Your Cart is Empty
June 09, 2025 3 min read
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder impacting millions of women around the world. Although typically recognized for irregular menstrual cycles and infertility problems, PCOS also carries a significant impact on hair health. One troubling symptom is hair thinning and hair loss, medically known as female-pattern hair loss or androgenic alopecia. But why exactly does PCOS lead to such noticeable hair problems?
One of the central reasons behind hair loss in women with PCOS is the imbalance of hormones, especially androgens. These are commonly referred to as "male hormones," though women naturally produce them as well—only in smaller amounts.
In many PCOS cases, androgen levels can spike significantly higher than normal. Specifically, women may see elevated levels of testosterone, DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), or DHT (Dihydrotestosterone). Excess amounts of these hormones can lead to adverse effects on female hair growth patterns.
Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, is particularly notorious for causing hair follicles to shrink or miniaturize. When follicle miniaturization happens, hair strands gradually become finer and thinner, eventually leading hair follicles to produce no hair at all. Women with PCOS often find that their hair becomes progressively thinner around their scalp's center or crown, similar to male-pattern baldness but usually not causing complete baldness.
Hair follicles on your head are particularly sensitive to the elevated DHT levels—this is why the hormonal changes associated with PCOS can cause noticeable scalp hair thinning. Importantly, DHT simultaneously affects hair growth and can cause increased hair growth on the face and body, known as hirsutism, which can be equally challenging for women with PCOS.
Another crucial aspect behind hair thinning linked to PCOS is insulin resistance. Insulin resistance occurs when cells in your body no longer respond effectively to the hormone insulin. To compensate, the pancreas produces higher-than-normal insulin levels, a situation known as hyperinsulinemia.
Unfortunately, elevated insulin levels can indirectly boost androgen production, creating a chain reaction that aggravates androgenic alopecia. This explains why treating insulin resistance can sometimes result in improvements in hair health and some reduction in overall hair thinning.
Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome often experience chronic, low-grade inflammation, potentially worsening hair loss outcomes. Inflammation can negatively influence hair follicles’ health, amplifying sensitivity to hormonal imbalances and increasing thinning.
Additionally, nutrient deficiencies common in women with PCOS can also exacerbate hair thinning. Deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, zinc, and biotin particularly interfere with hair growth cycles, leading to hair becoming more brittle, fragile, and prone to falling out more easily over time.
It's essential to seek professional guidance if hair thinning associated with PCOS becomes persistent or distressing. Managing underlying hormonal factors can significantly help control hair thinning, restoring healthier hair growth cycles. Key strategies commonly advocated by healthcare professionals include:
Each woman responds differently to treatments and lifestyle adjustments, so developing a personalized approach with a medical professional remains essential. Collaborating directly with an endocrinologist or dermatologist well-versed in PCOS-related hair loss will greatly enhance your potential for regaining hair thickness and confidence.
Experiencing hair thinning due to PCOS can feel overwhelming and disconcerting, but remember—understanding and proactively addressing the underlying causes significantly improves outcomes. Connecting with professionals, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and ensuring compliance with personalized treatment can make a noticeable difference in the quality of your hair—and your overall confidence and well-being.