Hair loss affects millions of women worldwide. But women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are more prone to suffer from hair loss, or we can say Female Patterned Hair Loss (FPHL). In Canada, PCOS affects nearly 15% of adolescents and reproductive-age women, making it the most common metabolic–endocrine disorder.
The intersection of PCOS and hair loss presents both diagnostic challenges and treatment opportunities that require specialized, evidence-based care.
The Statistical Reality Behind PCOS Hair Loss
The numbers tell a compelling story about PCOS-related hair loss. WHO indicates that 6-13% of women suffer from PCOS in their reproductive age. And 20-30% of women with PCOS show clinical symptoms of female pattern hair loss.
More concerning is that women with PCOS are more than twice as likely to experience hair loss compared to non-PCOS women of the same age. Research shows that there are different levels of prevalence of hair loss among PCOS patients. A range of reports is different, as there are cases of 40-70% prevalence, with some young women possibly exhibiting this sign during their teens.
As a leading hair loss clinic in Canada, Ottawa Hair Loss Clinic & Wellness is committed to delivering evidence-based trichological treatments specifically designed to address these complex hormonal interactions.
The Science Behind PCOS and Hair Loss
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has the potential to have a major effect on your hair health via various hormonal mechanisms. 75-90% of PCOS women have hyperandrogemia (high androgen levels such as testosterone). These androgens are transformed into the active hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT attaches to the androgen receptors on hair follicles, and over time, they wither and become weak, which causes female pattern hair loss.
Insulin resistance is also common in PCOS, which is another contributing factor to hair loss in PCOS. Insulin resistance can amplify androgen production in the ovaries. Elevated insulin levels reduce levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), increasing free testosterone. This feeds back into hair follicle effects.
PCOS causes other conditions, like chronic low-grade inflammation, micronutrient deficiencies (iron, zinc, vitamin D), thyroid dysfunction, and high cortisol/stress levels. They often worsen the picture. All of these may disrupt follicle cycling and hair health, causing hair loss in PCOS.
The peculiarity of the hair changes in PCOS is that they have opposite effects on various parts of the body. As hair on the head becomes thinner, 60–76% of PCOS women start to grow hair (hirsutism) on the face and body. According to trichology scholars, this is an indication of differences in the sensitization of hair follicles to androgens in the body.
“At Ottawa Hair Loss Clinic & Wellness, our commitment is to uncover the root causes of hair shedding, not just mask symptoms. When we combine advanced diagnostics with customized treatments, we help clients not just restore hair, but restore their confidence and wellness.” _Mikaella Celestin, CEO & Certified Trichologist, Ottawa Hair Loss Clinic & Wellness. |
PCOS Hair Loss: Signs and Symptoms to Know
Early Warning Signs of PCOS Hair Loss!
Most women are not aware of the connection between hair loss and PCOS until the hair starts becoming too thin. Early detection is one of the keys to effective intervention.
Classic Hair Loss Patterns
- Part line widening, becoming more apparent.
- Crown and temples thinning.
- Flattening of the forehead hairline.
- General loss of hair volume and density.
- Hair thinning and shortening in an affected region.
Associated PCOS Symptoms
- Abnormal or missing menstruation.
- Growth of too much facial and body hair (hirsutism)
- On the jawline and chin.
- Gaining weight or loss of weight.
- Dark pigments on the skin (acanthosis nigricans)
- Frequent mood changes and depression
- Symptoms of insulin resistance.
Physical Examination Findings
A daily average of hair loss is 100-150 hair strands per day. It is stated that before a woman recognizes her PCOS hair loss, she has already lost at least 20-25% of her total scalp hair. So, a professional evaluation is crucial to recognize the root cause.
Professional examination shows certain trends that differentiate PCOS loss of hair and other factors. The Ludwig scale measures the severity (grading) of the female pattern hair loss. Grade I presents with a slight amount of thinning, whereas Grade III presents with a large amount of involvement involving the crown.
Other Diagnostic Tools for Hair Loss in PCOS
- Medical history (menstrual patterns, acne, weight gain, family history)
- Physical examination (hair density, scalp photography, trichoscopy)
- Blood tests: total testosterone, free testosterone or free androgen index, DHEA-S, thyroid function, ferritin/iron studies, vitamin D, possibly prolactin or insulin markers
- Trichoscopy (dermoscopy analysis)shows hairs that are small in size, differentials in the hair shafts, and low follicle density. These microscopic changes occur before visible thinning becomes apparent.
“Hair loss in PCOS is not just about follicles, it’s about the full hormonal picture. Treating androgen excess without addressing insulin resistance, diet, stress, and nutrient status is like trimming the branches without tending the roots.” — Dr. Jeffries, dermatologist and researcher in androgen excess and hair sciences. |
Treatment Strategies for PCOS Hair Loss
Treating hair loss in PCOS requires a lot of effort. Here are a few evidence-based strategies:
Strategy | What does it do? | Key Notes |
Topical Minoxidil | Widens hair follicles; prolongs the anagen phase; increases new hair growth. | Usually, 5% formulation for FPHL; take 2- 4 months to see visible changes. |
Anti-androgen therapy (e.g., spironolactone) | Blocks androgen receptors; reduces DHT effect on follicles. | Requires monitoring; contraindicated in pregnancy; side effects are possible. |
5-alpha reductase inhibitors (finasteride, dutasteride) | Reduces conversion of testosterone to DHT. | Off-label in women; safety and pregnancy risk must be managed. |
Lifestyle & metabolic treatments | Weight loss, diet, and exercise improve insulin resistance; reduce the androgen baseline. | Even modest weight loss (5-10%) can have a meaningful effect. |
Correction of nutritional deficiencies & thyroid | Improves follicle health; addresses co-factors of shedding. | Iron, vitamin D, and thyroid levels are especially important. |
Adjunctive therapies (e.g., PRP, low-level laser therapy, microneedling) | Stimulates growth factors, improves scalp environment. | Best when used in combination and under supervision. |
While therapies like minoxidil, supplements, or even advanced procedures may sound promising, they are not universally effective… if used without proper evaluation!
In fact, pursuing treatments without medical supervision can not only fail to deliver results but may also accelerate hair shedding and diminish your confidence further.
PCOS-related hair loss is complex, driven by hormones, metabolism, and genetics. So ofcourse, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. This is why expert guidance is critical. A qualified hair loss specialist can identify the underlying drivers, personalize therapy, and monitor progress to ensure treatments are both safe, effective, and long-lasting.
How Ottawa Hair Loss Clinic Transforms PCOS Hair Loss!
Ottawa Hair Loss Clinic & Wellness is a nationally recognized leader in hair restoration and scalp treatment solutions, offering advanced, personalized care for individuals experiencing all types of hair loss.
Our approach begins with a thorough diagnostic evaluation to understand your unique PCOS presentation. We use microscopic and computer-assisted diagnostic tools to analyze the scalp and hair. We integrate comprehensive bloodwork to detect hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and thyroid dysfunction. And offer personalized treatment plans that combine trichological care, wellness/lifestyle guidance, and non-invasive therapies.
Simply put, when someone is grappling with PCOS-related hair loss, seeing a clinic that does both thorough diagnostics and holistic, science-backed care can make a major difference in outcomes.
Our patients typically see initial improvements within 3-4 months, with significant results becoming apparent by 6-12 months. Hair growth is a gradual process, and our team provides realistic expectations while celebrating every milestone with our patients.
Invest in Your Confidence!
If you’re experiencing hair loss related to PCOS, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Early intervention provides the best outcomes. Hair follicles retain their capacity for recovery before complete miniaturization occurs.
Hair loss affects more than appearance; it impacts your confidence, professional presence, and quality of life. Ottawa Hair Loss Clinic understands that investing in hair restoration is investing in your overall well-being and future success. Our flexible treatment options and financing solutions make effective PCOS hair loss treatment accessible.
“We believe every woman deserves to feel confident and beautiful, regardless of hormonal challenges. Our commitment to staying at the forefront of trichological advances means our patients always have access to the most effective treatments available!”