PCOS causes hair loss? Understanding their interrelation

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, commonly known as PCOS is a hormonal disorder that most women of reproductive age experience. Important characteristics include polycystic ovaries, high testosterone, and irregular menstrual periods, acne formation and obesity.

Androgenic Alopecia

Female pattern baldness, influenced by high amounts of Androgen, such as Testosterone is one of the reasons for high hairfall experienced by women suffering from PCOS.

Nutrient deficiency

Deficiency of nutrients including iron, zinc, Vitamin B12, and Omega-3 fatty acids can all be a contributing factor to hair loss. These deficiencies can weaken hair and make it more prone to falling.

Stress

Physical or emotional stress, associated with PCOS, can trigger a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium, where a significant amount of hair suddenly enters the resting phase and falls out within a few months.

Chronic inflammation

This is another major cause of increased hair loss. This can further lead to disruption in the hair growth cycle- causing thinning and shedding of the hair.

Hormonal imbalance

Female hormonal imbalances can cause follicles to shrink. As the follicles shrink, they fail to support the hair growth, disrupting the hair cycle and causing hair loss.

Insulin resistance

Higher insulin levels may result from PCOS which may boost the synthesis of androgens. Increased testosterone conversion to DHT is another effect of elevated insulin, which exacerbates hair loss.