Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 1 in every ten women of reproductive age. And a great majority of those cases deal with PCOS hair loss. PCOS hair loss occurs as a direct result of hormonal imbalances. For example, because PCOS
initiates an increase in testosterone and insulin, various other symptoms begin to appear. In addition to PCOS hair loss, you can have acne, difficulty losing weight, and excess body hair. Because there is a lot going on in the body of a
PCOS woman, treating PCOS hair loss can be tricky. In most cases, you will need combination treatment. But this also depends on whether your hair loss has become permanent or not. No worries we’ll discuss both permanent and temporary hair
loss in the following articles. But make sure you consult your doctor first before giving your self any treatments.
What Causes PCOS, How Do The Symptoms Start?
For the most part, PCOS is a matter of genetics. Various genes encode the disorder. Which explains the versatility of the symptoms from one patient to the other as well the age at which the condition develops. PCOS symptoms begin after the activation of PCOS genes. And in turn, this affects metabolic functions such as insulin resistance. So, androgen levels increase to counteract the elevated insulin levels. It is with the boosted levels of androgens that many of the notorious symptoms of the condition begin to appear. The appearance of male-like features and traits is a process known as virilization. Weight gain, hirsutism, hormonal acne, hair loss, and irregular periods are all potential traits. And they could affect women of PCOS at varying degrees.
PCOS Hair Loss
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PCOS hair loss initiates as a response to the high levels of androgens. Which in turn causes hair follicles to shrink. Sometimes this could be permanent. But in most cases it is temporary.
PCOS Hair Loss Treatments
1- Spironolactone
Spironolactone also goes by the name Aldactone. It is an androgen blocker that blocks androgen-receptors found on the surface of hair cells. This makes sure that androgens can no longer bind to them. By preventing the binding of androgens,
the cascade of symptoms that otherwise would start is inhibited. As a result, hair growth may begin. Because Aldactone causes side effects, make sure you consult your doctor before you begin this treatment for PCOS hair loss. For one,
Aldactone over repeated use can lead to hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium in the blood). And if you want to continue with PCOS hair loss treatment you need to make some dietary changes.
2- Minoxidil
Minoxidil, a solution that comes as shampoo or spray. It works by prolonging the anagen (growth) phase of the hair and terminating the telogen (shedding) phase. Minoxidil is usually applied with a dropper twice per day and left on the scalp
for four hours. Consult your doctor before using this PCOS hair loss treatment. Some of the most common side effects of minoxidil are scalp irritation and body hair growth. You can prevent body hair growth by careful application of the
solution.
3- PRP Hair Loss Treatment
This treatment emerged ten
years ago and its already dominating the medical field. The procedure first begins by drawing blood from your arm the standard way. Later some science happens (the blood is centrifuged) to extract platelet-rich plasma (
PRP). Once the extract is available, it will be directly injected into your scalp. Since this treatment uses your own cells, the risk of an
immune attack or side effects is almost zero. You only need to perform 3 to 4 sessions per year to stop hair loss. PRP is successful because it makes use of growth factors found in your plasma particularly VEGF. Which in cases of androgen
alopecia or PCOS hair loss decreases significantly.
Hair Transplant For PCOS Hair Loss
A hair transplant in Turkey is an ideal solution for male androgenic alopecia. But it is special for permanent PCOS hair loss. Only a marginal number of women make for eligible candidates. This is because it is a matter of whether your hair loss is
temporary or permanent. Because most PCOS hair loss happens at the crown, hair transplant moves hair follicles from the back of the head to the crown. This covers up the bald spots and guarantees permanent results.
In Summary
PCOS hair loss is a real struggle that unfortunately many women have to deal with. Not understanding the side effects that come with it, or not being able to halt the progression of specific symptoms can be very daunting. Putting a halt to
hair loss can be a significant approach to restoring your confidence and worth. But there are many treatments that you can take. Make sure to discuss your options with your doctor. If you would like to know more about PRP therapy,
contact us, and we’ll address all your concerns.