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How To Fight Pcos Hair Loss

How To Grow Your Hair Back If You Have Pcos

PCOS Hair Loss How To Treat IT (& REGROW IT)

Is there a way to grow your hair back if you have PCOS?

Is there a way to stop the hair loss that is already occurring?

The answer is maybe, but it depends on how you focus treatment.

Remember:

PCOS is predominately a disease of your hormones and all of the symptoms of PCOS are manifestations of these imbalances.

If hair loss is predominately a symptom of disordered hormone imbalances then the treatment for hair loss MUST focus on hormone balancing.

Does this make sense?

This means that there is potentially a place for the use of hormones, supplements and even medications in the treatment of hair loss in PCOS.

Before you start thinking about using these therapies you need to stop and ask yourself a few questions:

#1. Are you managing your stress?

#2. Are you eating healthy & Is your diet in order?

#3. Are you reducing the amount of refined sugar that you eat?

#4. Are you exercising regularly?

#5. Are you sleeping 8 hours per night?

Before you jump into using supplements and medications these factors MUST be managed.

In fact, in terms of importance, they are probably the most important things that you can do to manage hair loss.

Once you get those in order you are ready to jump into other therapies:

#1. Managing Hormone Imbalances to Improve Hair Growth

Whenever possible it’s important to identify which hormone imbalances are present in your body.

This will require some testing on your part .

Managing Thyroid Dysfunction:

#2. Optimizing Hair Regrowth Nutrients

Nutrition For Hair Loss

Nutrition plays an essential role in your overall health which impacts your hair.

Did you know that your hair is the last place in the body that absorbs nutrition?

So it is important to make sure you are eating healthy and providing your hair cells with the vitamins and nutrients it needs to grow.

Certain nutritional deficiencies in iron , zinc, protein, and biotin can impact your hair structure and growth.

So what foods can help with hair loss and should you be eating?

There are several foods you should incorporate into your diet.

Eggs are a solid choice as they are a great protein source and are a good source of biotin.

Healthy fats like omega 3 fatty acids are also wonderful for your hair, skin, nails and heart health.

Vitamin D is very important for immune health and functioning so adding vitamin D fortified foods to your diet is a smart choice as well.

Also, eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables will also supply your body with vital nutrients.

It is also necessary to note that restrictive diets like the keto diet can cause harm to your hair. These crash diets can cause undue stress to the body and shock your system and exacerbate hair loss.

The most critical thing you can do is to eat a healthy, balanced diet that incorporates a variety of foods.

Its Not All About Diet

Although your diet is important, look at other aspects of your life that might be causing inflammation, excess androgens, and PCOS hair loss. The most common ones that I see are:

  • High stress hormones.
  • Too much medium-high intensity exercise.
  • Poor gut health.
  • Environmental toxins

I can only imagine how heartbreaking PCOS hair loss is and why you would want to try everything to get it back. However, I hope you can now see whats causing it to fall out and how theres no scientific way that a shampoo can address excess androgens or inflammation. Im afraid that you may be washing your money down the plughole with these.

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How Long Does Pcos Hair Loss Last

Hair loss due to PCOS lasts as long as androgens block your hair follicles, and DHT binds your hair follicle receptors. The treatment takes a few weeks to clear the excess androgens and DHT, and increase oestrogen and progesterone levels.

The return of the hair-friendly hormones replenish your hair follicles. Until then, you can control excess hair loss with herbal treatments and essential oils.

The Last Word

Oestrogen and progesterone are hair-friendly hormones. In the PCOS situation, your ovaries lower the production of these hormones and produce excess male hormones, causing hair loss.

You need to make certain changes to your lifestyle to balance your hormones and rejuvenate hair growth. If you add Ayurvedic herbs to your diet and smell soothing aromatic oils, you can get back your thick and lustrous hair, besides managing your PCOS condition.

Can Hair Loss From Pcos Be Reversed

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Yes, the good news is that hair loss from PCOS can be reversed! There are treatments available that can help to balance hormones, prevent further damage, and stimulate hair growth. However, finding the solution can be a long process, and it may require some experimentation with different medical and at-home remedies.

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Hair Loss Tip #2: Making Sure You Dont Have Other Medical Conditions

Although hair loss is common for women with PCOS, there is the possibility that another condition is masking it. For example, scalp psoriasis can cause the shedding of hair, and for many it can be difficult to treat.

Alopecia areata or alopecia universalis both cause hair loss, as they are autoimmune diseases that attack hair follicles. Folliculitis is the inflammation of hair follicles ringworm can cause hair to fall out and seborrheic dermatitis is a condition that causes temporary hair loss.

Ultimately, it is important to know what is affecting you, which can be achieved best by consulting medical assistance.https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/eh/hair-loss/who-gets-causes

Drugs, Drugs, Drugs: Some Are Good, Some Are Bad!

Those looking to treat the PCOS induced loss of their hair have several treatment options available to them, such as Finasteride, which blocks an enzyme that converts testosterone to its more active form, thus suppressing the activities of this hormone that contributes to PCOS hair loss in women.

Side effects of this drug include breast tenderness and increased libido . While this may seem like a good thing for women suffering from a disease that stifles fertility, use of this drug while trying to conceive is discouraged, as it has been shown to stunt or deform the growth of male sex organs in a developing male fetus 4.

Eating A Low-Carb, High Protein Diet

Ugh, Nothings Working WHAT NOW?

Dealing With PCOS Hair Loss

What Are The Symptoms Of Pcos

Daily average hair loss of about 50-100 hair/day is normal, but hair thinning is not normal. Disorders or diseases like thyroid, lupus, psoriasis, and acne can cause natural hair loss every day. If you have had symptoms in the past, you might want to talk to a doctor.

Frontal hair loss is common in women after menopause and is common in many other races. Most females undergo frontal baldness at some point in their lives, resulting from polycystic ovary syndrome.

Read below some of the PCOS hair loss symptoms that may help diagnose the issue earlier.

  • Since your follicles cannot contain enough sebum , you will find your hair very dry and becoming thin.
  • PCOS is also characterised by acne, unwanted thick hair growth on the face and other body parts .
  • Excessive insulin secretion causes depression in people who have high bloodstream insulin level. In this scenario, try a diet plan rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Irritability and mood swings are common among PCOS people. It is due to hormonal imbalances and other mood-related disorders. Balanced-diet and regular exercise will control this PCOS hair loss and female pattern baldness symptoms.
  • High levels of blood glucose can cause inflammation, leading to various health problems such as diabetes. Here, you need to develop eating habits and consume healthy foods.

Recommended Reading: Is Dandruff A Sign Of Hair Loss

Supplements To Prevent Hair Loss

While supplements arent going to cure hair loss they can help to protect and strengthen new growth.

It is important to stimulate and protect the new growth from damage so it looks healthy and thick. Your hair is constantly in a growing and resting cycle.

Supplements will again take time and consistency but they can make improvements in your locks. It is suggested that you stick with supplements for at least 6 months to see results.

You want to focus on supplements that include iron, zinc, biotin, vitamins D, A, and C.

What Can You Do For Pcos

HOW TO STOP PCOS HAIR LOSS: TIPS & TRICKS

In cases of male-pattern baldness, there’s a complete loss of the hair follicle, meaning hair can never grow back in that spot naturally. With female-pattern baldness, that’s not the casethe hair follicle remains alive, so there’s a possibility of restimulating hair growth with certain treatments.

According to Dr. Streicher, treatment plans for PCOS-related hair loss are often tailored to each specific patient, depending on how bothersome or severe the hair loss is. One of the most effective lines of treatment, according to Dr. Streicher and Dr. Smith, is the medication minoxidil, more commonly known as the brand Rogaine.

Starting a birth control regimen is another commonly-used tactic for treating PCOS and its various symptoms. “One of the mainstays in managing many of the effects of PCOS is birth control pills, which help lower testosterone by increasing sex-hormone-binding globulin,” says Dr. Smith. “However, this generally helps more with controlling hair growth…above the upper lip or chin.”

There are some other less-studied methods too: Dr. Streicher recommends trying a daily hair and scalp massage, as well as a newer treatment option that involves a low-level laser therapy to stimulate hair growth. The oral medication spironolactone, commonly used to treat high blood pressure, may also be prescribed to treat androgenic alopecia, though it’s not FDA-approved for this use.

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What To Expect From Treatment Of Hirsutism

Hormone treatment generally prevents new terminal hairs from developing and may slow the growth rate of existing hairs. Generally about 6 months of hormone therapy is required before the rate of hair growth decreases significantly. Once a hormone treatment has proven to be effective, it may be continued indefinitely. Electrolysis or laser can remove any hair remaining after hormone therapy. Because it usually is not possible to cure the hormonal problem that causes hirsutism, ongoing medical treatment is required to manage it. Hirsutism will frequently return if medical treatment is stopped. Sometimes a combination of treatment methods is needed for best results.

Symptoms Of Pcos Induced Hair Loss

Have you been worrying too much about your PCOS hair fall? Well, Hair fall due to PCOS is quite common in the early stages of PCOS. Women often experience a small amount of hair fall daily, which is considered normal and usual. When you start losing around 20-25% of total scalp hair is when an alarming situation arises. It is also the pattern and distribution of hair fall which needs to be considered. There can be bi-frontal recession on a generalised hair thinning from the crown which manifests as widnening of the parting line. Having a significant amount of hair fall is one of the initial signs of PCOS.

You should also keep an eye on other signs like facial hair growth, acne, menstrual cycles, sudden weight gain, fatigue, etc., and should seek medication based on the seriousness of your symptoms.

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Best Shampoo For Pcos Hair Loss

Nizoral 2% is said to be one of the best shampoos for PCOS hair loss. Ketoconazole, the main ingredient in Nizoral, can stimulate hair regrowth and reduce DHT found in the scalp. This is because it can fight off bad bacteria in the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help lower inflammation in the body.

This is encouraging for PCOS women who are looking for a shampoo that can stimulate hair regrowth.

Pcos Hair Loss: Effective Treatment Options For Hair Loss

Tips To Stop PCOS Hair Loss

PCOS-related hair loss can be one of the more troubling symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome , both on a physical and an emotional level. Whether there seem to be more loose strands in the shower or a receding hairline, understanding why hair loss occurs and what can be done about it can be helpful.

Recommended Reading: Does Blocking Dht Stop Hair Loss

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.

Lifestyle Changes That Act As Pcos Hair Loss Remedies

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

    Some of the common signs indicating female hair loss are given below:

    Increased hair shedding

    Dry or damaged hair follicles

    Visible scalp at the crown or hairline.

    Itchy/irritated scalp

    Dandruff and build upon the scalp

    Hair fall affects the sidewalls and frontal area of the scalp.

    Thinning hair at the parting area.

    Receding hairline above the temples.

    On average, we shed about 100 to 150 strands of hair in a single day. A noticeable difference in hair loss is only observed when you’ve already lost 20-25% of total scalp hair.

    It is essential to observe the excess hair loss during combing, the pattern of thinning hair, and the presence of other symptoms to pinpoint the reason for scalp hair loss in an individual.

    How to know if it’s excessive hair loss? Read our guide!

    Alopecia is not an isolated cause of an increase in androgens hormone due to PCOS so it’s beneficial to look out for other signs such as menstrual abnormalities and increased facial hair growth .

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