Home Remedies For Pcos Hair Thinning And Pcos Balding
Along with consulting your doctor for PCOS hair fall treatment, there are a few things you can do in the comfort of your home. PCOS hair loss home remedies include the following.
- Consuming aloe-vera juice helps restore the bodys hormonal balance.
- Cinnamon oil applied to the scalp helps circulate blood to follicles that in turn stimulate growth of healthy.
- Crushed fenugreek seeds used in a hair pack help fight hair thinning and make the roots stronger.
- Amla works as detox where it helps remove the accumulated DHT from the receptors in the hair follicle, thus unblocking them and allowing the hair to grow normally again.
- Scalp massages strengthen hair roots, improve blood circulation in the scalp and nourish your hair follicles
- Taking supplements can help in arresting your hair fall zinc and biotin are two recommended PCOS hair loss supplements.
Additional Read: How to Stop Hair Fall?
Hair Loss Tip #2: Comfortable Hairstyles
As aforementioned, certain hairstyles can lead to the loss of hair, which is unfortunate for those with PCOS. For example, cornrows or a bun might look good in the short-term, but in the long-term, they may lead to a serious loss of hair. The same goes for wearing your hair up tightly in any fashion, using rollers too often, braids, and hair extensions.
The technical term for this phenomenon is traction alopecia. The science behind it is that when hair is subjected to excessive or prolonged tension, the hair shaft begins to be pulled, damaging the follicle of the hair. Traction alopecia is usually curable, and it is most common amongst women.
Obviously, with PCOS, you want to avoid these hairstyles or habits in the first place, as you have hair loss working against you.
Hair Loss Tip #1: Dont Smoke
Although it may sound obvious, smoking with PCOS is a horrible idea. First of all, smoking is just horrible for your health it is linked to over 50 different diseases including lung cancer and heart disease. Secondly, studies have shown that male pattern baldness and hair loss is linked to smoking behaviors. On the more extreme side of the spectrum, it has been found that those who smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day more than double their risk of having moderate to severe hair loss than those who never smoke.
Ultimately, your androgen levels are higher if you smoke remember, high androgen levels can lead to unwanted symptoms for females. Smoking is an expensive and unhealthy habit that should be avoided, regardless of whether you are currently experiencing PCOS or another malady.
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What Can I Do About Pcos Hair Loss
The first thing to remember is that this is very common and you are not alone. You may wish to make a few changes to your lifestyle, depending on the advice of a medical professional. For example, you may see better results from changing your diet and getting more exercise leading to weight loss and helping to regulate hormones.
If this doesnt help, you could consider an oral contraceptive, or hormonal treatment. This may also be helpful if youre experiencing other symptoms of PCOS, such as facial hair.
Of course, PCOS doesnt just affect your physical health, but also your mental health. Speak to a beauty therapist who can advise you on how best to style your hair even a simple switch in your daily routine can help to cover up patches. A stylist may also be able to advise you on volumizing hair products.
For more help, you can speak to other moms on the Peanut network, as well as consulting these free resources:
- Soul Cysters can teach you more about PCOS.
- myPCOSteam provides emotional support for those with PCOS.
- The Womens Hair Loss Project provides helpful learning resources.
Talk to a loved one if your confidence is suffering. With the help of online communities and support around us, we can overcome the physical and mental symptoms.
Hair Loss Tip #1: Apple Cider Vinegar And Baking Soda
Unlike hair transplants, using apple cider and vinegar is a very inexpensive way to improve hair health. It can be applied on top of the head, and can be used to prevent hair from thinning.
One can also drink the solution, starting with about two teaspoons a day mixed in water, and have it in the morning before meals. Eventually, increasing to two tablespoons two to three times a day is not a bad idea. If its too strong for you, mix with orange juice or another kind of juice that masks the flavor.
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Pcos Hair Loss Tip #: Msm
Methylsulfonylmethane, known as MSM, is a naturally occurring chemical often used to reduce pain and swelling in the joints. MSM is essential for hair growth, as it both aids in producing the protein keratin , and acts to strengthen hair follicles.
One study found that everyone supplemented with MSM demonstrated a reduction in hair loss, along with increased growth in only a period of six weeks. Many physicians also recommend MSM because of the purported fact that it helps build collagen, which keeps skin and hair supple. Collagen deficiency can lead to a number of maladies, such as scurvy.
All in all, MSM is probably a good thing to take just for the fact that it helps with exercise and bodybuilding it helps repair your muscles. Its uses for hair growth are disputed by some, but as aforementioned, it has been proven to work in many clinical settings.
High Levels Of Inflammation Can Cause Pcos Hair Loss
Researchers have found that PCOS women suffer from chronic inflammation.
Inflammation is a response the immune system takes in an attempt to defend itself from outside invaders, such as viruses and bacteria.
While insulin resistance is a root cause of PCOS, studies have found obesity-induced inflammation can lead to insulin resistance. The inflammation and insulin resistance can then lead to the development of PCOS and its symptoms like hair loss.
To find out what the root cause of your PCOS may be, check out my ‘Types of PCOS: Ultimate Guide’.
So, you now know why PCOS can cause hair loss and why testosterone levels may be high in women with PCOS. But before we get into how to treat it, lets look at some other possible causes.
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Pcos Hair Loss Tip #2: Crash Diets And Extreme Weight Loss
With crash diets and extreme weight loss, you are likely not only shedding pounds youre very likely shedding hair. The hair loss probably wont be immediately evident it may only take three to six months to notice any effects but it will be shocking when it does happen. It typically only happens to individuals who lose 15 or more pounds.
To avoid hair loss from weight loss, try to not change your diet too drastically, and try to limit weight loss to two pounds a week. Make sure youre getting enough protein, calories, and nutrients as a whole. The condition of losing weight from hair loss is typically known as telogen effluvium.
What Causes Pcos Hair Loss
Polycystic ovary syndrome is common in women, affecting up to 12% of the US population. The condition is characterized by three symptoms:
- Polycystic ovaries when your ovaries become enlarged and contain fluid-filled sacs surrounding the eggs.
- Irregular periods if you suffer from irregular cycles, this may be a symptom of PCOS.
- Overproduction of androgen this is a male hormone, and may result in symptoms common in men, such as excess facial hair.
Because PCOS causes an excess of male hormones, women may experience the same symptoms as men as their hair begins to thin. This is known as androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness.
In women, androgen levels are much lower. When the ovaries become polycystic, this can result in the blockage of hair follicles. This leads to hairs that are thinner in diameter, shorter in length, and even lighter in color.
Typically, the symptoms of PCOS thinning hair are recession of the hairline, right above the temples. Women may also notice hair falling out in the front and side areas of the scalp, or thinning hair in the parting area.
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How High Testosterone Levels Cause Hair Loss
We know that women with PCOS have higher than normal androgen levels . A hormone called Dihydrotestosterone is converted from testosterone and it binds to the hair follicles, making them go into their resting phase sooner than they should, This means that with each growth phase of the hair, the hair becomes thinner and thinner.
The good news, though, is that the follicle itself is still alive so could be reactivated to produce more hair.
Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Pcos Related Hair Loss
1. Ayurvedic Herbs To Treat PCOS
Ayurveda is a discerning approach to wholeness that illuminates the complex subject of hormones. It emphasizes balancing the mind, body and spirit to regulate your endocrine functionality. Also, herbs nourish the digestive fire in your body to regulate cellular metabolism, preventing insulin resistance.
Ayurveda classifies the five fundamental bio-energies in your body into three Doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The balance of the tridosha constitution in your body reflects the balance of your entire body mechanism.
Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix, says, Ayurveda positively deals with PCOS, with very good results. Therapy at the root cause and a holistic approach makes PCOS a success story in Ayurveda.
A. Aloe Vera
1. Consume aloe vera juice daily first thing in the morning in your empty stomach. Aloe vera helps remove toxins, restores hormonal balance, and improves insulin sensitivity.
2. Aloe vera restores the status of ovarian steroidogenic activity.
3. Aloe vera decreases ‘bad cholesterol’ levels in your body.
4. On topical application, aloe vera helps heal and soothe your damaged hair. When ingested, it fights PCOS hair loss from within your body.
B. Cinnamon
1. Add Cinnamon to your green tea, black tea, or milk. Avoid intake of sugar for better results. Cinnamon supports ovulation and boosts fertility.
C. Fenugreek Seeds
3. You can apply methi paste as a hair pack.
D. Amalaki
E. Shatavari
2. Herbal Shampoo
A. Diet
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What Causes Hair Loss In Pcos
PCOS hair loss occurs due to an increase in the male hormone in the body. These excess androgens trigger hair thinning on the scalp. However, there is not complete baldness as seen in men.
Note:
The biggest difference between male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness is that in women, the hair follicles remain alive, unlike in male baldness. This means that PCOS hair growth treatment has a fair possibility to work.
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.
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Thyroid Conditions And Alopecia Areata
Many people with thyroid conditions such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism suffer from autoimmune thyroid disease. People affected by autoimmune thyroid disease have a greater risk of developing other autoimmune conditions, such as alopecia areata.Alopecia areata is a type of autoimmune hair loss in which the bodys immune system targets and damages the hair follicles. Hair follicles that are targeted by the immune system can stop producing new hairs, resulting in hair loss.
Hair loss from alopecia areata usually occurs in small, often circular patches, rather than the receding hairline or crown hair loss of male pattern baldness or the diffuse thinning of thyroid hair loss. Some people with alopecia areata develop bands of bald skin, called ophiasis.
In severe cases, alopecia areata can also cause total hair loss on the scalp, as well as loss of hair in the eyebrows, eyelashes and beard area. Some people with alopecia areata may notice that their nails become slightly red, with a weak, rough and brittle texture or may have pitting in their nails.
If you have a thyroid condition and believe youre suffering from alopecia areata, contact your healthcare provider.. Several effective treatments can help you to manage the symptoms of alopecia areata, including corticosteroids.
Medications that stimulate hair growth, such as minoxidil, may also help to promote hair growth in people with alopecia areata.
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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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What Is Male Pattern Baldness
Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss in men. Approximately half of the male population will experience androgenetic alopecia in their lifetime, says the US National Library of Medicine. The condition can also affect women and has a strong link to genetics.
Patients with androgenetic alopecia have scalps with greater sensitivity to the hormone dihydrotestosterone , which affects hair follicle output and shortens the growth phase of the hair re-growth cycle. Over time, hairs become thinner and stop growing in localized areas like the top of the head.
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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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