(Photo : Photo by Ahmed Carter )

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects about 4% to 10% of women. Both men and women produce androgen type hormones but men usually produce more androgens and women normally produce more estrogens. However, in some cases, women may produce too many androgen hormones, so that their testosterone levels are higher than normal.

The problem with PCOS is that it actually leads to alopecia like that seen in men. This means that there is often hair lost from the head in a similar fashion to that seen in men with androgenetic alopecia. The hormonal disruptions and increased androgen production that is seen in women with PCOS has also been linked to the development of other problems such as insulin resistance and increased inflammation in the body.

The hyperandrogenism actually impacts the hair follicles causing the thinning and loss of hair on the scalp. Although women with PCOS show male pattern hair loss on their scalp, elsewhere they grow excess body hair. They also tend to have more acne breakouts than other women and often gain too much weight.

PCOS is a condition that a woman should seek treatment for because it causes so many problems, and can even cause infertility and increases the risks of getting endometrial cancer. Treatment options vary but almost all doctors recommend changes in lifestyle such as increasing the amount of exercise and eating healthy, nutritious foods.

Besides lifestyle changes, birth control can be prescribed to help regulate hormone levels and to increase and control the levels of the female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Women who have PCOS and who are trying to get pregnant are often put on fertility drugs since the condition frequently lowers fertility making pregnancy difficult.

The hair loss can be treated in a variety of ways including by getting hair transplant surgery. There are some medications as well that may be helpful for your hair, such as spironolactone, minoxidil and finasteride. The problem is that there are often unpleasant and unwanted side effects associated with taking these medications. They also may be a problem if you plan on becoming pregnant. You can read more about hair loss treatment options if you have PCOS by visiting the Vera Clinic.

There are other options for treating hair loss problems caused by PCOS. Some women may opt for laser light treatment or even plasma-rich platelet therapy. The PRP does offer a good option since it is autologous, meaning it uses your own blood supply so there is no risk of tissue rejection because of your body's immune system. PRP does help to stimulate the growth of your skin and hair follicles and can produce good results.

Another possibility for women who have lost hair due to PCOS is to have a hair transplant procedure such as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). This is a popular type of hair transplant procedure that is commonly used to treat alopecia in men and women. The results can be very good, but it does take time for the hair to grow in.

Excerpt from:
How PCOS Can Cause Hair Loss - Youth Health Magzine

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