Polycystic ovary syndrome – or PCOS for short – is a disorder caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. The condition is triggered by higher levels of male hormones within the body, and can go on to cause a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms.

PCOS affects 1 in 10 women in the UK, and whilst many sufferers do not have any symptoms at all, almost half experience irregular periods, fertility issues, hair growth, weight gain and skin issues as a result of the condition.

PCOS may be commonly associated with excessive hair growth but there’s another side to this condition. Many PCOS sufferers experience hair shedding and thinning, which can harm their self-esteem and quality of life.

Discover all you need to know about the connection between polycystic ovary syndrome and hair loss, so you can manage PCOS symptoms and live life your way.

What causes hair loss in PCOS sufferers?

Hair loss is more widespread than many people think in PCOS sufferers. The influx of male hormones in people with PCOS causes the production of androgens.

Whilst playing a vital part in triggering puberty and hair growth, these androgens can also activate the hair thinning and loss that is typically associated with male pattern baldness.

Known as androgenic alopecia or female pattern hair loss, the symptoms of this particular type of alopecia can be further exacerbated by the menopause, stress, and even the use of selected contraceptives such as the copper IUD.

Will my hair grow back?

As PCOS is a chronic condition with no known cure, lost and thin hair triggered by PCOS can’t be recovered without treatment.

There are a variety of treatments that can be called upon by PCOS sufferers to revive affected follicles. Treatment however isn’t one-size-fits-all. Women with PCOS tend to find that discovering an effective treatment is very much a matter of trial and error.

There are no quick fix solutions for PCOS hair loss. Remedies need to be tried consistently for the long term (i.e. at least six months) to gauge their success.

What can I do to remedy PCOS hair loss?

Solving PCOS related hair loss requires treatment both inside and out. Internally, taking oral medication, such as birth control pills, aldosterone receptor antagonists, and medication traditionally used to treat male pattern hair loss (such as finasteride and dutasteride) is a great starting point.

Topically applied treatments have been found to have varying levels of success. Minoxidil or Rogaine is however the only hair loss treatment officially approved to tackle female pattern baldness.

Is there a more natural way to treat hair loss?

Making lifestyle changes has been found to relieve hair loss and other PCOS-related symptoms. PCOS Living describes how to give your body exactly what it needs to minimise hair loss and thinning, the natural way:

“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.”

Minimising the insulin resistance that worsens PCOS through dietary changes is another must for people wanting to relieve troubling PCOS symptoms, including hair loss. Removing sugar from your diet will help, and this includes the use of artificial sweeteners.

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