How polycystic ovaries can interfere with your hair health –

A polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a very common health condition among women and unfortunately, it has varied symptoms – one of them is hair loss.

Talking about hair is also talking about female self-esteem, which means that any change in hair health can mean a drop in our well-being.

For Dr. Igor Padovesi, gynecologist and obstetrician at USP and physician at Hospital Albert Einstein, hair loss related to PCOS happens because of the increase in androgen (male) hormones in women with this condition.

“However, hair has natural cycles (times of greater shedding, called telogen effluvium) and suffers interference from several other factors”, recalls the doctor.

This means that, before crediting hair loss to polycystic ovary syndrome, it is necessary to investigate what could be causing this change in yarn health.

“Only with a detailed physical exam and blood tests to exclude other possible causes of hair loss, such as genetics and a lack of vitamins such as vitamin B12,” explains Dr. Fernanda Imperial, gynecologist specializing in human reproduction.

HOW IS WOMAN’S HAIR WITH PCOS?

Dealing with fine and thinning hair is not simple – and it can even be a sign of androgenetic alopecia. However, it is important to pay attention to the threads themselves to understand when it is necessary to seek medical advice.

“Often the pattern that can be found in PCOS is thinner, more brittle hair,” explains Dr. Fernanda. “In women who already have a tendency to have androgenetic alopecia (hair loss accentuated with male hormones), hair loss can be accentuated, with significant loss of volume. This failure happens mainly on the sides and front!”

Incidentally, it is also important to know that this interference happens because, in the hair follicle, there are hormone receptors that undergo hypersensitivity to androgens, the hormones that increase in PCOS.

“These hormones act both on the sebaceous glands (increasing oiliness) and on the characteristics of the hair, making it thinner and possibly causing hair loss,” he explains.

By the way, just like in acne caused by PCOS there are no signs that clearly differentiate the fall caused by the syndrome from a fall caused by another issue – such as alopecia.

“It can be PCOS-related if it is accompanied by other symptoms that characterize the syndrome,” explains Dr. Igor.

HOW TO TREAT PCOS-RELATED HAIR LOSS

In a way, the treatment for hair loss related to polycystic ovary syndrome is the same as for acne: anti-androgen medications and oral hormonal contraceptives (known as the birth control pill) are the standard way to take care of the hairs affected by the condition.

“The control of the disease with contraceptives is the main treatment, as it reduces the levels of male hormones that lead to hair loss”, explains Dr. Igor. “Other treatments may be indicated with the use of vitamins and supplements, and sometimes specific dermatological treatments, with the use of medications, such as minoxidil.”