Understanding Hair Health with PCOS

1. Elevated Androgens (Male Hormones)

PCOS often causes higher levels of androgens such as testosterone.

Effects on hair:

• Triggers coarse, dark hair growth on the face, chin, upper lip, chest, abdomen, and back (known as hirsutism)

• Causes scalp hair follicles to shrink, leading to thinning hair and increased hair fall, particularly around the crown and temples

The same hormones stimulate hair growth in unwanted areas while weakening hair on the scalp.

2. Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is common in PCOS, even in individuals with a healthy body weight.

How it affects hair:

• High insulin levels increase androgen production in the ovaries

• Worsens facial and body hair growth

• Disrupts the scalp hair growth cycle, causing excessive shedding and thinning

Managing insulin levels is crucial for improving PCOS-related hair concerns.

3. Hormonal Imbalance and Irregular Ovulation

Irregular or absent ovulation in PCOS leads to lower progesterone levels.

Impact on hair health:

• Creates estrogen dominance

• Reduces the body’s natural ability to balance androgen activity

• Allows androgen-related hair symptoms to become more pronounced

4. Increased Sensitivity of Hair Follicles

Some individuals with PCOS are genetically more sensitive to androgens.

What this means:

• Facial and body hair follicles overreact, producing thicker hair

• Scalp hair follicles become more vulnerable and shrink faster, leading to thinning

This explains why hair symptoms vary greatly among people with PCOS.

5. Chronic Inflammation

PCOS is associated with low-grade chronic inflammation.

Effects on hair:

• Weakens scalp hair follicles

• Disrupts normal hair growth cycles

• Makes hair more prone to breakage and shedding

Inflammation can worsen both hair loss and excess hair growth.

6. Stress and Elevated Cortisol Levels

Chronic stress increases cortisol, the stress hormone.

How stress contributes:

• Aggravates insulin resistance

• Increases androgen activity

• Pushes scalp hair into the shedding phase, resulting in noticeable hair loss

Stress management plays an important role in supporting hair health in PCOS.

7. Nutrient Deficiencies Common in PCOS

People with PCOS often experience deficiencies in key nutrients such as:

• Iron

• Vitamin D

• Zinc

• B-complex vitamins

These nutrients are essential for healthy hair growth, and deficiencies can accelerate hair thinning and hair loss.

Conclusion

Excess facial and body hair along with scalp hair thinning in PCOS is caused by a combination of:

• Hormonal imbalance

• Elevated androgens

• Insulin resistance

• Inflammation

• Stress

• Nutrient deficiencies

Addressing the root causes rather than relying solely on cosmetic treatments is essential for long-term improvement in PCOS-related hair issues.