Female Hair Loss Treatment and PCOS
Treatment of female hair loss and androgenetic alopecia in women who have PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is difficult because the conventional treatments are often ineffective. Here are a few ideas for treatment.
Rogaine - Minoxidil
The only FDA-approved drug for treating female pattern baldness is minoxidil (brand name is Rogaine), which is applied to the scalp. A 2% concentration is often used when treating women. Minoxidil may help hair to grow in one of every five women. In the majority of women, it may slow or stop the loss of hair. But don't expect immediate results. It could be at least six months before you notice improvement. Also, the drug is expensive. If you stop taking minoxidil, your hair loss is likely to start again.
Propecia - Finasteride
Finasteride (brand name Propecia) is used mostly for treating male hair loss. It blocks an enzyme that leads to increased testosterone production, which is primarily responsible for androgenic alopecia in both men and women. Finasteride is similar to saw palmetto in this respect.
Your doctor may prescribe finasteride for female pattern hair loss or hirsutism. Some medical evidence suggests that saw palmetto extract may be as effective as finasteride.
Hair Transplants
Hair transplantation involves removal of very small plugs of hair from areas of the scalp where the hair is actively growing. The plugs are placed in areas where the hair is thinnest.
Transplantation may cause minor scarring in the areas from which the plugs were taken. There is also a slight risk of skin infection. The procedure usually requires multiple transplantation sessions and may be expensive. Results can be good, but vary with the individual.
Wigs, hair weaving or changing your hairstyle are ways to make female hair loss less obvious.
Natural Hair Loss Treatments
The University of Lubeck in Germany recently conducted an experiment on human hair. They discovered that l-carnitine promotes hair growth. Exposure to carnitine stimulated hair shaft elongation and reduced hair cell death in this study.
The researchers concluded, "Our findings suggest that L-carnitine stimulates human scalp hair growth..." They further encourage one to explore l-carnitine "…as a well-tolerated, relatively safe adjuvant treatment in the management of androgenetic alopecia and other forms of hair loss."
Low levels of B-vitamins can lead to unhealthy hair and set the stage for unnecessary hair loss.
Among the B-vitamins, biotin appears to be the most important. It is involved in the process of healthy hair growth. It's good for your nails too! This is why some shampoos contain biotin.
In high doses biotin can be effective in assisting restoration of hair growth, with no known side effects. A high dose might be in the range of 5,000-8,000 milligrams daily.
Saw palmetto is a natural plant substance that inhibits the action of testosterone. Women with PCOS tend to have high testosterone levels, which then leads to female hair loss and hirsutism.
If you have an oily scalp along with thinning hair, frequent shampooing is advisable. Surface oils in your scalp contain testosterone, which can cause the hair follicle to shrink and the hair to fall out.
The omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in highly purified fish oil, are helpful for preventing dry, brittle, or thinning hair.
A deficiency in minerals such as manganese and zinc may contribute to hair loss. You can prevent this with a higher quality diet or you can take a high-quality multi-vitamin/mineral supplement.
Healthy Hair Diet
A healthy diet, as described in The Natural Diet Solution for PCOS and Infertility e-book, is crucial for reducing insulin resistance and excessive testosterone that stimulates androgenic hair loss and hirsutism (unwanted hair growth).
This diet is also supportive of healthy hair because it is free of junk food and is high in nutrients that are essential for your hair to be strong, healthy and look good.
Get Assistance from a Doctor
A necessary part of coming to grips with hair loss and PCOS is to consult with a knowledgeable physician.
A skilled medical doctor or naturopathic doctor will take the time to evaluate your organ systems, because female pattern hair loss is often due to hormonal and other imbalances in your ovaries, liver, gastrointestinal tract, or your adrenal, hypothalamus, thyroid or pituitary glands.
In summary, PCOS-related female hair loss is not something you "have to live with". There's plenty you can do to take care of this nagging and very distressing problem.
Find out about
PCOS and Causes of Female Hair Loss
Hirsutism and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
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