Does PCOS cause hair thinning?
Yes, PCOS can cause hair thinning on the scalp. This occurs because PCOS leads to higher levels of male hormones called androgens, particularly testosterone, which can shrink hair follicles and reduce hair growth. The hair thinning typically appears gradually as a widening parting line, thinning at the crown, or overall loss of volume rather than sudden shedding.
Key points:
- Hair thinning from PCOS results from hormonal imbalances, specifically elevated androgen levels that affect how hair follicles function.
- The thinning usually develops gradually over time and is most noticeable at the front, sides, and crown of the scalp.
- PCOS can paradoxically cause both hair loss on the head and excess hair growth on the face and body due to the same hormonal imbalance.
- Hair thinning from PCOS may also occur when hair becomes drier and more damaged, causing it to break along the shaft rather than fall out from the root.
This text has been fact-checked for accuracy by Sorin Romaniuc, Pharmacist at medino.