Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects millions of women worldwide. While it’s often associated with irregular periods, acne or fertility challenges, one of the lesser-discussed but still distressing symptoms is hair thinning.
Understanding how PCOS hormones disrupt the hair cycle can help explain why thinning happens – and, importantly, what steps you can take to restore balance and support healthy regrowth.
1. The Normal Hair Growth Cycle
Your hair doesn’t grow all at once – each follicle goes through its own cycle, consisting of three key phases:
Anagen (growth phase): Hair grows actively for 2–7 years.
Catagen (transition phase): A short resting stage lasting 1–2 weeks.
Telogen (shedding phase): Old hairs fall out to make room for new growth.
At any given time, around 90% of your scalp hair should be in the growth phase. But when hormones are disrupted, this balance can shift.
2. How PCOS Hormones Disrupt the Hair Cycle
PCOS is characterised by higher levels of androgens (male hormones such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone/DHT). These androgens affect the hair cycle in two ways:
Shortening the growth phase (anagen):
Hair spends less time growing, leading to shorter, thinner strands.
Miniaturising hair follicles:
DHT binds to follicles, shrinking them and producing finer hairs over time – a process known as androgenic alopecia.
The result? Gradual hair thinning across the scalp, often most noticeable at the parting and crown.
3. PCOS Hair Thinning vs. Other Types of Hair Loss
It’s important to distinguish PCOS-related hair thinning from other causes:
PCOS hair loss: Gradual thinning, widening part, reduced volume (not patchy).
Alopecia areata: Sudden, round bald patches caused by autoimmunity.
Telogen effluvium: Temporary shedding after stress, illness, or pregnancy.
This distinction matters, as the treatment approach depends on the underlying cause.
4. What You Can Do to Support Hair Regrowth with PCOS
Medical & Clinical Treatments
Minoxidil (topical): Stimulates follicles and extends the growth phase.
Hormone-regulating medication: Doctors may prescribe birth control pills or anti-androgens (like spironolactone) to balance hormones.
Personalised regrowth plans: Specialist services can tailor treatments to your hormonal profile and scalp health.
Lifestyle & Nutritional Support
Balanced blood sugar levels: Managing insulin resistance with a low-GI diet can reduce androgen activity.
Nutrient optimisation: Ensure adequate iron, vitamin D, B vitamins and zinc for healthy follicles.
Regular exercise: Helps regulate hormones and reduce stress, both of which affect hair.
Gentle Hair & Scalp Care
Avoid harsh chemicals or excessive heat styling.
Use volumising shampoos and products designed for thinning hair.
Consider scalp massages to boost circulation.
5. Emotional Impact: More Than Just Hair
Hair thinning from PCOS can affect confidence and self-esteem. It’s important to acknowledge the emotional impact and seek support if you need it. Many women find that joining PCOS communities or tracking progress photos helps them feel less alone and more motivated to stick with treatment.
Final Thoughts
PCOS disrupts the delicate balance of the hair growth cycle, leading to gradual thinning and reduced volume. The hormonal influence – particularly excess androgens – shortens the growth phase and shrinks follicles over time.
The good news? With the right combination of medical treatments, lifestyle strategies and gentle hair care, many women see meaningful improvements in hair health.
If you’re experiencing PCOS-related hair thinning, know that support and solutions are available – and taking consistent action can help restore balance to both your hormones and your hair.
At Hair + Me, our personalised hair regrowth treatments are designed by dermatologists to support people experiencing PCOS-related hair loss. We use the clinically proven ingredient minoxidil in a topical format (The Drops), applied directly to the scalp once a day. This targeted approach ensures hair growth occurs only on the scalp, with no impact on other areas of the body. To see if you’re eligible for treatment, you can complete our 100% online consultation below.
Helpful Resources
NHS - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Overview
Verity – The UK PCOS Charity: A leading UK charity providing information and support for women with PCOS. They offer a private Facebook group for peer support and resources on managing symptoms, including hair loss.