I have PCOS and have been experiencing a lot of hair loss. Can anyone recommend anything to help with this?

[Pinky2014]

I am starting to get worried about it now, as so much hair is falling out daily and more so after I wash my hair.

[beaufritz]

Hi

This has been happening to me, I was advised that vitamin d and iron levels can affect hair growth. I have been on them for 4 months, I think the problem has stabilized but not improved. It may worth giving supplements a try as well as checking with your GP at some point.

[Missy100]

I agree with beaufritz about your vitamins. Vitamin D can be taken regardless (and if you haven't been getting out much with the virus it is something that you very well may be lacking). As for Iron, you can overdose on it so it might be worth getting your GP to have your levels checked so you can then tailor any supplement you may need based on the results. Also your B vitamins are something you might consider too..

You can discuss with your doctor whether oral contraceptives might help. I've read online that zinc supplements might help, but am unsure how valid that is.

If you have long hair make sure you are not pinning it up or typing it back in tight styles or the same way all the time. Try to wash it only as much as necessary. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner and don't scrub vigorously. Use a detangling brush or comb and gently work from the ends. Try to avoid caps and hats where possible. Avoid using harsh chemicals where you can and if you bleach your hair I would suggest considering changing colour as this can add to the stress on your hair.

While it doesn't stop the hair loss, if you notice thinning around the hair line you can disguise this with some powder makeup in a shade similar to your hair colour (there are videos on line - it is more common than you might realise).

It is horrible when your hair starts thinning because it is falling out. I hope some of the above helps.

[Kimmy2002]

Hello this is likely due to having higher levels of testosterone in your body.. it's a common side effect with PCOS becasue our bodys create more testosterone to attach to the insulin we also create more of due to our condition. The best way of combating this is to move to a low sugar diet meaning there is less insulin and there for less testosterone. Another thing you can do is take cinnamon with food a shot in water or you can get supplements as well as spearmint tea that also reduces testosterone as both of them combatt sugar spikes. Vitamins like B12 and D should be everyday with PCOS any way but that wont help your hair. There is a supplement called biotin but becarfull with this as you can shed hair if you stop taking it. 😊

[Patyc]

There is a serum to treat hair loss and it’s amazing

I used the shampoo from the same line and it’s amazing

Here the link patyc.mynuskin.com/content/...

[Pinky2014]

Thanks so much for all of your advice and recommendations. I’ve found it really helpful. I’ve started taking more vitamins and minerals now the ones specifically for hair. I suffer with low iron anyway and the doctors are sending me for a blood test just to check it over. I’ve asked for my blood sugar and hormone levels to be checked as well. I take Metformin, so maybe this needs to be increased.

I’m trying to cut down on my sugar intake as well to see if that helps.

I suppose the hair cycle is quite a long process, so hopefully will notice the difference over the next few months xx

[Biddy007]

Check your Thyroid. PCOS and under active Thyroid and being insulin resistant are linked.

I am 55 now, but I remember in my early thirties having been diagnosed with both. Hand fulls of my hair would fall out. I had to gather a weeks worth of hair in a bag to show to my GP to get his attention. I was put on thyroxine and the blood work improved but I was still tried.

I read a book by famous Dr Peatfield and went to see him privately. He told me that I couldn't convert the synthetic thyroid hormones and that is why I felt tried all the time but the blood work looks good and a GP will not anything for me. He recommended that I buy some Armour Thyroid from America. It worked like a charm. No more naps during the day and it was easier to lose weight.

Hope this helps

[Biddy007]

Check your Thyroid. PCOS and under active Thyroid and being insulin resistant are linked.

I am 55 now, but I remember in my early thirties having been diagnosed with both. Hand fulls of my hair would fall out. I had to gather a weeks worth of hair in a bag to show to my GP to get his attention. I was put on thyroxine and the blood work improved but I was still tried.

I read a book by famous Dr Peatfield and went to see him privately. He told me that I couldn't convert the synthetic thyroid hormones and that is why I felt tried all the time but the blood work looks good and a GP will not anything for me. He recommended that I buy some Armour Thyroid from America. It worked like a charm. No more naps during the day and it was easier to lose weight.

Hope this helps