Hair loss or thinning hair in women may be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that can affect fertility. As many as five million women in the United States may be affected by the disorder, according to the National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC). Treatment of PCOS-related hair loss involves stabilizing hormone levels and using medications to spur hair growth.
Identification
Eggs grow in cysts, or follicles, in a woman's ovaries. These cysts fill with fluid as an egg grows. When the egg is mature, the cyst breaks open, releasing the egg. The egg travels from the ovary to the uterus through the fallopian tube. If a woman has PCOS, her eggs don't mature and cannot be released, according to the NWHIC. Instead, fluid builds up in the cysts, but because the eggs are not released, the cysts remain in the ovaries and do not break apart.
Cause
Women who have PCOS produce abnormally high levels of androgens. Androgens are male hormones that can affect the development and release of eggs. The increase in male hormones also affects hair growth and causes a condition called androgenetic alopecia, or female pattern hair loss. Unlike male pattern baldness, androgenetic alopecia in women does not result in total hair loss on the crown, but causes hair at the scalp to become thinner, according to the American Hair Loss Association (AHLA).
Symptoms
Symptoms of PCOS may include irregular or absent menstrual periods, pelvic pain and infertility. The disorder may affect the skin, causing oily skin, skin tags, acne and patches of dark, thick skin on the underarms, neck and groin. Obesity or weight gain may occur, with weight gain occurring primarily around the abdomen. Due to the high level of male hormones produced by the ovaries, body hair may become thicker or darker, according to the Hormone Foundation. As thicker hair appears on the face, chest, arms, stomach, thumbs, toes and legs, hair may start to thin or miniaturize on the head, resulting in a "peach fuzz" appearance to the scalp.
Treatment
Androgen-blocking medication can be helpful in treating both excess hair and thinning hair. The medication may be taken in conjunction with birth control pills, which work to decrease the production of androgens in the ovaries, according to the AHLA. Minoxidil, a topical cream used to regrow hair, may also be prescribed.
Warning
Birth control pills must be used in the proper formulation to be effective in reducing hair loss due to PCOS. The AHLA recommends the use of low androgen index birth control pills to treat hair loss, as high androgen index birth control pills can contribute to hair loss. Androgen-blocking medication and birth control pills should not be taken if a woman is trying to become pregnant.
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