PCOS Hair Loss
- 5 Causes and 3 Proven Treatments [Must Try]
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Across the UK
Over 1 million Treatments
delivered
Award winning
Clinics Across the UK
Rated 92%
on Trustpilot
9 Clinics
Across the UK
Expert Team of
professionals
Hair loss is a distressing and often overlooked symptom of PCOS, leaving many women feeling anxious and powerless as they notice thinning hair, shedding, or bald spots.
While PCOS is commonly associated with fertility issues, the emotional impact of hair loss can be just as significant. Thankfully, solutions like PRP scalp treatments and laser hair removal for hirsutism offer hope.
At CoLaz, evidence-based therapies are helping women combat hormone-driven hair thinning. In this article, we explore the causes of PCOS-related hair loss, its biological effects, and the treatments that can restore confidence and hair health.
PCOS Hair Loss: Why It Happens & What You Can Do Before It’s Too Late
The struggle with PCOS hair loss is often more profound than aesthetics. It's a signal of internal hormonal chaos. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome frequently face not only excess facial and body hair but also significant scalp hair loss, driven by an imbalance of androgens.
This article explains the biological root of the problem, the warning signs you shouldn’t ignore, and what effective treatment options, including those offered by CoLaz, can help restore your hair and confidence.
From understanding how hormones trigger shedding to real, science-backed solutions tailored to PCOS, we’ll explore everything you need to know if you're watching your hair thin and feeling like no one’s listening.
What Causes Hair Loss in PCOS? The Hormone Breakdown You Need to Know
PCOS hair loss is triggered by an overproduction of androgens, male hormones like testosterone, which are abnormally high in many women with PCOS. These excess androgens shrink hair follicles on the scalp while increasing unwanted hair in other areas.
- Androgenic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss in PCOS.
- It typically results in diffuse thinning at the crown and part line, not complete baldness.
- High levels of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) are the primary culprits, attacking follicles and shortening the growth phase.
CoLaz emphasizes that understanding this hormonal profile is key before starting any treatment. Without managing the root hormonal cause, even cosmetic solutions may be short-lived.
Early Signs of PCOS Hair Loss Women Should Never Ignore
Recognizing the first signs can dramatically improve your chances of effective reversal. Many women dismiss mild symptoms until significant hair loss has already occurred.
Look for these early warning signals:
- Increased hair fall during brushing or showering
- Visible widening of the part line or scalp
- Slower regrowth of lost hair over several months
- Simultaneous growth of coarse hair on the chin, neck, or chest
These dual symptoms, hair loss on the scalp and hair gain in unwanted areas, are classic PCOS indicators.
Can Hair Regrow After PCOS Loss? The Honest Truth
Regrowth is possible, but not without a targeted strategy. Because the hair loss is hormonally driven, using generic hair products or salon treatments rarely leads to results.
- Time is critical: The longer follicles remain inactive, the harder they are to revive.
- Treatments must reduce DHT, support follicle health, and stimulate regrowth.
CoLaz’s Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy is a front-runner. The treatment uses your blood platelets, injected into the scalp, to promote new hair growth and rejuvenate follicles.
According to CoLaz, most patients notice improvement after 3–6 sessions, with up to 80% success rates when combined with proper hormonal care.
Why Women with PCOS Lose Hair but Grow It Elsewhere
This contradiction can be psychologically devastating. Many women feel like their femininity is under attack, losing scalp hair while gaining unwanted body and facial hair.
- PCOS stimulates excess facial/body hair via testosterone-driven growth.
- Simultaneously, DHT suppresses scalp hair follicles, leading to miniaturization and loss.
- This imbalance creates an emotional rollercoaster of hair issues that feel unfair and relentless.
CoLaz’s advanced laser hair removal can be a lifesaver, permanently reducing excess hair growth in areas like the face, chest, and back. Their laser technology suits multiple skin tones and is often used alongside PRP for a full-circle solution.
Best Treatment Approaches for PCOS Hair Loss According to CoLaz
While there is no overnight cure, CoLaz advocates for a multi-step treatment plan that includes both internal hormonal support and external follicular therapy:
- Bloodwork Analysis: Identify hormonal imbalances like elevated LH, testosterone, and insulin resistance.
- Diet & Supplementation: Nutrients like zinc, vitamin D, omega-3s, and saw palmetto may assist in balancing hormones naturally.
- PRP Injections: Direct stimulation of follicles to boost growth and density.
- Laser Hair Removal: For facial/body hair exacerbated by PCOS.
- Ongoing Hormonal Monitoring: Track and adjust based on your unique response to therapy.
CoLaz clinics provide in-person consultations to build customized treatment pathways that reflect each woman’s PCOS profile.
How Much Does Treatment Cost?
How to Know if Your Hair Loss Is PCOS-Related or Something Else
Not all thinning is due to PCOS. Regulating out other causes is essential before committing to a treatment path.
Consider this if:
- You have regular cycles and no other PCOS signs (your loss might be due to stress, thyroid, or nutrient deficiencies)
- The hair loss is patchy (PCOS usually causes diffuse thinning, not patches)
- There's a family history of female pattern baldness (which could be genetic)
Still unsure? CoLaz offers diagnostic referrals and works with local practitioners to ensure you're not chasing the wrong treatment.
Conclusion
PCOS hair loss can feel isolating, but thousands of women are facing the same battle and winning it with the right tools. By understanding your body, supporting it hormonally, and using clinically backed treatments like those from CoLaz, you can slow, reverse, or even stop hair loss in its tracks.
Don’t wait until it’s advanced. Early action means stronger chances of recovery and restoration in your hair and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Many women begin to notice early signs of hair thinning even before they’re formally diagnosed with PCOS. Teenage hormonal surges can accelerate this process, especially if there's a family history of hormonal imbalances. Early intervention may help reduce long-term follicle damage.
Visible results depend on the treatment path and the severity of follicle damage. Non-invasive therapies like PRP may take 3–6 months, while deeper regrowth could take up to a year. Combining internal and external strategies tends to yield better long-term outcomes.
Most treatment approaches, including PRP therapy and topical scalp support, are safe to use alongside PCOS medications like Metformin or oral contraceptives. However, it’s essential to coordinate with a provider who understands the full hormonal impact of combined treatments.
Yes. Non-hormonal approaches such as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), PRP, and topical DHT blockers like pumpkin seed oil or saw palmetto extract may offer supportive results without altering systemic hormone levels.
Not always. Hair loss may fluctuate based on lifestyle changes, stress, diet, or minor hormone shifts, even if the underlying PCOS is stable. However, persistent shedding could signal the need to re-evaluate your management plan.
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