.
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Choose a haircut that makes hair loss less visible. If you have hair loss around your hairline, try bangs to draw attention away from your forehead. Layered haircuts are also great for hiding thinning hair, receding hairlines and other forms of pattern hair loss.
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Brush your hair over bald or thinning areas. Finally, if you have obvious bald spots or areas with significant thinning, try brushing your hair over them. You can also wear your hair in a top knot, loose braids or a ponytail to make thin areas less visible.
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Balance Carb And Protein Intake
Carbohydrates and protein both impact your energy and hormone levels. Eating protein
one study as low-level chronic inflammation. Adding anti-inflammatory foods to your diet can help ease your symptoms.
Consider the Mediterranean diet as an option. Olive oil, tomatoes, leafy greens, fatty fish like mackerel and tuna, and tree nuts all fight inflammation.
Causes Of Androgenic Alopecia With Pcos
The cause of PCOS is unknown. However, it is thought to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors that trigger an imbalance in female hormones and male hormones .
Under normal circumstances, females and males have specific proportions of estrogens and androgens in their bodies to function normally. When the balance is thrown off, any number of hormonal problems can occur.
This can trigger a condition known as hyperandrogenism in which the body produces excessive amounts of androgens. Chief among these is the androgen testosterone.
In males, testosterone is responsible for male sex characteristics like facial hair, increased stature and muscle growth, and a deeper voice. It also contributes to hair loss due to the conversion of testosterone into an androgen known as dihydrotestosterone .
DHT is also the cause of hair loss in females with PCOS.
In both males and females, around 10% of testosterone is converted into DHT. Once released into the bloodstream, DHT can link to receptors on hair follicles on the scalp, causing them to shrink. Even if the hair doesn’t fall out, it can become visibly thinner.
People with PCOS are vulnerable to androgenic alopecia because they have excessive amounts of testosterone in their bodies and, in turn, excessive amounts of DHT.
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How Can I Get Rid Of Pcos Hair
Electrolysis is the only type of hair removal approved by the FDA as a permanent way of removing hair. 1 For the thousands of women with PCOS electrolysis is a great option to permanently get rid of thick hair that often grows on their face, chest, and back. Here is what you need to know before having electrolysis.
Try Using The Right Products
Using a good shampoo and conditioner can help you fasten the process of PCOS hair loss treatment. The Advanced hair fall solution shampoo plus conditioner is one such product made with Panteneâs signature Pro-Vitamin B5 formula and Fermented Rice Water which helps strengthen hair from within thereby reducing hair fall! It can be followed by Pantene Open Hair Miracle , a revolutionary oil replacement product that gives your hair the shine that it deserves.
Wish you happy hair with Pantene!
Show References
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A Patients Guide: Management Of Hair Loss In Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Thinning hair due to the effects of male hormones is called androgenic alopecia. It is a major source of psychological distress to women. This male-pattern hair loss is often seen in women with polycystic ovary syndrome , congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and other disorders of male hormone excess.
Thinning hair due to the effects of male hormones is called androgenic alopecia. It is a major source of psychological distress to women. This male-pattern hair loss is often seen in women with polycystic ovary syndrome , congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and other disorders of male hormone excess. Additional causes may be hormonal changes secondary to a reduction of estrogen levels, which are physiological at menopause, as well as in thyroid disorders. Certain drugs, anemias, nutritional deficiencies, and severe illnesses and infections may be a trigger for diffuse hair loss. Associated with hormonal changes causing the alopecia are genetic and environmental factors which are responsible for the frequent finding of the onset of hair loss at the top of the head and the angles of the frontal hair line. In many, the alopecia pattern may start as a triangular thinning, which I have labeled as the triangle sign, with gradual progression of hair loss from the midline frontal scalp line towards the vertex and sides of the scalp. In most women with androgenic alopecia the frontal hairline remains intact despite diffuse hair loss.
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Lifestyle Changes That Act As Pcos Hair Loss Remedies
Schedule appointments with gynecologists for your PCOS issues and trichologists for hair fall related symptoms on Bajaj Finserv Health. Book in-clinic appointments and video consultations, and get access to health plans as well.
References
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Other Ways To Stop Pcos Hair Loss
Besides Ayurvedic treatments, there are various therapies that you can use to stop PCOS hair loss. These include aromatherapy which restores the psychological and physical well-being in the shortest possible time.
Stress can be the worst enemy of women and hence, acts as a stimulant to PCOS. These Ayurvedic therapies make use of lavender, sandalwood, nutmeg, and other oils, which play a pivotal role in curing stress. As a result, it prevents PCOS hair loss.
In addition, scalp massage with the help of natural oils helps in not only relaxing but at the same time, ensures the strengthening of the hair follicles. A proper massage with essential oils once a week before bathing has long-lasting impacts.
What Vitamin Should I Take For Hair Loss
Biotin, also known as vitamins b7 and b6, is a complex b vitamins that is often used for hair growth benefits. And some of that hype may actually be worth it. Biotin has functions in creating red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles. It plays a role in the formation of the hairs outer layer.
While its true that some studies have shown that taking a B-vitamin supplement can increase the amount of hair on your head, it doesnt necessarily mean that youll grow more hair. In fact, a recent study found that people who took a vitamin supplement had less hair than those who didnt.
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How Can I Prevent Pcos
It’s known that PCOS and lifestyle intervention have a direct connection. Improving your well-being can lower male hormone levels within the body, thus reducing the effects of PCOS-related hair loss. You may also be able to make some other adjustments in your daily life that can decrease hair thinning and improve your hair’s overall health.
Clean up your diet
Staying away from junk foods is a significant first step to minimizing PCOS symptoms and nourishing the hair. A sustainable diet filled with nutritious fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbs will help keep your hormones in balance and keep your hair happy and healthy. Studies show that including a zinc and biotin supplement in your daily routine can also improve hair condition and control PCOS hair loss.
Get enough sleep
Two hormones regulate the sleep cycle. Other hormones are also affected when their levels are distorted by lack of sleep, sending your PCOS into a tailspin. Another way to promote healthy hair while sleeping is to use a silk pillowcase or headscarf to reduce friction and ensure the hair is tied up loosely to avoid getting tangled or damaged.
Be gentle with your hair care
It’s also a good idea to avoid taut hairstyles that put pressure on the scalp and hairline. Minimize coloring, bleaching, and heat styling tools that further damage and aggravate the scalp and hair.
Give yourself regular scalp massages