Do you feel like you’re losing more hair than usual lately? And along with that, have you noticed some irregularities in your monthly cycle, like missing periods or unpredictable flow? And while you may be losing hair, you might find it growing up in unexpected places, like on your chin or abdomen. You may be suffering from symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

 

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Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome (PCOS) is associated with the enlargement of the ovaries and the appearance of cysts. If you have PCOS, your ovaries will produce excess hormones, androgens which makes reproductive hormones become imbalanced. This may result in missed periods, hairfall, thinning of follicles, weight gain, trouble sleeping and unpredicted ovulation. A 2022 study issued by Endocrine Society shows that Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects 10-15 per cent of women of reproductive age. It is characterised by an imbalance in reproductive hormones, which can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, excess male hormones (androgens), and the formation of small cysts in the ovaries.

 

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Symptoms of PCOS

Some common symptoms of PCOS include:

• Irregular periods
• Heavy bleeding
• Excess hair growth (hirsutism)
• Acne
• Weight gain
• PCOS-related hair fall
• Skin darkening
• Headaches
• Poor sleep due to PCOS

 

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

 

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1. PCOS-Related Hair Fall

PCOS-related hair fall is primarily caused by an excess of androgen hormones in the body. Androgens, like testosterone, play a vital role in hair growth in both men and women. However, when there is an imbalance in the production of these hormones, it can lead to hair thinning and hair loss, also known as androgenic alopecia.

 

Some common symptoms of PCOS-related hair fall include:

• Thinning hair on the scalp
• Widening part of the hair
• Hair falling out in clumps
• Hair breakage

 

Treatment Options for PCOS-Related Hair Fall

The increased production of androgens in women with PCOS can lead to hair thinning and hair loss, a condition known as androgenic alopecia or female pattern hair loss. Below are some treatments and strategies to manage PCOS-related hair fall. Several treatment options can help manage PCOS-related hair fall:

 

Lifestyle Changes

1. Follow a balanced diet: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help maintain healthy hair growth.
2. Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help improve insulin resistance and blood circulation, which can promote hair growth.
3. Manage stress: Stress can exacerbate hair loss, so it's essential to find ways to reduce stress through activities like meditation and yoga.

 

Medical Treatments

1. Minoxidil: This FDA-approved medication can help promote hair growth by dilating the blood vessels in the scalp and improving the nutrient supply to hair follicles.
2. Oral contraceptives: Hormonal medications can help regulate androgen levels, thereby controlling hair loss caused by PCOS.
3. Metformin: This medication is often prescribed for managing insulin resistance in women with PCOS, which can also aid in the treatment of hair loss.
4. PRP Treatment for Hair Regrowth: Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment has become a popular choice for addressing hair loss in women with PCOS. The procedure involves drawing the patient's blood, processing it in a centrifuge to separate the plasma, and then injecting it into the scalp to stimulate dormant hair follicles and promote hair regeneration.

 

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2. Weight Gain Due to PCOS: Causes and Solutions

Weight gain due to PCOS is primarily caused by insulin resistance, which is a common issue in women with PCOS. According to a 2023 study published by Medical News Today, 38-88 per cent of people with PCOS suffer from weight gain and obesity. Insulin resistance can lead to increased hunger, cravings, and difficulty in losing weight. You may be wondering why PCOS causes weight gain. It turns out that the hormonal imbalances in PCOS can mess with your metabolism and lead to insulin resistance. This means your body has trouble processing sugar, resulting in increased insulin production. And unfortunately, excess insulin can make it easier for your body to store fat, especially around your abdomen, giving you that frustrating belly bulge.

 

The following are some strategies to tackle weight gain related to PCOS.

 

Dietary Changes

1. Eat a low glycemic index (GI) diet: Consuming foods with a low GI can help manage insulin resistance and control weight gain.  Focus on consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
2. Consume lean protein: Incorporating lean protein sources like chicken, fish, and legumes can help maintain a healthy weight.
3. Increase fibre intake: Fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help regulate blood sugar levels and control appetite.
4. Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Engaging in regular physical activities like walking, jogging, swimming, or yoga can help manage weight gain and improve insulin sensitivity.

 

Medications

1. Metformin: As mentioned earlier, metformin can help manage insulin resistance and control weight gain in women with PCOS.
2. Orlistat: This weight loss medication can aid weight loss by reducing the absorption of dietary fats.

 

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3. Poor Sleep Due to PCOS: Causes and Remedies

Poor sleep quality is common in women with PCOS, which can be attributed to hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance. Sleep apnea occurs in 50 per cent of women with PCOS, says a 2020 journal Sleep and Breathing. Sleep disturbance, daytime dysfunction and night shifts are generally associated with developing PCOS. 

 

Here are some strategies to improve sleep in women with PCOS.

 

Sleep Hygiene Practices

1. Establish a regular sleep schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can help regulate your sleep patterns.
2. Create a sleep-friendly environment: Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool to promote restful sleep.
3. Limit exposure to screens before bedtime: The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone, making it harder to fall asleep.
4. Stress management techniques: Practising relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress and improve sleep quality.

 

Medical Treatments

1. Melatonin supplements: Over-the-counter melatonin supplements can help regulate sleep patterns in women with PCOS.
2. Sleep medications: In some cases, your doctor may prescribe sleep medications to help improve your sleep quality.

 

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Managing PCOS-related issues such as irregular menstruation, hair fall, sudden weight gain, and poor sleep can be challenging. However, by taking a test first, lifestyle changes, and stress management techniques by UR.Life HRA, you can effectively tackle these concerns and improve your overall health and well-being.

 

Diagnostic tests will be done such as physical exams for increased body and facial hair, thinning scalp hair, acne, and other symptoms of increased androgen levels. The doctor may check your blood for levels of androgens, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and progesterone whether you're ovulating. Further, they may recommend a pelvic ultrasound—a test that uses sound waves to create images of the uterus and the ovaries on a computer monitor—to look for ovarian cysts.

 

People can take these tests to learn more about their PCOS symptoms. Here, healthcare professionals will evaluate your specific situation, provide accurate diagnosis, and guide you through appropriate treatment options for PCOS and weight management.

 

Take care of your body and mind to feel your best. Sign up here to unlock holistic health.

Regular health checks are essential for everyone, but they are particularly important for individuals who are at risk of or already have polycystic ovary syndrome. Taking regular health checks can help at an early stage when diagnosing and managing PCOS-related issues is easier to manage and treat. With the UR.Life HRA, we help you to invest in your well-being through seamless interventions and targeted medical treatments. Our holistic wellness approach caters to all aspects of your well-being. We ensure that you can bring your whole self to work.