Hair Loss in Menopause and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Hair Loss in Menopause and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Hair loss is an uncomfortable condition that can create challenging moments at different periods of each woman’s life. Hair loss can be a normal part of the aging process in men, but hormonal imbalances (especially those caused by menopause and seen in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)) can also cause hair loss.

How Hormones Affect Hair Growth and Loss

Hormone production in the body significantly affects the rate at which hair grows. The hair growth cycle consists of three stages: anagen (elongation), catagen (transition) and telogen (rest).

Testosterone and a more powerful derivative, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are male hormones called Androgens that significantly affect this cycle. While these hormones promote hair growth in some body areas, they can cause hair thinning and loss, especially when found in higher amounts on the scalp.

Both the female hormone estrogen, which supports hair density and growth, and the male hormones produce more hair during the growth phase; but when estrogen decreases almost completely during menopause or in women with PCOS, hair begins to fall out.

Hair Loss During Menopause

Menopause is an important period in every woman’s life, as it occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. Decapitation is an important period in every woman’s life. When women enter menopause, a decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels leads to an increase in androgens, upsetting the balance, and this suppresses hair follicles. A noticeable change is male-type hair loss, known as androgenetic alopecia (AGA), and this usually starts at the top of the head and extends to the point of separation.

What are the Symptoms of Hair Loss During Menopause?

Thinning hair (usually at the top of the head)

Expansion of the hair separation point

Hair falls out when you shampoo or comb your hair.

Increase in breakage and brittle hair strands

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and Hair Loss

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal problem that affects 10% of women during their childbearing years. PCOS causes elevated levels of androgens, especially testosterone and DHT, which leads to many symptoms, including hair loss. Hair loss with PCOS usually occurs in the form of a Christmas Tree, where thinning begins in the middle of the scalp and progresses forward.

Genetic cause of hair loss and PCOS

The testosterone produced can be converted to DHT instead of being used quickly. The aforementioned DHT clings to the hair follicles and causes them to shrink slowly, which is why it usually produces thinner and weaker hair in women with PCOS. This condition, called androgenetic alopecia, also causes hair loss in women with PCOS. It turns out that he also carries a genetic predisposition. But contrary to expectations, testosterone and DHT can thin the hair on the scalp, while increasing excessive hair growth in different places in both men and women- this condition is called hirsutism. While unwanted hair growth is experienced in some areas, thinning of the hair on the scalp is a contradictory condition and is a specific symptom of PCOS.

While it is true that high androgen levels are a common cause of hair loss in women with PCOS, not all women with PCOS have abnormal testosterone or DHT measured in their blood. Most of these hormones are synthesized in skin, fat and breast tissue and are usually not associated with blood levels; therefore, they act locally, but also act systemically through this mechanism. For this reason, the diagnosis and treatment of hair loss due to PCOS can be difficult.

Symptoms of PCOS-Induced Hair Loss

Hair loss at the top of the head and regressive hairline

Expansion of hair separation

Excessive hair loss

Apart from these, it also manages to treat other symptoms such as acne, hirsutism and irregular menstruation due to androgen excess.

Insulin resistance contributes as a factor. Insulin resistance is a major feature of PCOS and puts women at risk of developing male-pattern hair loss. High insulin levels trigger the ovaries to produce more male hormones (androgens), which can lead to hair loss. Therefore, losing weight to fight insulin resistance offers another advantage that will help you regain your hair.

Treatments for Hair Loss in Menopause and PCOS

Hair loss in women caused by menopause or PCOS is usually multifactorial and requires medical, lifestyle, and occasionally surgical intervention. To better understand the options:

Minoxidil (Rogaine)
Minoxidil is an FDA-approved topical treatment for female-type hair loss. It activates the hair follicles and exerts an effect by prolonging the hair growth stage. Minoxidil is useful for both menopause and PCOS-induced hair loss; however, it may take several months to take effect and should be used continuously.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) — The use of drugs containing estrogens and/or progestin to replace natural hormones; it is usually used by women in the perimenopause or menopause process.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can also be beneficial for menopausal women; it can slow hair loss by regulating the balance of estrogen and androgens. However, the extent to which HRT can reverse hair loss and the associated risks and benefits are not fully known. However, the extent to which HRT can reverse hair loss and the risk/benefit balance are not fully known.

Anti-Androgen Drugs
Blocking the effects of testosterone and DHT on hair follicles is effective in reducing hair loss in women with PCOS. For this purpose, spices and pills can be used as prescription drugs with an anti-androgen effect. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy and is used by prescription; Spironolactone

Finasteride
Finasteride is another anti-androgen therapy method that works by blocking the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. Because it reduces the level of DHT, when used, the damage to the hair follicles is stopped and in many cases it allows the hair to completely regrow. Although it is usually used in men, finasteride can also be prescribed to women with androgenic alopecia, especially women experiencing PCOS-related hair loss.

In a study conducted on dark-skinned individuals, finasteride was found to significantly increase hair density and thickness. It may also benefit in reducing the increase of unwanted hair in women experiencing hirsutism.

Lifestyle Changes
Due to insulin resistance, all women with PCOS are affected at some level; by solving this problem with diet/October supplements/behavioral changes, you can prevent hair loss and improve health. When you lose weight with diet and exercise, there will be a decrease in the amount of androgens that reduce hair loss. Again, an endocrinologist needs to work with a dietitian, which is very important to develop a plan that ensures weight loss (if the dietitian recommends it) and balances hormones.

Hair October
In the case of excessive hair loss with age (menopause and PCOS) or cicatricial alopecia, the only option is hair October surgery. During the hair October procedure, follicles are taken from areas less sensitive to DHT (for example, the back of the head) and placed in places where DHT causes thinning. This is done by placing individual hairs in such a way as to leave minimal traces with the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) technique.

Although hair loss caused by menopause and PCOS is medically harmless, it can be very emotionally challenging for women. Changes in physical appearance can cause many women not to feel very feminine; they also have low self-esteem and are isolated from society. To deal with the emotional side of hair loss: Counseling, support groups, and even talking to friends or loved ones can help women cope with the stress associated with hair loss.

Hair loss in women, whether caused by menopause or PCOS, is a very personal condition and can cause anxiety. In both cases, thin hair is caused by a hormonal imbalance; in addition, PCOS also causes excessive hair growth on the body. Dec October treatment options include topical medications such as Minoxidil, anti-androgen medications such as Spironolactone and Finasteride, lifestyle changes, or hair transplantation. If you are experiencing hair loss due to menopause or PCOS, you should see a healthcare professional for treatment possibilities. In addition, you can consult with a doctor to control the condition and find the most appropriate treatment for hair loss.

At Smile Hair Clinic, specialists take care of women’s hairlines and scalp anatomy by offering specially prepared hair October options to women. This ensures that the transplanted hair looks natural and integrates well with the original hair.