The Deep Connection Between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Female Hair Loss

When searching for the causes of female hair loss, one often encounters a condition called 'Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)'. In fact, the relationship between the two is so profound that hair loss is considered one of the primary symptoms of PCOS. If you are struggling with thinning hair along with irregular menstrual cycles or acne, understanding this condition accurately is the first step toward effective hair loss treatment.

1. What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

PCOS is one of the most common endocrine (hormonal) disorders among women of childbearing age. While the name may suggest cysts on the ovaries, the essence of the condition is a state where ovulation does not occur smoothly due to hormonal imbalances.

The key symptoms and causes are as follows:

Key Symptoms

• Chronic Anovulation: Irregular menstrual cycles (oligomenorrhea) or, in severe cases, the absence of menstruation for several months (amenorrhea).
• Hyperandrogenism: High levels of male hormones (androgens) in the blood, or clinical symptoms resulting from them (such as hirsutism, severe acne, and male-pattern baldness) even if blood levels are normal.
• Polycystic Ovaries on Ultrasound: A clinical finding during an ultrasound where small, immature follicles appear like a string of pearls along the edge of the ovary.

Causes

While the exact cause is not yet fully understood, 'insulin resistance' is considered a major factor alongside genetic influences. Insulin resistance is a state where the body does not respond properly to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar. To compensate, the body produces even more insulin. This increased insulin stimulates the ovaries to produce more male hormones, ultimately leading to hormonal imbalance.

2. Increase in PCOS, Increase in Female Hair Loss

The problem is that the number of PCOS patients is steadily rising due to changes in modern lifestyles. According to a study by the National Health Insurance Ilsan Hospital (2018), the new incidence rate of PCOS among Korean women of childbearing age showed a clear upward trend, rising from 76.2 per 100,000 in 2007 to 123.0 in 2015. This is analyzed to be because modern lifestyle patterns—such as Westernized eating habits, lack of exercise leading to increased obesity, and stress—worsen insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances.

The process by which PCOS causes hair loss is clear. Increased male hormones (testosterone) are converted into DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which triggers male-pattern baldness. When this DHT binds to androgen receptors in hair follicles, it shortens the growth phase of the hair and causes 'miniaturization' of the follicles. As a result, hair gradually becomes thinner and weaker before eventually falling out, with hair loss typically appearing on the crown and frontal areas.

3. How to Manage Hair Loss Caused by PCOS?

PCOS is closer to a chronic condition that requires continuous management rather than a complete cure. Therefore, the core of treatment lies in correcting overall lifestyle habits.

Oriental Medicine Approach & Natural Therapies

In Oriental medicine, PCOS is approached through concepts such as 'Damp-Phlegm (濕痰)', meaning unnecessary waste products in the body, and 'Kidney Deficiency (腎虛)', meaning a decline in hormonal function. Treatment focuses on restoring the body's balance according to individual constitutions.

Medical Treatment

Clinics may prescribe metformin, a diabetes medication, to improve insulin resistance, or oral contraceptives to regulate irregular menstrual cycles and androgen levels. While effective, there is a high possibility of symptoms recurring once the medication is stopped if fundamental lifestyle improvements are not made.

Lifestyle Improvements (The Most Important Treatment)

• Dietary Control: This is the most crucial part. Avoid refined carbohydrates (white rice, flour, sugar) and processed foods that cause rapid spikes in blood sugar. Instead, base your diet on Low Glycemic Index (Low GI) foods (whole grains, legumes, vegetables). Healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts), high-quality protein, and sufficient fiber intake are essential.
• Weight Management: Obesity is a major factor that worsens insulin resistance. Research shows that losing just 5-10% of body weight can improve hormone levels and restore ovulation. Crucially, rapid or excessive weight loss can actually worsen hair loss. It is important to adjust weight gradually over 1-2 years through a healthy diet and consistent exercise.
• Regular Exercise: Moderate-intensity aerobic exercises like brisk walking or cycling are very effective at increasing insulin sensitivity. Combining this with strength training to increase muscle mass helps with long-term weight management by raising the basal metabolic rate.
• Stress Management and Sufficient Sleep: Chronic stress and lack of sleep worsen hormonal imbalances. It is important to manage stress through meditation, yoga, or hobbies, and to get at least 7 hours of quality sleep every day.

In conclusion, hair loss caused by PCOS cannot be solved simply by applying products to the scalp. Only when you address the fundamental issue of hormonal imbalance and maintain a healthy lifestyle through consistent effort can you truly recover your precious hair.