PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a hormonal disorder that affects approximately 5 million women in the United States. PCOS can cause a variety of symptoms, including irregular or missed periods, infertility, weight gain, acne, and excess hair growth.
One of the less well-known symptoms of PCOS is hair loss. Hair loss is a common symptom of PCOS, affecting an estimated 70% of women with the condition. It can be a devastating symptom, causing anxiety and low self-esteem. While it is relatively harder to completely recover from PCOS, there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms, including hair loss.
Introduction
PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is a hormonal disorder that can cause enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges. PCOS can also cause irregular menstrual cycles, excess hair growth, weight gain, and fertility problems. One of the less well-known symptoms of PCOS is hair loss.
PCOS can also lead to hair loss, though the exact cause is unknown. While hair loss is not necessarily a symptom of PCOS, it is a side effect of one of the most common treatments for PCOS: birth control pills. Birth control pills contain the hormone progesterone, which can cause hair loss in some women.
However, regardless of treatment type, a few women face hair loss as a subsequent effect of Pcos. Let’s dig in deeper to find how hair loss is related to PCOS and what are the measures to be taken to prevent or cover hair loss due to PCOS? Read along!!
Symptoms and Causes of PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that can affect women of reproductive age. The most common symptoms of PCOS are irregular menstrual periods, excess facial and body hair growth, acne, and weight gain.
PCOS can also affect fertility and increase the risk of certain pregnancy complications. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It may also be related to excess testosterone. PCOS can run in families, so there may be a hereditary component as well.
The earliest signs and symptoms of PCOS are:
- Irregular Periods
- Elevated Androgen
- Enlarged Ovaries
- Weight Issues
- Infertility
Irregular or Missed Periods
PCOS interferes with the normal functioning of ovaries and growth hormones, disturbing the menstrual cycle. Women may suffer from irregular or missed periods as the earliest signs of Pcos. Abnormally heavy periods and longer menstrual cycles (more than 40 days) are also indicative of Pcos.
Elevated Androgen (testosterone) Level
The male hormone increases in the body as a result of PCOS, causing excessive hair growth, especially on the face and other areas of the body. Male pattern baldness and hair loss may also result in response to elevated androgen in the female body.
Enlarged Ovaries
When either of the above symptoms appears, the physician calls for an Ovary scan which suggests enlarged ovaries or cyst formation inside or around the ovaries resulting in Pcos.
Weight Problems
Obesity and PCOS are also interrelated. Losing or maintaining weight while suffering from PCOS can become an actual nightmare for some women.
Infertility
If you are a woman of childbearing age and you’re having trouble getting pregnant, you may have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Thus, PCOS can cause a variety of symptoms, including infertility, irregular periods, excess body hair, acne, and obesity.
Does PCOS Cause Hair Loss?
There is no one definitive answer to this question as the research on the matter is inconclusive. However, there are some studies that suggest that PCOS can cause hair loss.
One study found that women with PCOS had a higher rate of hair loss than women without the condition. However, the study did not find a direct causal link between PCOS and hair loss.
Another study found that PCOS may be a contributing factor to hair loss, but it is not the only factor. There are many other potential causes of hair loss, so if you are experiencing hair loss along with PCOS, it is best to speak to a doctor to determine the cause.
How to Stop PCOS Hair Loss?
If you are struggling with hair loss due to PCOS, you’re not alone. It’s a common symptom of the condition, but there are things you can do to help stop the hair loss and even regrow your hair.
First, it is important to get your PCOS under control. If you are overweight, lose weight. If you have high insulin levels, get them under control. Both of these can help reduce hair loss. There are also certain supplements that can help with hair loss due to PCOS.
Get on a healthy diet. Eating healthy foods and getting rid of sugary and processed foods can make a big difference. Get some exercise. Exercise can help to balance your hormones and reduce stress, both of which can contribute to hair loss.
If you feel an increased hair loss after starting Pcos medications or any birth control pill, talk to your doctor and discuss medicinal side effects in detail.
Pcos Hair Loss: Is It Reversible?
Hair loss due to PCOS can be extremely frustrating; however, the good news is that it is not permanent and hair regrows back once the root cause is treated. The elevated level of insulin and male hormones trigger hair loss that typically resembles female pattern baldness; however, the Pcos hair loss is reversible, unlike male or female pattern baldness that requires extensive treatment.
Those suffering from Pcos shall focus on recovering from this medical condition, and the hair loss will be recovered soon after.
Alternative Hair System for Pcos Hair Loss
Alternative hair systems like wigs and toupees work best to cover hair thinning or hair loss during Pcos. As the sufferer is already taking medications to treat PCOS, additional medicines to stop hair loss are not recommended. Therefore, wigs provide a safer alternative rather than covering bald spots or hair thinning.
Medical wigs are specifically designed by Bono Hair for women suffering from PCOS.
KIKI
Unlike regular wigs, medical wigs offer a more comfortable base camp to facilitate sensitive skin and scalp. KIKI is the perfect wig for women suffering from hair loss due to medical reasons.
Additional Features
- Base construction: Lace top and front with the elastic net at crown and back area; PU at left and right side; elastic band at the back for size adjustment
- Base size: Medium capsize
- Hair type: Chinese Virgin hair
- Hair length:14”
- Hair color: #4, #6, #7,#10R, #22R, #613, #30RT, #60RT, #2020T, #1740T, #1620T, #6244T
- Hair density: 140%
- Hair curl: Straight
- Front shape: CC
- Hair direction: Freestyle
CICI
With a lace top front, CICI offers a natural hairline. The base cap is comfortable and lightweight to support the irritated scalp. This wig is perfect for women who either have a sensitive scalp, or their skin reacts to additional pressure due to medicinal side effects.
Additional Features
- Base construction: Lace top and front with an elastic net at crown and back area; Pu at left and right side; elastic band at the back for size adjustment
- Base size: Medium Capsize
- Hair type: Chinese Virgin hair
- Hair length:14”
- Hair color: #4, #6, #7,#10R, #22R, #613, #30RT, #60RT, #2020T, #1740T, #1620T, #6244T
- Hair density: 140%
- Hair curl: Straight
- Front shape: CC
- Hair direction: Freestyle
Conclusion
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause irregular periods, fertility problems, and excess hair growth. One of the less talked about symptoms of PCOS is hair loss. While not all women with PCOS will experience hair loss, it is a real and distressing symptom for many.
There is no definite answer as to whether or not PCOS causes hair loss. However, many women with PCOS do experience hair loss, thinning hair, or balding. Fortunately, hair loss due to PCOS is not permanent, and once the medical condition subsides, hair starts to regrow naturally.
Since the sufferer is already taking medicines for Pcos, an ideal treatment for hair loss due to PCOS is wearing wigs or toupees. Bono Hair crafts medical wigs to support women suffering from Pcos or any other medical condition that causes hair loss. These wigs are super soft, comfortable, and easy to attach or remove. Made with premium quality fabric and genuine hair, these wigs allow women to cover their hair loss perfectly.
Join hands with us and supply your customers with high-quality medical wigs to help them face the world with confidence.