PCOS and Hair Loss: Understanding the Cause and Embracing Natural Solutions
- Marcia Howard
- Jul 14
- 4 min read
For many women living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), the symptoms can feel like a revolving door — irregular cycles, stubborn weight, fatigue, and skin flare-ups. But one symptom that often causes the most distress is hair loss.
Whether you’ve noticed thinning around the crown, a widening parting, or increased hair shedding, know that you're not alone — and that there are ways to support your body and your hair, naturally.
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome — a common hormonal disorder that affects how a woman's ovaries work.
🔬 What Happens in PCOS?
Women with PCOS typically experience at least two of the following three features:
Irregular or missed periods– Due to infrequent or absent ovulation (release of an egg).
High levels of androgens (male hormones like testosterone)– Can lead to excess facial/body hair, acne, or scalp hair thinning.
Polycystic ovaries– The ovaries may become enlarged and contain many small fluid-filled sacs (follicles) that surround the eggs, visible on ultrasound.
💡 Key Characteristics of PCOS
Hormonal imbalance (especially insulin and androgens)
Irregular menstrual cycles
Difficulty getting pregnant (in some cases)
Hair thinning on the scalp and unwanted hair growth elsewhere
Oily skin or persistent acne
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Mood changes, anxiety, or depression
Fatigue and blood sugar issues
🧬 What Causes PCOS?
The exact cause isn’t fully known, but contributing factors include:
Genetics
Insulin resistance
Inflammation
Lifestyle and diet
👩⚕️ Is It Common?
Yes. PCOS affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age worldwide. Many go undiagnosed for years.
💡 Why Does PCOS Cause Hair Loss?
Hair loss linked to PCOS is driven largely by hormonal imbalance, particularly elevated androgens — often referred to as "male hormones". Here's how it plays out:
🔹 1. Excess Androgens
PCOS often leads to higher levels of testosterone and its more potent derivative, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT binds to receptors in the scalp, shrinking the hair follicles over time and shortening the growth cycle. This results in thinner, finer strands and reduced regrowth.
🔹 2. Insulin Resistance
Up to 70% of women with PCOS experience insulin resistance, where the body struggles to use insulin effectively. This triggers the ovaries to produce more androgens, compounding the issue.
🔹 3. Inflammation and Nutrient Depletion
Chronic low-grade inflammation is common in PCOS, affecting everything from the gut to the scalp. This can impair nutrient absorption — especially iron, zinc, vitamin D, and B12 — all crucial for healthy hair.
👩🦰 What Type of Hair Loss Is Common in PCOS?
The pattern of hair loss in PCOS is typically androgenic alopecia, also known as female pattern hair loss. It usually presents as:
Thinning hair on the crown or top of the head
A widening parting without full bald patches
More hair fall in the shower or on your brush
Sometimes accompanied by an itchy or oily scalp
Unlike male-pattern baldness, the hairline often remains intact — but the volume and density can noticeably decrease over time.
🌿 Natural Ways to Support Hair Health with PCOS
While it can be tempting to turn to quick fixes, hair regrowth takes time — and true healing starts from the inside out. Here are evidence-informed, holistic steps you can take:
✅ 1. Balance Blood Sugar
This is foundational. Stable blood sugar levels help lower insulin and, in turn, androgens. Support this by:
Eating protein and healthy fats with every meal
Avoiding refined sugars and ultra-processed foods
Trying natural insulin sensitisers like myo-inositol or berberine (under guidance)
✅ 2. Reduce Androgen Levels Naturally
Several natural compounds may help reduce excess androgens:
Spearmint tea (2 cups daily) has been shown to lower testosterone in women with PCOS
Zinc plays a role in reducing DHT conversion and supports hormonal balance
Saw palmetto may block DHT, but should be used with professional guidance
✅ 3. Support Detox Pathways
Your liver helps clear out excess hormones, including androgens. You can support it by:
Eating plenty of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale and cabbage
Including turmeric, milk thistle, and dandelion tea
Staying well-hydrated and supporting gut health
✅ 4. Feed Your Follicles
Your hair needs building blocks:
Iron (especially ferritin — optimal >70 ng/mL for hair growth)
Vitamin D3
Biotin and B-complex vitamins
Omega-3 fatty acids to calm inflammation and nourish the scalp
Tip: A simple blood test can highlight where you’re low — testing ferritin, B12, and vitamin D is a great place to start.
✅ 5. Tackle Inflammation
Inflammation silently damages hair follicles. Consider:
Eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in colourful vegetables, oily fish, flaxseeds, and herbs like ginger and turmeric
Reducing intake of inflammatory foods like sugar, gluten, dairy, and alcohol (if tolerated)
💆♀️ Scalp Health Matters Too
A healthy scalp is the foundation of hair growth. Try:
Gentle, natural shampoos free from parabens and sulphates
Weekly scalp massages to boost circulation
Rosemary oil, pumpkin seed oil, or caffeine-based serums to stimulate follicles
Exploring micro-needling or low-level laser therapy if you're further along your journey
🧘♀️ Don’t Forget the Mind-Body Connection
Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can interfere with hormone balance and hair growth. Consider practices that support the nervous system:
Deep breathing and yoga
Meditation or journaling
Prioritising restorative sleep
🔬 What About Testing?
If your hair isn’t responding to diet and lifestyle changes, consider asking your practitioner about:
Androgens (Testosterone, DHEA-S)
Insulin and fasting glucose
Ferritin and Vitamin D levels
Thyroid panel (to rule out hypothyroidism)
✨ Final Thoughts
Hair loss from PCOS can feel like a cruel joke, especially when you're doing everything “right”. But healing is possible. By addressing the root causes — insulin resistance, androgen excess, inflammation and nutrient depletion — and supporting your body gently, you can improve hair growth and reclaim your confidence.
If you would like to learn how to manage PCOS an d what you can do to get your body healing, book a call - Link below.
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