PCOS or Polycystic ovary syndrome refers to a hormone disorder that’s quite common in India. It happens when the condition of enlarged ovaries with small cysts is developed and causes symptoms like irregular periods, acne, hirsutism, hair loss, and obesity. PCOS is often caused due to genetic and environmental factors and while there’s no cure for it, it is often managed.
What Causes Hairfall In PCOS?
PCOS hair fall is one among the most important concerns in those experiencing this condition, and there are ways to manage it also .PCOS hair loss occurs thanks to a rise within the male hormone (known as androgen) within the body. The production of this excess androgens trigger hair thinning on the scalp. However, there’s not complete baldness as seen in men. Androgens have a task to play within the stimulation of hair growth especially during puberty. In PCOS there’s an overproduction of androgen, which causes virilization. This hormone also can cause hair thinning, on the front scalp this is often called androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness.
Ways To Prevent Hairfall In Women With PCOS/PCOD?
Contraception pills:
These have the power to scale back the quantity of free androgens within the body. This successively will reduce hair loss and excessive hair growth also . Oral contraceptive pill can lower androgen levels, which can help to scale back excess hair growth and hamper hair loss. It also helps with other PCOS symptoms, like irregular periods and acne. An anti-androgen drug is usually prescribed together with oral contraceptives for PCOS-related hair loss.
Spironolactone:
This is an oral medication which has antiandrogenic property that treats fluid retention and androgenic alopecia Spironolactone (Aldactone)Spironolactone is an oral medication that’s known as an aldosterone receptor antagonist. Its approved by the U.S. FDA which stands for food and drug administration as a diuretic to treat fluid retention. This medication proves effective for treating androgenetic alopecia as well. It blocks the consequences of androgen on the skin and is typically prescribed along side an pill .
Biotin:
When some research and study was conducted it had demonstrated evidence that Biotin can have a positive effect on PCOS hair loss. Biotin and zinc supplements: Hair loss are often aggravated when there’s deficiency of those nutrients. Consuming supplements help in preventing further hair loss. A study conducted in 2015 found that taking a marine protein supplement containing biotin for 90 days resulted in significant hair growth.
Minoxidil (Rogaine):
Minoxidil is that the only FDA-approved drug for treating female pattern baldness. This treatment is topical which means that you simply apply to your scalp daily. It promotes hair growth and may even provides it a thicker appearance. Use of minoxidil (Rogaine), over-the-counter preparation, topically, could even be considered in early kinds of alopecia either as a solo treatment or along side variety of the above treatment preferences. Also it must be noted that The patient using Minoxidil should apply it carefully so as to not allow any drops to drip to the face, which can cause undesired hirsutism of affected areas.
7 Home Remedies To Prevent Hairfall in Women With PCOS/PCOD
Soft Bristle Comb:
Using a soft natural hair bristle comb can be helpful in controlling hair fall. Conditioning the hair removes tangles, particularly at the ends of the hair. It is best to avoid insufficient rinsing, and minimize any tangling with a wide-toothed comb. Also a brush with sharp bristles should be avoided. Smooth combs are preferable.
Exercise:
Regular exercise can help reduce weight, which controls the male hormone production and in turn, reduces PCOS-related hair loss. Moderate intensity Exercise at least for 30 min every day for few days every week will help in reducing the Insulin resistance and normalize androgen levels.
Healthy diet:
Switch to healthy diets and stand back from junk foods. A sustainable diet plan also helps to stay your weight in restraint, thus controlling the male hormone production.
Managing BMI:
Research has proved that weight loss significantly helps in symptoms because it lowers androgen levels. Considering that your BMI is in normal limits, limit those Junk and Fried foods. Avoid sugary foods. All of this will cause Insulin resistance and eventually increased Androgens There is significant evidence that losing weight can lower androgen levels and reduce the effects of excess androgens in women with PCOS. This can cause less hair loss, also as a discount in other PCOS symptoms.
Oil Massage:
Massaging oil in the scalp regularly helps in blood circulation, which makes the hair follicles strong. Avoid oils laden chemically and choose natural ones. Massaging with warm oils like coconut oil/almond oil will help in increasing blood circulation and carrying nutrients to the hair follicles.
Hair Masks:
Homemade hair masks with natural ingredients like egg and vegetable oil also help promote hair growth. Take an egg and blend with a teaspoon of vegetable oil . Apply it on your hair, performing from the roots to the hair tips. Let it stay for some minutes then shampoo.
Zinc Supplement:
Regular intake in a form of treatment, of a zinc supplement may help with PCOS-related hair loss, consistent with a 2016 study. The revelation made by the study was that intake of some 50 mg of zinc supplement daily for 8 weeks can have positive effects on PCOS hair loss. Verification of the results was done by the study of zinc supplementation on PCOS and it located that using 50 mg of elemental zinc daily for 8 weeks had beneficial effects on hair loss. It was also found to assist hirsutism.
Conclusion
Among women with PCOD hairfall is a common symptom but it can be treated when the underlying issue is addressed and with the use of correct and regular medications and other lifestyle changes.
Sources:
- https://www.mfine.co/article/pcos-hairfall/
- https://skinkraft.com/blogs/articles/pcos-hair-loss
- https://www.healthline.com/health/pcos-hair-loss-2
