PCOS Could Be The Reason Behind Your Hair Fall: Expert Explains How And Tips To Fight This

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects women during their childbearing years. In this condition, multiple cysts or fluid-filled sacs grow in the ovaries. PCOS is linked with a variety of health issues. It leads to hormonal imbalances which can affect various processes inside your body. PCOS can contribute to irregular periods, weight gain, acne, hair growth on chest, face and back. If left uncontrolled PCOS can lead to infertility, diabetes, hypertension, depression, eating disorders and increased risk of heart diseases. Hair fall is also a result of PCOS. This condition can contribute to severe hair fall at times. Dr. Renu Raina Sehgal, Chief Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Artemis Hospital explains how PCOS can lead to hair fall and how to fight this.

PCOS Hair Loss: Here's the link

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Dr. Sehgal explains, "The thinning of hair also known as Androgenetic Alopecia is one of the common symptoms of PCOS. Androgen levels are normally lower in women as compared to men but women suffering from PCOS have high levels of androgens (male hormones) and if they have no hair follicle sensitivity to androgens then their hair may not have any effect of PCOS. Testosterone is broken down into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone which leads to hair loss and women with PCOS have high levels of DHT. It gets attached to the hair follicle making them weak and eventually leading to hair loss."

Also read: Understanding PCOS and ways to control this condition

PCOS can lead to hair fall which requires medical attention
Photo Credit: iStock

How to fight PCOS related hair fall?

Like all PCOS symptoms, hair loss due to PCOS can be avoided if the root cause which is a hormonal imbalance is fixed, explains Dr. Sehgal. She further adds on how to deal with hair fall associated with PCOS.

1. Since PCOS is more of a hereditary or lifestyle disorder amongst young women thus creating a healthy lifestyle can stop most of the problems faced due to PCOS. Consuming a diet high in green leafy vegetables, low in sugar and sodium with an adequate amount of exercise might help in managing the symptoms.

2. Adequate water intake, enough sleep along with managed stress levels also impact your hair growth.

3. Besides, shunning the excessive heat styling, chemical products, aggressive brushing can also help reverse this side effect of PCOS.

4. Weight management also remains an important factor in preventing PCOD related side effects. Excess weight related to high insulin levels also increases androgen levels in these patients.

PCOS lead to weight gain and other health issues linked with excess weight
Photo Credit: iStock

5. Medical assistance also plays an important role in controlling the symptoms as well as complications od PCOS.

Yes! PCOS hair regrowth is possible if you can address the underlying hormonal imbalance. Once you are rightly diagnosed with PCOS by your doctor and you are put on PCOS treatment, you will notice a significant improvement in the symptoms along with hair regrowth.

Also read: PCOS Management: Here Are Some Tips To Fight Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Naturally; Know Symptoms And Complications

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.