Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormone disorder which includes an array of symptoms like hirsutism, which causes excess growth of facial and body hair, also leading to hair thinning and hair loss. Experts claim that PCOS affects 1 in 4 girls and is closely related with hyperprolactinemia and hypothyroidism. “Both these hormones — prolactin and thyroid — contribute to weight gain and higher incidence of diabetes,” said Dr Ranjana Dhanu, Consultant, Gynaecology & Obstetrics at P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Khar, adding further that hypothyroidism and diabetes are in a way linked with frontal balding and hair loss.
Highlighting the same, Nuupur Patil, a nutritionist, took to Instagram and wrote, “Not just your weight, PCOS also affects your hair,” adding that PCOS causes extra androgen production, which also causes the hair on your head to start thinning, especially near the front of your scalp.
She continued further that having a balanced diet will certainly help to better PCOS condition and the associated symptoms which is a result of higher testosterone levels, leading to hair loss. “It is thought that a lot of PCOS symptoms are caused by your body becoming resistant to insulin. But a healthy, balanced diet can help manage insulin resistance,” she added.
Listed below are five tips or remedial measures which could help reducing hair fall associated with PCOS.
Choose foods rich in iron
Have iron rich food or take supplements; Image Source: NDTV Food
Patil stated, “One of the major contributors to hair loss is iron deficiency, and PCOS patients often have decreased ferritin levels (a blood protein that contains iron). Thus, eating foods rich in iron and taking supplements can help meet the body’s iron requirements.”
Iron-rich foods comprises seafood, beans, dark green leafy veggies like spinach, dried fruits like raisins and apricots, and fortified cereals. Furthermore, Dr Dhanu said, “A diet rich in vitamins, which includes fruits, proteins, dietary biotin supplements, and most importantly regular exercise, which enhances the blood supply throughout the body and around scalp, can be consistent remedial measures.”
Make sure to select the suitable hair care product
“Wax and mineral oils, which can create a film on the scalp and interfere with normal sebum production, should not be present in hair care products,” added the expert. While presence of hydrolyzed proteins such as keratin, collagen and vitamin B could be fruitful for your hair.
Try to avoid gluten free and dairy products
The expert said, “Dairy and gluten may both be very inflammatory foods that cause hormonal imbalance and hair loss. However, one should see how they feel after stopping these foods for a while.”
Stress may be the primary reason for hair fall issues; Image Source: Very Well Mind
Hair loss could take place due to rising cortisol levels. Patil said, “It can be quite helpful to meditate, get eight hours of sleep, and pay attention to your mental health.” In cue of that, Dr Dhanu said, “Habits such as smoking, alcohol and substance abuse are also major factors that make the hair brittle, causing hair fall, and give cosmetic problems like pigmentation and ageing.”
Rosemary oil
It has been found that Rosemary oil improves hair growth, strengthens hair follicles and blood circulation and offers anti-inflammatory properties which lessens the intensity of hair loss. Carnosic acid which is included in the plant is responsible for healing tissue and nerve damage.
Patil averred that it also helps in restraining dihydrotestosterone (DHT). “The day before you take a shower, massage castor and rosemary oils into your scalp,” she added.
