How I reversed my PCOS hair loss

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder that affects almost 27% of women during their childbearing years with no known cause.

While many women with PCOS grow thicker hair, some go through thinning hair and sometimes hair loss, known as female pattern hair loss. Plus, PCOS symptoms including acne, weight gain, hair loss/gain and more, can almost feel like you’re being stripped of your femininity completely!

So, if you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS or you want to learn about the common symptoms, keep reading to hear my Stephanie McAdam’s experience with PCOS, why PCOS and hair loss occurs and how she reversed her PCOS hair loss for good.

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What is PCOS: The symptoms to look out for

PCOS causes extra male hormone production known as androgen. This causes the development of more masculine features including excess hair growth in areas including:

• Face 
• Neck
• Chest
• Abdomen

More common symptoms of PCOS and hair loss we find noticeable are irregular periods, sudden weight gain around the abdomen/hips, hormonal acne and hair loss. This can be due to Insulin Resistance which usually goes hand in hand with PCOS. 

How PCOS causes hair loss?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can trigger hair loss in women through the influence of elevated androgens, which are hormones typically associated with male characteristics. 

These androgens, such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), play a crucial role in the development and growth of hair follicles. 

However, when androgen levels become excessive in women with PCOS, it can lead to a series of changes in the hair follicles, resulting in androgenic alopecia, also known as female pattern hair loss.

Androgenic alopecia primarily affects the frontal and crown areas of the scalp. Here's how this process unfolds:

• Miniaturization of Hair Follicles: Elevated androgen levels, particularly DHT, can cause hair follicles in the affected areas to miniaturize. This means that over time, the hair follicles become smaller and produce thinner, finer hairs.

• Shortened Growth Cycle: Androgens can shorten the anagen phase, which is the active growth phase of the hair follicles. This results in a reduced duration of hair growth, making it more challenging to achieve thicker hair. 

• Increased Hair Shedding: Excess androgens can disrupt the natural hair growth cycle, leading to increased hair shedding. This often results in more noticeable hair loss during everyday activities like brushing, washing, or styling.

• Thinning Near the Front of the Scalp: Androgenic alopecia in women typically presents as diffuse thinning near the frontal and crown regions of the scalp. Hair in these areas becomes progressively thinner, shorter, and less dense, which can give the appearance of a receding hairline or widening part.

Symptoms of PCOS-related hair loss

One common symptom is thinning hair on the scalp, particularly at the crown area, which may become noticeably sparse. Women with PCOS might also experience increased hair shedding when brushing or showering. Hairline recession, similar to male-pattern baldness, is another indicator. 

It's essential to differentiate PCOS-related hair loss from alopecia, as the former is often linked to hormonal imbalances. Alopecia, on the other hand, encompasses a range of hair loss conditions that can result in patchy or complete hair loss. 

To address PCOS-related hair concerns, products like UKLASH Hair Gummies can be beneficial, but it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

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Can PCOS hair loss grow back?

Yes, Any hair you lose due to PCOS won’t grow back on its own, but with treatment and appropriate hair care, you can stimulate the growth of new hair over time. I often found it difficult to stay positive while waiting for results, but patience really is key!

Stephanie McAdam: How I reversed my PCOS Hair loss

Reversing my PCOS and hair loss symptoms has been a journey, to say the least! I've tried everything from the contraceptive pill to metformin. But all these options created hormonal imbalances, making me depressed while struggling to maintain my weight. 

That's when I discovered UKLASH Hair Vitamins and Hair Growth Serum. Ensuring I used both daily fell into my routine and before I knew it, I was including both into my nighttime regime without even realizing. Within weeks, I noticed my hair felt stronger at the root and I haven't looked back!

Please remember that everyone reacts differently to the contraceptive pill, so if you are thinking of giving it a go – go for it! The good thing about the pill is that you can stop whenever you want, so there’s no pressure on you.

How to make PCOS hair loss less noticeable

In the meantime, there are plenty of techniques I've tried which have masked my PCOS and hair loss. These techniques include: 

• Root cover-up powders
• Parting your hair in different places
• Try bangs (I didn't do this as a fringe would never suit me, but if you want to, go for it!)
• Volumizing hair products
• A layered hairstyle

PCOS Hair Loss: The treatment you need to try

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When to see a specialist

If you've tried solutions like hair growth gummies or hair growth serums and still find that your hair isn't responding after approximately six months, it's advisable to seek the expertise of a specialist. 

A dermatologist or endocrinologist can help diagnose and address underlying causes such as PCOS-related hormonal imbalances, which may require medical treatments like prescription medications or hormone therapy. 

Timely consultation with a specialist can make a significant difference in managing hair loss effectively and restoring healthy hair growth.

Medical treatments for reversing PCOS hair loss

Topical treatments

Topical solutions like minoxidil can be applied directly to the scalp to stimulate hair growth and improve hair density.

Oral contraceptives

Birth control pills can help regulate hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS, potentially reducing hair loss and promoting hair regrowth.

Antiandrogens

Medications like spironolactone can counteract the effects of elevated androgens, a common issue in PCOS, which can contribute to hair loss.

Finasteride and dutasteride

These prescription medications inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

PRP therapy involves injecting a patient's own platelet-rich plasma into the scalp, which can stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth. It's an innovative approach gaining popularity for treating PCOS-related hair loss.

Low-level laser light therapy

Low-level laser therapy devices emit red light that can stimulate hair follicles, increase blood flow to the scalp, and promote hair regrowth. This non-invasive treatment option is often used to address hair loss associated with PCOS.

Hair transplants

In cases of severe and persistent hair loss due to PCOS, hair transplantation can be a viable option. During this surgical procedure, healthy hair follicles are extracted from donor areas, often at the back of the head, and transplanted into the areas with significant hair loss. 

Hair transplantation offers a long-lasting solution, providing natural-looking results and restoring hair density. However, it's essential to consult with a specialist to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this procedure and to discuss the expected outcomes and recovery process.

Remember, the choice of treatment for PCOS-related hair loss should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional who can assess your specific condition and recommend the most suitable approach to address your individual needs.

Let’s end the stigma around PCOS Hair Loss.

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