Why Does PCOS Cause Hair Loss, and How Do I Stop it

Frizzy strands, split ends, or that one stubborn parting that just will not sit right, we all have bad hair days. But what if every day feels like one? Each time you run your fingers through your hair, another clump comes loose, tangled between them. It is unsettling. It is scary. Around this time many will suggest you the usual fixes (serums, shampoos and DIY hair masks). But we both know none of it works unless you tackle the root cause.

What makes it worse? Hair loss is often seen as a "men's problem," but women experience it too. And more often than not, it is not just about what is happening on the outside. It is about what is going on inside. One common reason? PCOS.

Let us understand about PCOS hair loss and, more importantly, what you can do to stop it.

How Does PCOS Cause Hair Loss?

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a hormonal imbalance that affects multiple aspects of the body, including hair. The main cause of PCOS-related hair loss is the overproduction of androgens (male hormones like testosterone). While all women have androgens in small amounts, those with PCOS often have higher-than-normal levels, leading to hair thinning and excessive shedding.

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how this happens:

1. Increased Androgens Shrink Hair Follicles:

   Excess androgens in PCOS trigger a process called miniaturisation. This means that androgens shrink the hair follicles, making them weaker and producing thinner, finer, and more fragile strands over time. The medical term for this condition is androgenic alopecia, also known as female pattern hair loss.

2. Shortened Hair Growth Cycle:

   Hair goes through different phases:

• Anagen (growth phase) – where hair actively grows.
• Catagen (transition phase) – where hair stops growing.
• Telogen (resting phase) – where hair eventually falls out.

In PCOS-related hair loss, androgens shorten the anagen phase. This means hair stops growing much sooner than it should. It leads to excessive shedding and slower regrowth, making hair appear thinner over time.

3. Increased Sensitivity to DHT (Dihydrotestosterone):
   

   DHT is a byproduct of testosterone that is known to damage hair follicles. Women with PCOS often have a higher sensitivity to DHT, which accelerates hair thinning and loss, particularly around the crown and hairline.

4. Inflammation and Poor Scalp Health:
   

    PCOS is linked to chronic inflammation in the body, which can also affect the scalp. Inflammation weakens hair follicles, making them more prone to falling out and less likely to regrow properly.

5. Insulin Resistance and Nutrient Deficiency:

   Many women with PCOS also experience insulin resistance, which means their body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels. This can lead to poor circulation and reduced nutrient absorption, depriving hair follicles of the essential vitamins and minerals needed for healthy growth.

Where Does Hair Loss Happen in PCOS?

Unlike regular shedding or hair fall, PCOS hair loss tends to affect specific areas:

• Thinning at the crown of the head.
• A widening part in the centre.
• Overall diffuse thinning, making hair look less voluminous.

How to Manage PCOS Hair Loss?

PCOS hair loss can feel overwhelming, but the right approach can slow it down and even promote regrowth. Since the root cause lies in hormonal imbalances, treating the hair alone is not enough. You need to work on your body from the inside out. Here is what you can do:

1. Visit a Dermatologist:

   If your hair loss is persistent, a dermatologist or trichologist (hair specialist) is your best bet. They will assess your scalp health, hair loss pattern, and overall condition to create a personalised treatment plan.

2. Get Your Blood Work Done:

   Hair loss in PCOS is directly linked to hormonal imbalances, so identifying which hormones are off balance is important. Blood tests can help check levels of:

• Androgens (Testosterone, DHEA-S) – High levels contribute to hair thinning.
• DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) – A byproduct of testosterone that shrinks hair follicles.
• Insulin & Blood Sugar Levels – Insulin resistance is common in PCOS and impacts hair health.
• Iron & Ferritin Levels – Low iron can worsen hair fall.
• Thyroid Hormones (TSH, T3, T4) – Thyroid imbalances can cause PCOS hair loss.

Once you have these results, your doctor will know what needs to be addressed.

3. Use the Right Hair Care Products:

While hair care alone cannot reverse PCOS hair loss, using the right shampoos, serums, and hair oils can improve scalp health and reduce breakage. Look for:

• Mild, sulphate-free shampoos – Harsh shampoos strip natural oils, making hair weaker. Instead, use clarifying shampoo once or twice a week and a gentle shampoo for regular hair wash.
• DHT-blocking shampoos – These help prevent DHT from shrinking hair follicles.
• Hair serums with peptides & biotin – These strengthen hair strands and improve thickness.
• Scalp massages with essential oils - Look for herbal hair oils like Rooting For You, which contain the natural goodness of herbs such as organic rosemary oil, pumpkin seed oil, vitamin E oil, brahmi, jojoba and more. Rooting For Your hair oil nourishes the scalp, stimulates follicles, blocks scalp DHT and supports healthy hair growth naturally.

5. Take Care of Your Scalp:

Here are a few tips on maintaining good scalp health:

• Wash your hair regularly – Oily buildup can clog follicles and weaken hair.
• Avoid tight hairstyles – Constant pulling can speed up hair thinning.
• Gently detangle – Use a wide-tooth comb to prevent excessive breakage.
• Exfoliate your scalp – Weekly scalp scrubs can remove dead skin and boost circulation. Use a scalp exfoliator with 2% salicylic acid 10 minutes before hair wash.
• Derma roller – A derma roller improves blood circulation in the scalp and promotes hair growth. Use a 0.5 mm, 540 titanium needle derma roller once a week on the scalp.

6. Manage Stress & Prioritise Sleep:

PCOS and stress go hand in hand, and high-stress hormones (cortisol) can worsen hair fall. Try:

• Meditation & deep breathing – Helps regulate stress and hormonal fluctuations.
• Regular exercise – Boosts circulation and promotes hair growth.
• Quality sleep (7-8 hours)

Is PCOS Hair Loss Permanent?

No, it is not always permanent. While androgens can weaken hair follicles, with proper treatment and care, hair regrowth is possible. You have to control the hormonal imbalance, improve scalp health through shampoo and herbal oils like Rooting For You, and support hair growth with the right lifestyle changes.