Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) & Hair Loss

Help With PCOS Hair Loss From Simone Thomas Hair Loss Clinic in Bournemouth, Dorset

Here at Simone Thomas hair loss clinic in Dorset, we see hundreds of women every month suffering from female baldness and hair loss caused by a wide variety of factors.   A common cause of hair loss in women is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which is an endocrine disorder that affects how a woman’s ovaries work.

It commonly produces symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue and increased facial hair, but it can also cause excessive hair shedding and hair thinning in those with a genetic predisposition and follicle sensitivity.

Why Does Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Cause Hair Loss?

PCOS can cause hyperandrogenism – where your body produces too many androgens (male hormones).  Androgens are naturally found in all women and they affect the degree and frequency of bleeding during your menstrual cycle and can also cause acne and oily skin.  However, if your hair follicles are sensitive to androgens they can also decrease the growth of hair on your scalp and increase the growth of hair on your body.

This is especially true if you have excessive amounts of androgens. Follicle sensitivity is not simply ‘caught’ or randomly acquired, it’s genetically inherited and has been present since birth.  If you have little or no hair follicle sensitivity, your hair may not be affected by extra androgens, but normal or even sub-normal amounts of circulating androgens can cause hair loss if your follicles are very sensitive to them.

Will Hair Lost Due to PCOS Grow Back?

Any hair which you lose due to PCOS will not spontaneously grow back, but with treatment you can encourage it to do so.   We can advise you on the possible treatments and can also help you with a range of solutions to help you mask your hair loss.

Treatments For Hair Loss Caused By PCOS

Treatments for PCOS can be complicated, depending on symptoms other than thinning hair.  However, if hair loss is the only or predominant symptom, it’s relatively straightforward.

Hair thinning from PCOS is treated orally and/or topically by taking anti-androgens.  Topically applied solutions usually contain an anti-androgen as well as a stimulant. The most common oral anti-androgens used for hair loss are combination oral contraceptives such as Spironolactone or Dianette, but oral and topical solutions used together are most effective.  

We offer a wide variety of non surgical hair loss treatments for hair thinning conditions including scalp microdermabrasion treatments,  PRP treatments, Nioxin products to help promote hair growth as well as our own hair care plans to restore your hair from within.

How Can I Hide My Hair Loss?

While you are waiting for your hair to grow back we offer a range of systems to help tackle your hair thinning issues.  These include custom designed hair volumizers, synthetic and real hair wigs, and hair extensions. Please call us on 01202 760003 to book a hair loss consultation with one of our trained hair loss specialists.

Hair Loss and Wellbeing

The NHS advises that the symptoms of PCOS can often be greatly improved by changes to your diet and lifestyle.  If you are overweight, you are advised to eat a healthy balanced diet and increase your exercise levels.   Visit Simone Thomas Wellness for advice on our award-winning organic supplements which can boost your wellbeing as well as promoting hair growth.  In particular, Biotin encourages hair regrowth and leads to thicker, stronger hair.  Biotin plays an important part in the production of fatty acids, which are essential for healthy skin, hair and overall health.   Find out more here.

Book a PCOS Hair Loss Consultation at our Bournemouth Trichology Clinic

 If you are concerned or want further advice about PCOS hair loss or any other type of hair thinning, please book a hair loss consultation with one of our fully trained trichologists here at Simone Thomas Hair Loss Clinic in Westbourne, Dorset.  We can help diagnose the causes of your hair loss including looking at your scalp with a nioscope to see if the hair follicles are active.  We will then advise you accordingly and offer you a treatment plan.