Relationship between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and hair loss?

PCOS, also known as a polycystic ovary syndrome, is the most prevalent endocrine illness that affects women of childbearing age. It is characterized by reproductive, cardiovascular, dermatologic, and metabolic consequences. The Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline (ESCPG) and the 2003 Rotterdam criteria are used to make the diagnosis.

According to a retrospective study, the most accurate clinical markers of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were hirsutism and acanthosis nigricans. Despite this, there is limited data on the frequency of PCOS in individuals who come with a significant symptom of hair thinning.

This research aims to investigate the characteristics that eventually led to a diagnosis of a polycystic ovarian syndrome mongst female clients who presented themselves to a specialty hair loss center. Dermatologists are in the unique place to send women who have presumed PCOS to a specialist.

Why Does Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Cause Hair Loss?

The condition known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is linked to a rise in the male hormone levels called androgen. These high levels of androgens are responsible for the thinning of hair on the scalp. Testosterone and androstenedione are two of the essential hormones in this process. The hormones dihydrotestosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone. As well as DHEA sulfate, are also classified as androgens (DHEA-S).

The ovaries, adrenal glands, and fat cells in a woman’s body. Are the organs that are responsible for the natural production of these hormones. Which are more frequently referred to as “male hormones.” The stimulation of underarm and pubic hair development plays an integral part in puberty. It regulates the amount of blood loss that occurs during menstruation. As well as the frequency of it, and it is ultimately turned into estrogen.

Androgen concentrations in women are significantly lower than those in males. Consequently, when the ovaries transform into cysts and subsequently create an excessive amount of these hormones. They have the potential to obstruct the hair follicles, leading to a condition known as androgenic alopecia.

What happens when this happens?

The damaged hair gradually loses thickness across its diameter. Shrinks in length, lightens in color, and fades in tone until it is no longer generated. This condition is also known as female-pattern hair loss, abbreviated as FPHL.

The hair loss and thinning begin at the crown of the head and then progressively. Spreads until it covers the majority of the entire top of the head. Making the scalp visible in certain lighting conditions.  This hair loss can, over time, become severe and eventually lead to a state of near-baldness. Particularly in women as they go through menopause.

The primary offender in this scenario is dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Which connects to receptors in the scalp’s follicles. Causing them to contract and making it difficult for wholesome hair to survive. This problem is made worse because the absence of ovulation has resulted in a deficiency of progesterone. Which would ordinarily bind to the same receptors as a means of avoiding hair loss.

Treatments that help prevent baldness due to polycystic ovary syndrome

The following are some treatments that may help prevent or treat hair loss caused by PCOS:

• Combining an oral contraceptive pill (OCP) with spironolactone
• Diane-35 containing Ethinyl estradiol and cyproterone acetate
• OCP in conjunction with an inhibitor of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme
• OCP in combination with flutamide
• Multi-drug treatments
• Minoxidil

Although the medicinal treatments described above successfully prevent and manage androgenic alopecia. Neither hirsutism nor alopecia in women is treated with these medications very often. Nor is the FDA likely to suggest that this be done.

Patients must do thorough self-evaluations. And hair loss specialists and endocrinologists need to check up with patients to maintain hormonal balance and prevent further hair loss. Recent investigations and research developments have shown novel formulations. That will aid a lady with alopecia and minimize the emotional burden of the condition.

When Should Someone Consult a Doctor About Hair Loss Due to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

If you are experiencing sudden hair loss and have not been given an outside diagnosis such as polycystic ovary syndrome. You should get inspected by either a healthcare professional or a dermatologist. Based on their findings, these medical professionals will be able to place you in the path of a specialist who can help you treat your condition.

The same holds for the symptoms and signs of polycystic ovary syndrome. If you’re suffering from any of those, which can include baldness accompanied by irregular periods, unintended weight gain, and increased acne. You should see the ob-gyn to obtain a precise diagnosis. Getting an accurate diagnosis for PCOS can help you better manage your condition. When it concerns hair loss primarily caused by polycystic ovary syndrome, it is essential to work with a team. This team may consist of an ob-gyn, a dermatologist, or a reproductive endocrinologist.

Some patients with PCOS may feel frustrated because they may feel that their gynecologist or whoever else is treating their condition is not necessarily addressing issues such as hair loss. There are a lot of individuals who are unaware of the fact that dermatologists are specialists in hair loss and that they have the most experience in treating this problem.

What you should take into account

It is crucial to remember that you are not the only person coping with hair loss caused by polycystic ovary syndrome. If you are experiencing this issue, you are not alone. Things can be emotionally beneficial to discuss with a community of individuals coping with the same situation. And it may prompt you to question therapy alternatives that you might not have considered before. If you suffer from PCOS, keep the following in mind:

Polycystic ovary syndrome can impact a person’s physical and mental health. Particularly when it manifests itself in outwardly evident symptoms such as hair loss.

PCOS-related hair loss persists for a while. Androgens continue to obstruct the hair follicles, and DHT continues to attach to the receptors on the hair follicles. The medication takes several weeks to eliminate the excessive androgens and DHT. Increasing the levels of estrogen and progesterone.

Because hormones cause excessive hair loss. It is impossible to stop it with herbal therapies, essential oils, or any other home remedy. The only way to handle this condition is to visit a hair specialist or an endocrinologist.

Conclusion

It is necessary to perform a detailed self-assessment to rule out potential factors that may aggravate its presence. Additionally, a comprehensive evaluation performed by your primary care physician and the endocrinologist is essential.