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What To Do For Pcos Hair Loss

Postpartum Hair Loss And Telogen Effluvium

PCOS Hair Loss: Why It Happens & What To Do About It (PCOS Hair Loss Treatment)

Women who experience hair loss after giving birth often notice thinning hair at the temples along with an overall thinning of their entire scalp. Postpartum hair loss is a form of temporary hair loss condition called telogen effluvium or TE. People who experience TE will notice a sudden and seemingly drastic increase in hair shedding. However, its typically a temporary form of hair loss that resolves on its own.

The temples are a very common area for hair loss associated with telogen effluvium, which is a hair loss disorder that is a common postpartum occurrence in women. There is a diffuse pattern of hair loss a few months after giving birth, but it is most evident in the bi-temporal region, explained Dr. Nazem.

A major shock to the body is what causes telogen effluvium in the first place. This trigger can come from any number of sources, including physical or emotional stress, a severe illness like the flu or COVID-19, medications and giving birth.

Telogen effluvium happens because the shock to the body effectively disrupts the normal hair growth cycle by pushing an unnaturally high number of follicles into the resting, or telogen, phase of their cycle. The next phase, the shedding phase, is when youll see an increased hair shed. But by that point, your body is already moving back to the active growth phase.

Discover: Heres What You Can Do About Postpartum Hair Loss

Everything You Need To Know About Pcos Hair Loss

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects an estimated 5 million US women. In this article, we will detail a few ways to treat PCOS hair loss.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects an estimated 5 million US women and is described as one of the most common causes of female fertility problems. PCOS can cause a long list of problems for women one of the more distressing symptoms is hair loss. PCOS can cause female pattern hair loss, also known as androgenic alopecia . Androgenic alopecia caused by PCOS might appear as an overall thinning of hair. For some women, this hair loss can be severe. In this article, we will detail a few ways to treat PCOS hair loss.

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 .

Also Check: What Is The Best Doctor To See For Hair Loss

Pcos And Hair Loss: The Basics

  • PCOS Symptoms
  • PCOS and Hair Loss: The
  • In previous articles weve spoken a lot about hirsutism or increased hair growth as it relates to PCOS. Something we havent covered, though, is the connection between PCOS and hair loss .This is something that I am asked about on a fairly regular basis and it is incredibly distressing for those women struggling with hair loss. Generally speaking, we can hide or manage our excess hair but hair loss becomes difficult to hide without resorting to a wig.

    So, lets have a look at what we need to know about hair loss and how we can best manage it.

    Try Using The Right Products

    PCOS, TTC, and Me: Symptoms

    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

    Recommended Reading: What Can Cause Rapid Hair Loss

    Say Yes To Home Remedies

  • Using a soft and wide-toothed comb should be used to comb your hair. It helps to reduce hair fall as it reduces reduces tangling of your hair.
  • Physical workout is always a go-go. Light workout can stop male hormone production that ultimately results in controlling hair fall due to PCOS.
  • Improve your food habits. Eating healthy and fresh can help you treat PCOS faster by reducing your weight.
  • You can say yes to hair massages. It helps to circulate blood throughout the head and gives significant hair growth as well.
  • You can style your hair differently and uniquely to hide thinning hair or baldness.
  • Natural hair masks made at home play a major role in giving your hair a new life. It makes them smooth and shiny, gives them strength and a lot of nutrition to grow!
  • Biotin For Pcos Hair Loss

    Which vitamin is good for hair fall control? Biotin is your answer. The body does not naturally produce Biotin, but one can obtain it naturally through food. Peanuts, walnuts, soybean, salmon and egg yolk are some food sources of Biotin. Experts recommend Biotin for PCOS induced hair loss as it thickens hair and stimulates new growth.

    Read Also: Does Alpha Lipoic Acid Cause Hair Loss

    Block Excess Male Hormones

    This can be done by using antiandrogens like:

    • Spironolactone : It blocks DHT and prevents hair loss. Spironolactone is popularly prescribed for treating hair loss in hyperandrogenic cases .
    • Minoxidil : This FDA-approved drug promotes hair growth. A 2% minoxidil solution can increase hair count and weight , , . It may take a few months to show results . However, it may also cause side effects like allergic reactions or contact dermatitis. Hence, consult a doctor before using minoxidil.
    • Finasteride And Dutasteride : There is limited evidence regarding the efficacy of using finasteride for hair loss caused due to hair loss. However, both finasteride and dutasteride are approved by the FDA for treating male pattern hair loss. Finasteride is shown to stabilize alopecia in women with hyperandrogenism . However, pregnant women should avoid it as it may cause genetic abnormalities in the fetus .
    • Diane-35: This drug contains cyproterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol. It is shown to reduce hair loss and hair thinning within 6-9 months .

    What Helps Pcos Hair Growth

    HOW TO STOP PCOS HAIR LOSS: TIPS & TRICKS

    You can take two approaches to restoring PCOS hair growth over the counter remedies or hormones. If youre concerned about taking hormones, you might look for alternatives such as medicated shampoos. The best shampoo for PCOS hair loss may have anti-dandruff or antiseptic properties you may even consider something hypoallergenic like henna shampoo.

    Alternatively, you may wish to speak to a hair stylist, who can advise you on what to avoid such as extreme heat or chemicals. Try to add more nuts, pumpkin seeds, and beans to your diet these can help to prop up deficiencies in zinc, biotin, and selenium.

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    Does Pcos Cause Hair Loss

    Yes, hair loss is one of the reported symptoms of PCOS. This is mostly due to the excess androgenic hormones that people with PCOS often have, which can lead to acne, thinning hair, and hair loss, as well as limp, lackluster hair that breaks easily and is dry and damaged.

    Medically, this hair loss is referred to as female pattern baldness, and treatment can be tricky.

    A hormone imbalance can lead to androgenic alopecia, or male pattern baldness, which can have the following characteristics:

    • Hair falls out mainly in the frontal and parietal areas of the scalp.
    • The hair in the parting area becomes much thinner.
    • The hairline begins to recede above the temples.

    To address the problem, its necessary to first balance the hormone levels. Gynecologists and endocrinologists can do this with a set of complex investigations and provide recommendations for hormonal therapy. A trichologist can prescribe a treatment to restore hair follicles.

    There are also other factors that can make hair fall out:

    • Exposure to extreme temperatures

    Suppress The Male Hormone Production

    To suppress excess androgen production, the doctor may suggest:

    • Oral Contraceptive Pills: These pills contain estrogen that can lower the androgen levels . They can be used simultaneously with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors for treating hair loss.
    • Antiandrogens: Research found that a daily dose of 250 mg of flutamide can reduce hair loss and improve alopecia .

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    Is Pcos Hair Fall Treatable

    Yes, hair fall resulting from PCOS can be overturned by treating the underlying condition and managing the imbalance of hormones. As the hair follicle remains alive in PCOS related hair loss, there’s a chance of re-stimulating hair growth.

    A combination of various drugs can be used by an endocrinologist or gynecologist to regulate the hormone.

    Additionally, a person should adopt a healthier lifestyle, incorporate regular workouts, adhere to a diet with lesser carbs, and practice stress management. It is important to remember that an early diagnosis and intervention are critical in avoiding severe female pattern baldness.

    Reduce Or Reverse Insulin Resistance

    Hair loss

    At present the reason for that is simple. Insulin resistance is one of the triggers of high testosterone and high androgen. We know that insulin resistance and blood sugar play a very important and critical role in developing some of the symptoms of PCOS. So thats got to be treated. You can do that with exercise, dietary intervention, and intermittent fasting.

    Read Also: What To Do For Hair Loss During Menopause

    Epidemiology Of Fphl In The General Population

    In the general population, the prevalence of FPHL increases with age and is higher in older women. Although there are different prevalence figures due to varying study designs and differences in ethnicity, in white women the prevalence of FPHL ranges from 3% to 12% in young women in their third to fourth decade, rising to 14% to 28% in postmenopausal women in their 50s and further increasing to 29% to 56% in women aged 70 years of age .

    In a study conducted in the United Kingdom, Birch et al. examined 377 women presenting to a general dermatology clinic with complaints not related to hair and found that FPHL was present in 6% of women < 50 years of age and 38% of those 70 years of age. In another study, investigators examined a large sample of white women , including patients in a dermatology clinic as well as individuals from the surrounding community, none of which specifically sought help for hair loss and found a rate of FPHL of 19% for the overall population, ranging from 3% for women in their 20s, 17% for women in their 30s, and 23% for those in their 50s .

    Available data suggest a relatively low prevalence of FPHL in young women aged 20 to 30 years, increasing with age to one-third to one-half of women 70 years old . In East Asian women a similar age-related trend is observed, although the overall prevalence of FPHL is lower than in white women .

    Ensure Youre Eating Enough Micro And Macronutrients

    I cant tell you how many times people have come to me with low energy levels and hair loss. Theyre convinced its because they need a new supplement or medication. And upon further digging, I discover theyre under-eating. I get it. Everyone says people with PCOS need to focus on weight loss. And we all know weight loss is as simple as eat less and exercise more, right? Wrong!

    Bodies come in different shapes and sizes for a million and one reasons. Simplistic, disproven calories in vs calories out equations have no place in PCOS nutrition and care. You need adequate calories.

    Undereating will not help you reach your goals and from what Ive seen, it only worsens symptoms and creates new problems. When we dont eat enough, our bodies prioritize the essentials. And guess what, friend? Thick flowing hair is not essential.

    Please, make sure youre eating enough. If youre experiencing super strong cravings, feel like you have no energy, are preoccupied with food, and feel out of control around food, you might not be eating enough.

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    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.

    Pcos Can Cause Major Hair Loss And Heres How You Can Stop It

    PCOS Hair Loss How To Treat IT (& REGROW IT)
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  • PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age and its prevalence ranges between 9.13% to 36% in India and its increasing yearly. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid and fail to regularly release eggs.

    Signs and symptoms of PCOS include irregular or no menstrual periods, heavy periods, excess body and facial hair, acne, pelvic pain, difficulty getting pregnant, and patches of thick, darker, velvety skin.

    Why does PCOS cause hair loss?

    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.

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    The major hormones that play a vital role are testosterone and androstenedione. Other androgens include dihydrotestosterone , dehydroepiandrosterone , and DHEA sulfate .

    These are commonly called male hormones and naturally produced within the ovaries, the adrenal glands, and the fat cells of a womens body.

    These play a key role in puberty by stimulating pubic and underarm hair growth. They control the degree and frequency of blood loss during menstruation and they become converted into oestrogen.

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    Heres how you can stop hair fall associated with PCOS

    Here are some remedies to help to deal with hair loss associated with PCOS:

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