Tips to Control PCOS Hair Loss
I had thick, shiny hair till my late 20s. In fact, I never faced any hair problems till then. It was only gradually that my hair started thinning. Every time I washed and brushed, I was losing hair – all because of PCOS.
As of today, my hair is on the thinner, finer side, and I’m fine with that. I am happy I haven’t had drastic hair fall in years now. According to my hair stylists, my hair is healthy and there are no signs of thinning.
Understanding PCOS Hair loss
Women with PCOS experience overall thinning of the hair. They may also experience thinning where the centre parting begins, and at the corners above the temple. You can even see through your hair.
What you can do to help yourself?
Sadly, there are no shortcuts. The best way is to balance your hormone levels. Eating a healthy diet is most important. Honestly, that works the best regardless of any medication that you might be taking – orally or by applying topically. Here are a few items that you can add to your diet.
- Super green powders – like moringa, spirulina, chlorella or a blend of these. Green powders are extremely rich in vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, B vitamins, vitamin A etc. All these are essential for your hair.
- Healthy fats like olive oil, desi ghee, avocado oil and sesame oil, especially if your hair is dry and breaks easily.
- Our hair is 98 per cent protein. Eat lean meats, fish, chicken, eggs, a good plant-based protein powder, brown/red rice, oats, lentils, and nutritional yeast.
- Fresh fruits and dark green vegetables
- Seeds and nuts, including black sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, almonds, and pistachios. I have them raw and unsalted. Here, moderation is the key.
- Supplements that provide an overall multivitamin and mineral formula – like omega 3, biotin and zinc. You can always ask your GP to prescribe these.
Some treatments you can go for –
- PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy, a medical treatment in which platelets are injected in your scalp, has shown promising results in women with PCOS. You need to take a few sessions to see good results. I haven’t tried PRP myself, but I’d go for it now if the need arises. It is an invasive treatment, and so I would advise you to go to a certified, well-experienced doctor, and not just any medi clinic.
Then of course, there are other prescription-based topical and oral treatments, which you can follow under your doctor’s guidance only. I have not taken any, and so, I cannot elaborate much on that.
- Topical treatments (non-prescription ones) like hair tonics definitely give your hair roots a boost, and increase circulation in your scalp. Oiling your hair with heavy oils is not a good idea, especially if you are suffering from hair fall issues. Too many vigorous washes can weaken the roots, further making your hair dry and frizzy.
- Besides eating healthy (not taking any hair supplements for now), I am currently using the RENE FURTERER RF 80 strengthening formula. Made with plant peptides, this non-oily scalp treatment has vitamins and minerals that promote hair growth, and keep your hair roots and scalp healthy. Apply the leave-in treatment onto clean scalp once a week.
Lastly, if you are experiencing intense hair loss, please don’t wait for too long. Get help from your doctor at the earliest.