Your Ultimate Guide to PCOS Hair Regrowth

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder that affects one in ten women, disrupting hormones that play a vital role in how our bodies function. These hormonal imbalances can lead to frustrating and sometimes distressing symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, skin darkening, infertility, and yes, even PCOS-related hair loss. 

Many Cysters experience female pattern hair loss (AKA androgenic alopecia), which is thinning at the top and along the crown of the head. If you’ve ever felt the frustration of losing clumps of hair in your brush or seeing thinning patches in the mirror, you’re not alone and I definitely know how it can take a toll on your confidence. But you found the right place to be and I’m here to help! 

You might have already tried hundreds of shampoos and hair products that promise thicker, fuller hair, but none of them worked, right? Why? Because the root cause of PCOS hair loss isn’t something topical products can fix– it’s all about hormone dysregulation. Hormones are the key players behind how our bodies work, including hair growth. The good news? By addressing these imbalances, you can start regrowing your hair and feeling like yourself again. Let’s dive into how you can tackle this from the inside out!

Your Ultimate Guide to PCOS Hair Regrowth

There are 100% natural and effective ways to stimulate hair regrowth with PCOS, and the best part is these lifestyle changes can also improve other PCOS symptoms as you heal the root issues leading to all your symptoms! Let’s explore why PCOS causes hair loss and how you can take steps to feel confident and reclaim your hair. 

Can PCOS Cause Alopecia?

Yes, PCOS can lead to androgenic alopecia, the official medical term for hair loss and the main cause of female pattern baldness in women with PCOS. This condition occurs when hormonal imbalances disrupt hair growth, weakening the hair follicles and resulting in thinner, more fragile hair. This may sound discouraging, but this is actually good news because hormonal dysregulation can be reversed and your luscious locks from your younger years can return once again!

Elevated Androgens (Male Hormones)

Many women with PCOS have elevated levels of androgens (male sex hormones like testosterone), which can shrink hair follicles, shorten the hair growth cycle, and cause hair to fall out faster than it can regrow. While these hormones can contribute to hair loss on the scalp, they can also trigger excessive hair growth on the body, a condition known as hirsutism. This may appear on areas like the face, legs, back, abdomen, and arms, creating a frustrating combination of symptoms for many Cysters. 

Sensitivity to DHT (Dihydrotestosterone)

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone derived from testosterone, and it acts like a super-charged fertilizer for body hair. But when it comes to the hair on your head, it does the exact opposite. With PCOS, elevated testosterone levels can convert into DHT, which disrupts the hair growth cycle. If your hair follicles are sensitive to DHT, it can lead to thinning, weakening strands, shrunken follicles, and, in some cases, hair follicles that stop producing hair altogether. This imbalance can be a major contributor to PCOS-related hair loss. 

Chronic Inflammation

Women with PCOS often experience chronic inflammation driven by elevated cortisol levels and insulin resistance. While these hormonal imbalances affect many bodily functions, one area they directly impact is the health of your hair follicles due to the inflammation. Chronic inflammation can weaken hair follicles, causing hair strands to become thin and fragile, and in some cases, it can stop the follicles from functioning. 

Nutritional Deficiencies

PCOS can often lead to deficiencies in key vitamins and nutrients like calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and vitamins D, B12, and B9. Nutrients like zinc, iron, and vitamin D are especially important for maintaining healthy hair. When your body lacks these essential nutrients, it can result in hair thinning or even hair loss, making proper supplementation and nutrition from food crucial for hair health. 

How to Stimulate Hair Regrowth with PCOS

Stimulating hair growth is absolutely possible, even with PCOS. With a combination of natural remedies, new lifestyle habits, and medical treatment options, you can take steps to restore your hair and support healthy regrowth. 

Lower androgen levels.

We’ve already covered how elevated androgen levels, like testosterone and DHT, can directly contribute to hair loss. So, one effective way to encourage hair growth is by lowering those androgen levels. There are a couple of options for doing this. 

You could talk to your doctor about anti-androgen medications, which work by blocking DHT’s effects on your hair follicles. Or, you could opt for a more natural approach (my favorite!) by incorporating herbal teas, like my Testosterone Relief Tea, into your routine. This tea is specially crafted with herbs supported by research (such as spearmint and nettle) to help lower testosterone levels, combat hair loss, and reduce facial hair growth. The combination of these herbs can also tackle other PCOS symptoms of high androgens, like fatigue, acne, and anxiety. It’s a soothing, natural solution to support your hair health and overall well-being! 

Eat a gluten- and dairy-free anti-inflammatory diet. 

Remember, we discussed how chronic inflammation, often driven by insulin resistance, contributes to PCOS-related hair loss. The best way to tackle this root issue of insulin resistance is by adopting a gluten- and dairy-free anti-inflammatory diet packed with high-protein, whole foods. Improving insulin sensitivity helps your body process glucose properly, turning it into energy instead of storing it as fat. This reduces inflammation, allowing your hair follicles to regain their health and strength. 

The benefits don’t stop at hair regrowth, because a nutrient-rich diet can also improve many other PCOS symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, and more. Find PCOS-friendly recipes on The Cysterhood app for healthy meal ideas. 

Find stress management techniques.

To address high cortisol, I recommend finding your favorite stress management activities. Cortisol is the “stress hormone,” remember, and it’s no secret that stress can literally make our hair fall out… it’s not just a saying. So, stress management is KEY! 

Practices like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help calm your mind and body. Additionally, certain supplements can support lower cortisol levels, promoting healthier hair follicles and encouraging hair regrowth. 

Use hair regrowth therapies.

If you’re looking for an extra boost to support hair regrowth after PCOS-related hair loss, hair regrowth therapies can make a difference. The only Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved treatment for women is Rogaine (minoxidil), a topical, over-the-counter solution that promotes hair regrowth by improving blood flow and delivering essential nutrients to the hair follicles. 

If you decide to use Rogaine, I recommend talking to your doctor and pairing it with other methods mentioned in this blog post like managing stress and improving your diet for the best results and overall health. It’s all about a holistic approach to regrowth! 

Take supplements for PCOS hair loss.

Incorporating supplements into your routine can be a major game-changer for PCOS-related hair loss and your hair regrowth journey. Supplements for PCOS hair loss like zinc, vitamin D, omega-3, and iron, play a crucial role in regulating hormones and tackling the root causes of PCOS hair loss. By addressing these underlying issues, you not only promote regrowth but also reduce the likelihood of experiencing hair loss in the future. 

This long-term approach helps you feel confident in your appearance while managing PCOS symptoms. These powerful supplements work to regulate your hormones, rejuvenate your hair follicles, and kickstart your hair regrowth journey, giving you a sustainable path to healthier, stronger hair! 

Begin your hair regrowth journey and reverse PCOS symptoms with the right methods and supplements! 

Taking control of your hair regrowth journey starts with addressing the root causes of PCOS-related hair loss hormonal imbalances, chronic inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies. By combining the right methods and supplements, you can restore your hair and improve your PCOS symptoms along the way. 

Ovafit’s products are designed to support your PCOS journey every step of the way. Start with Testosterone Relief Tea, a natural blend of herbs that help lower androgen levels, combat hair loss, and manage other PCOS symptoms like fatigue and acne. Pair it with the MetaMulti Vitamin, packed with essential nutrients like zinc, vitamin D, and magnesium to balance your hormones and promote overall health. And don’t forget Ovasitol, a powerful supplement for improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and addressing one of the key contributors to PCOS symptoms. 

With a holistic approach that includes the right supplements, a PCOS-friendly diet, stress management, and low-impact exercise, you can find symptom relief, regrow your hair, and feel confident in your journey to thriving with PCOS.