Doctors believe Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is caused due to hormonal imbalance in women. When the levels of sex hormones estrogen and progesterone are out of balance, cysts (benign masses) start developing on the ovaries.
What does it do to you?
Irregular menstrual periods is the most common characteristic of PCOS. However, due to a marked decrease in female sex hormones, women start developing male characteristics as well:
- Excessive hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, thumbs, or toes
- Decrease in breast size
- Deeper voice
- Thinning hair
PCOS & Hair Loss
According to most women suffering from PCOS, hair loss is the most distressing. The first thing you do is see a dermatologist.
He will be able to guide you through the condition. You should also:
- Get a check for thyroid or metabolic disorders –It is important to treat any such existing disorders which will help reverse hair loss due to PCOS.
Your doctor might prescribe birth control pills with high levels of progestin to help suppress production of excess DHT (a sex hormone that prevents hair follicles from growing strands). - Cut sugar out of your life (Completely!) –That includes fructose, dextrose, sucrose, evaporated cane juice, syrups – basically sugar in any form. The lesser sugar you consume, the healthier your hair follicles will be.
Avoid chemical hair products –
Prevent hair shrinkage from chemical stress. Skip products that contain parabens, alcohol, sulfates, formaldehyde, phenol and colouring agents. - Stock up on supplements –About 7 to 9 mg of biotin helps with hair growth.
Supplements like N-acetyl Cysteine and L-Lysine reduce or block the production of DHT that causes hair fall.
Fish oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which helps improve insulin sensitivity and reduce androgens (the male hormone). - Go natural –Improve your diet. Skip meats, consume plenty of green vegetables, fresh fruits and drink a lot of water. Maintain a healthy balance between carbohydrates and fats. Give up smoking and alcohol too.
So, PCOS not only causes hair loss from the scalp but promotes unwanted hair growth on other areas of the body as well.
How do you get rid of body hair?
Coarse, darker hair growing on your face, chin, neck, chest, back or limbs is called Hirsutism. It affects 5-10% of all women and a much higher percentage of women diagnosed with PCOS.
Its treatment involves:
- The medical –
– Enzyme inhibitors
– Finasteride
– Birth control pills
– Androgen receptor blockers and more
Just remember to never ingest any medication without the supervision of a doctor.
- The cosmetic –
– Shaving, waxing and threading (temporary)
– Electrolysis, laser hair removal (permanent)
The condition understandably takes a toll on your peace and well-being but the first step to facilitate your improvement is to not take stress! Visit your doctor for all necessary check-ups and dermatologist for the right topical treatments – all will be well.
