I was devastated when I first noticed my hair thinning at age 35. As someone living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), I knew that hair loss was a possibility, but experiencing it firsthand was another story. I wanted to reverse my PCOS-related hair loss, and my journey was full of trials, research, and a bit of hope.
My Initial Assumptions About PCOS Hair Loss
At first, I thought the solution would be as simple as changing my diet. I figured that by eating more fruits and vegetables and avoiding fast food, my hair would stop thinning. However, hair loss, especially when related to PCOS, isn’t that simple.
Before long, I found myself avoiding mirrors and feeling self-conscious. While some women my age were still enjoying full heads of hair, I was dealing with female pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia, which is a common effect of PCOS.
My hair was thinning at the front and top of my head, making the loss impossible to ignore. The scary term “permanent hair loss” always lingered on my mind. I wondered if my hair would ever grow back and did a quick internet search on “how much does a hair transplant cost,” as the last resort to restore my lost hair.
Seeking Medical Help: What I Learned
I visited my doctor, hoping for a solution. Instead, I was told that the hair loss could be permanent. The options I was given included styling tricks to cover the thinning areas, wearing hats, or even considering wigs.
Not exactly the hopeful news I wanted to hear. But I wasn’t prepared to quit just yet. I dove into researching medical treatments for reversing PCOS hair loss, spending hours scanning articles and studies.
PCOS-related hair loss can be caused by a combination of factors, including:
- Excess androgen hormones that stimulate male characteristics
- A family history of baldness
- Blood loss during menstruation
- Certain medications, such as estrogenic oral contraceptives
While I initially blamed my hair loss on genetics, it was clear that the real cause was likely a mix of hormonal imbalances due to PCOS.
Medical Treatments for PCOS Hair Loss
There are several treatments that can help combat hair loss caused by PCOS, with varying degrees of success. For example, Minoxidil is the only FDA-approved medication for treating female pattern baldness. However, it only works for about 1 in 5 women, and the effects are not permanent – when you stop using it, the new hair falls out.
Other medical options include anti-androgens and oral contraceptives, which help to combat the excess male hormones in the body that cause hair thinning. Common medications prescribed by doctors include:
- Spironolactone
- Cimetidine
- Birth control pills
- Ketoconazole
While some women find success with these treatments, I personally wasn’t ready to commit to a long-term regimen of medications.
Hair Transplants: Is It Worth It
Another option I considered was a hair transplant, a surgical procedure that moves hair follicles from one part of your body to the thinning areas. While hair transplants can be highly effective, the price tag made me pause. In many cases, it costs as much as a small car, and insurance typically doesn’t cover it.
Though I found some cheaper options in other countries, travelling internationally for surgery wasn’t in my budget.
Natural Treatments: A Holistic Approach
After much research, I also explored natural treatments for PCOS hair loss. These include herbal remedies, plant-based oils, and supplements. While evidence for these treatments is often anecdotal, I did find some studies suggesting that zinc supplements can help reduce hair loss. For instance, taking 50mg of elemental zinc daily for two months was shown to improve hair loss in women with PCOS.
In addition to supplements, I learned that losing just 5-10% of body weight can reduce many PCOS symptoms, including hair loss. However, this option may not be realistic for everyone. I knew that, for me, drastic weight loss wasn’t going to be the solution.
Developing My Hair Care Routine
With medical treatments and hair transplants out of the picture for me, I decided to focus on developing a solid hair care routine using natural and proven methods.
After months of trial and error, I found a hair care regimen that worked for me, which involved the following steps:
- Cleansing: I use a gentle shampoo to remove excess sebum and impurities from my scalp, helping to keep my hair follicles healthy.
- Conditioning: I follow up with a conditioner designed to protect and strengthen my hair, preventing split ends and enhancing the hair’s natural elasticity.
- Targeted Treatments: I incorporate hair serums that are designed to promote hair growth and reduce shedding. Regular use of these products helped me see new hair growth after several months.
With consistent care, I started noticing improvements within the first month. By the fifth month, I had new hair growth, and my hair felt thicker and healthier.
Is It Possible to Reverse PCOS-Related Hair Loss
PCOS-related hair loss occurs due to an increase in androgens in the body, which leads to thinning hair and baldness. Unfortunately, without treatment, hair loss from PCOS is unlikely to regrow on its own. This can have a significant psychological impact on women, making them feel less confident.
However, with the right treatments, fresh hair growth is possible. It is important to remember that while regrowth can happen, it often requires a combination of medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and a proper hair care routine.
Dermatological Treatments for PCOS Hair Loss
Another route to consider is dermatological treatments. Many dermatologists recommend Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, which has been shown to help with hair regrowth. PRP is safe, natural, and non-invasive, making it a great option for women dealing with PCOS-related hair loss.
Concealing PCOS Hair Loss
If hair regrowth isn’t happening as fast as you would like, or you need a quick solution, there are several ways to conceal thinning hair:
- Use FDA-approved treatments like Minoxidil and Finasteride
- Take supplements to support hair health
- Avoid tight hairstyles that can further stress the hair
- Consider hair transplants or PRP therapy for longer-term results
- Try low-level laser therapy to stimulate hair follicles
If you are struggling with hair loss PCOS, I encourage you to explore different treatments and find what works best for you. With the right approach, you can regain your confidence and enjoy healthier, fuller hair.
Conclusion
Reversing PCOS-related hair loss is no easy feat, but with the right combination of medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and hair care routines, it is possible to see improvement. Remember, results take time, so patience is essential.
For personalised advice and support, you can also consider consulting Zestige Private Healthcare, where expert guidance is always available to help you on your journey to hair recovery.
