I was devastated when my hair started thinning at age 35. I wanted to reverse my PCOS-related hair loss.
At first, I thought I just needed to eat better. Stock up on fruits and veggies and spend less time in the McD drive-through after tough days at work.
But of course, hair loss isn't that simple. Pretty soon I was cringing as I looked in the mirror.
While other women my age were still appearing young and vivacious, I was clearly starting to experience female pattern hair loss also known as androgenic alopecia, just one of the many unpleasant effects of PCOS.
At least with guys, they lose their hair starting from the back where they don't constantly see it everytime they pass a mirror. But my female pattern baldness was following the classic pattern hair loss and thinning up front and on top.
When I looked it up online, the words "permanent hair loss" kept ringing in my ears. Could it really be that my hair would NEVER grow back?
A visit to my doctor didn't do much to improve my morale. He told me frankly: "This is probably permanent. You can style your hair to cover it up, wear hats, or if it gets really bad wear a wig."
Thanks, Doc!
But then, I figured out what worked for me.
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Medical treatments for reversing PCOS hair loss
I wasn't ready to give up. Surely, there was an effective, proven way to reverse hair loss caused by polycystic ovary syndrome.
So, I spent every available hour scanning the web for reliable information.
PCOS is usually caused by aging, but it can also be triggered by:
- Androgen hormones that stimulate male characteristics in women
- Baldness in family history (my dad was bald as a bowling ball)
- Heavy blood loss during menstruation
- Certain medications such as estrogenic oral contraceptives.
At this point, I was blaming my hair thinning on my father, but of course, the cause was probably far more complex.
Yes, there ARE medical treatments that in some cases can reverse PCOS and give women a fresh head of hair.
However, the only medicine approved by the FDA to treat female pattern baldness is Minoxidil. I'm sure many of you are more than familiar with it.
But it has its own limitations. Minoxidil has been shown to HELP hair growth in only about 1 in 5 women.
Read more: Minoxidil For Women: Will It Regrow Your Hair?
Even worse is that your new hair grows, and you get really excited. But then that hair falls out after you stop taking Minoxidil. So then, it's not really a permanent solution, after all.
In the case Minoxidil doesn't work, and it usually doesn't, there are more ways to reverse hair loss caused by PCOS.
One method is to take medications that can combat the excessive androgen hormones your body produces. Anti-androgens operate by reducing the action of excess male hormones in your body, which cause hair loss in PCOS women.
When trying to regenerate hair, your doctor may recommend anti-androgen and oral contraceptives. Some medications that your doctor can prescribe are:
- Spironolactone
- Cimetidine
- Birth control pills
- Ketoconazole
I'm sure someone is jumping up and down screaming "YES! That one worked for ME!"
But if I tried all these options, I'm sure these medications will just turn me into a pill-popping old person who is still going bald.
Read more: Balding At 20? Here’s What You Need To Know
Hair transplants
I always associate hair transplants with my mom's boss when I was a kid.
After his hair transplant surgery, he walked around the office for weeks with his head looking like a freshly planted wheat field. But a nice head of hair did eventually grow in.
Unfortunately, a hair transplant costs as much as a compact car, and insurance won't cover it.
I found some cheaper transplant deals in Eastern Europe and elsewhere. But neither jet setting internationally nor getting a private plane aren't in my budget and it might not also be in yours.
Read more: Hair Transplant Before And After: How Will I Look Post-Surgery?
Natural hair treatments
The medical press calls these home remedies. But herbal and plant-based natural solutions to hair fall have long been used in history.
It seems that since the beginning of time, there have been ancient societies here and there around the world, who lived with healthy heads of hair well into old age. Their secret always seemed to be based on eating some special berry or washing their hair with a specific plant oil.
To be fair to the medical press, most of the evidence surrounding these magical herbs and plants are mostly anecdotal so further research needs to be conducted.
Read more: The 7 Best Natural and Drug Alternatives To Minoxidil
Thanks to modern medicine, now we have supplements that can help boost hair growth and reduce hair fall.
For PCOS-related hair loss, zinc supplements have proved to be beneficial according to a 2016 study. They discovered that 50mg of elemental zinc each day for 2 months improved hair loss.
Losing 5-10% of body weight can also significantly reduce PCOS symptoms, especially hair loss. But that possibility isn't realistic for everyone and also for me. With my personal background and occupation, skinny hasn't been on my radar for years; decades, even.
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Scandinavian Biolabs' hair growth routine
One day, my sister called all in a fluster. She was having a tizzy over her friend who had reversed her PCOS and boosted her hair regrowth with a special formula.
Well, I was all ears. Although to be truthful, I was thinking this was probably just another miracle cure my sister had seen on Facebook or Instagram.
She said:
[[quote]]"Have you tried this hair serum from Scandinavian Biolabs? My friend said it worked for her so it might also work for you."[[quote]]
You should do TikTok videos on this, I joked. What makes this routine work?
Well, I read up on it and found that they had clinically tested this serum (by a third party so no falsification of results!) with over 97% of users reporting less hair loss.
Such a high percentage!
I also liked the fact that they didn't promise a miracle head of hair health overnight. 150 consecutive days was believable enough for a naturally derived and vegan treatment to heal, rejuvenate, and create new hair.
Suffice to say, it sounded promising. I immediately went to Scandinavian Biolabs site and read up on their Bio-Pilixin® Activation Serum.
But I still ordered one of everything.
What my hair routine looks like now
The first week after I started using Scandinavian Biolabs' hair products, I felt a difference probably more than I could notice in the mirror.
It was after the first month that I could see and feel that my hair was definitely better. By month 5, there was plenty of new hair growth, vastly more than I expected on my scalp, and a giant smile on my face.
What did I gain after this?
Well, my sister created a new career on TikTok, I put my efforts into making my PCOS hair loss reversible, got a new youthful head of hair, and I'm living life with more confidence and happiness.
And the most important thing is I got my hair back!
If you also want to try my hair routine at home, here are my personal recommendations. My hair care starts like this:
I use Scandinavian Biolabs' Hair Strength Shampoo for Women to remove excess sebum, moisturize my scalp, repair my damaged hair follicles and strengthen my existing hair.
Then I condition with Hair Recovery Conditioner For Women. I brushed up on what exactly it does and found that it creates a lipid-based protective film which is always key to rapid healing.
No wonder I found that my hair grew stronger after using it!
This prevents split and damaged ends enhances the hair's youthful elasticity, giving your hair back its resilience.
But for me, the real gold is their Bio-Pilixin® Activation Serum (yes, it's trademark registered!)
This is just my personal experience, but besides feeling good on my scalp, I noticed that it promoted new hair growth and reduced the long-term shedding that has terrified me for years.
Overall, not a pretty bad deal!
Read more: The 3 Kinds of Hair Regimens: Creating A Healthy Hair Regimen For You
Root causes of PCOS hair loss
PCOS hair loss is a common and distressing symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome. Several factors contribute to hair loss in women with PCOS, including hormonal imbalances, genetics, lifestyle, environmental factors, and underlying health conditions. Here are the core causes:
Hormonal imbalances
The primary cause of PCOS hair loss is hormonal imbalances, particularly high levels of androgens (male hormones). Elevated androgens shrink hair follicles, causing thinning hair and increased shedding. Additionally, insulin resistance in PCOS contributes to increased androgen levels, worsening hair loss. Managing insulin sensitivity and hormonal imbalances through diet and medication can help reduce hair loss.
Genetic factors
Genetics play a key role in PCOS hair loss. If there’s a family history of PCOS or androgenic alopecia, women are more likely to experience severe hair loss. Although genetic factors cannot be changed, using remedies like rosemary oil and essential oils may help mitigate symptoms and promote hair regrowth.
Lifestyle influences
Poor lifestyle choices, such as a lack of exercise, unhealthy eating habits, and high stress, can worsen PCOS hair loss. A balanced diet rich in omega-3s, biotin, and zinc supports hair health, while stress management and physical activity improve insulin sensitivity and overall hormonal balance, reducing the impact of PCOS on hair loss.
Environmental factors
Environmental factors, such as pollution and chemical exposure, can damage the scalp and accelerate hair loss. Using natural hair care products, avoiding harsh treatments, and protecting the scalp from pollutants can help manage hair loss and improve scalp health.
Underlying health conditions
Conditions like thyroid disorders and iron deficiencies can exacerbate PCOS hair loss. Ensuring proper nutrition and managing health conditions like insulin resistance through medication and diet is essential for reducing the impact of PCOS on hair growth.
Is it possible to reverse PCOS baldness?
PCOS causes hair loss due to an increase of male hormones, also known as androgens, in the body. Such pattern baldness is common in women suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Hair loss as a result of PCOS will not regrow on its own. This is why besides physical side effects, PCOS also brings about significant psychological discomfort in women.
However, with treatment, you could enable fresh hair growth. Furthermore, there are various things you can take to conceal PCOS-related hair loss.
Can dermatologists reverse PCOS-related hair loss?
Dermatologists regard PRP treatment as one of the best techniques for correcting PCOS-related hair fall for the reasons listed:
- It is entirely safe and natural.
- It is a non-invasive process.
- It is a non-chemical treatment.
Myths about PCOS hair loss
Understanding PCOS hair loss can be challenging, as there are many misconceptions about the condition. These myths often lead to confusion and hinder effective management. Below are some common myths about PCOS hair loss and the truths that can help guide better approaches to treatment and care.
Myth: Hair loss is always permanent in PCOS
While PCOS hair loss can be distressing, it is not always permanent. Many women find that hair loss can be managed or even reversed with the right treatment, including natural remedies, stress management, and balanced diets. By addressing the root causes, such as hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance, hair regrowth is possible.
Myth: Topical treatments alone can solve PCOS hair loss
Topical treatments like rosemary oil, essential oils, and medicated shampoos may help improve scalp health and support hair growth. However, they are rarely enough on their own. To address PCOS hair loss, a holistic approach involving stress management, a balanced diet, and medication is often needed to balance hormones and support healthy hair.
Myth: PCOS hair loss only affects the scalp
Although PCOS hair loss primarily affects the scalp, it can also cause excessive hair growth on other areas of the body, such as the face, chest, and abdomen, due to elevated androgens. Managing hormonal imbalances can help control both scalp hair loss and unwanted hair growth in other regions.
Myth: Diet doesn’t play a role in PCOS hair loss
Diet plays a crucial role in managing PCOS hair loss. A balanced diet rich in nutrients like omega-3s, biotin, zinc, and lean proteins supports hair health and helps regulate hormonal imbalances. Nutritional deficiencies, such as in iron or vitamins, can exacerbate hair thinning, so it's important to focus on proper nutrition.
Myth: Hair loss in PCOS is solely genetic
While genetics can play a role in PCOS hair loss, it is not the only factor. Hormonal imbalances, such as insulin resistance, stress, and lifestyle choices also significantly contribute to hair loss. By addressing these factors, women can reduce or manage PCOS hair loss, even if there is a genetic predisposition.
How can you reverse or conceal PCOS-related hair loss?
There are many things you can do to conceal PCOS-related hair loss:
- Take FDA-approved drugs like Minoxidil and Finasteride
- Take hair nutrient supplements with a balanced diet
- Avoid tight hairstyles
- Use oral contraceptive pills (birth control)
- Hair transplant
- Stem cell hair transplant
- Low-level laser therapy
- Platelet-rich plasma therapy
Is exercise helpful for improving PCOS-related hair thinning?
Yes, exercise improves PCOS-related hair thinning by enhancing insulin sensitivity and reducing hormonal imbalances. It lowers androgen levels and improves scalp circulation, promoting hair growth. Stress-reducing activities like yoga also benefit overall hair health.
Can hormonal treatments stop PCOS hair shedding?
Yes, hormonal treatments like anti-androgens and oral contraceptives lower androgen levels, reducing PCOS hair shedding. Combining treatments with a balanced diet and lifestyle changes improves long-term results.
What are the signs that PCOS hair loss is improving?
Signs that PCOS hair loss is improving include:
- Reduced shedding: Noticeably less hair falling out during brushing or washing.
- Thicker hair strands: Hair may feel fuller and stronger as follicle health improves.
- New growth: Small, fine baby hairs appearing along the hairline or thinning areas.
- Healthier scalp: Reduced inflammation or flakiness, indicating better scalp health.
- Consistency in hair routine results: Using treatments like natural remedies, omega-3 supplements, or scalp massages shows visible progress over time.
Improvements often occur gradually, especially when incorporating balanced diets, stress management techniques, and consistent use of hair growth products like essential oils or supplements.
