September is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) month. Are you part of the 5-6 million women living with PCOS in the United States?
If yes, you’ve probably seen how much the hormonal disorder affects your health and appearance. As if irregular periods and breakouts weren’t enough, 20%-30% of women with PCOS experience hair loss. Don’t fret – hair loss from PCOS can be treated with various options, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP), so you can feel like yourself again.
The hair restoration experts at Hair Doc, provide hair restoration services to women located in Cow Hollow, San Francisco, and beyond to help improve their everyday life. Read on to find out more about how we can help.
PCOS is a condition in which ovaries produce an overabundance of the hormones called androgens. Both males and females have androgens, like testosterone, present in their bodies, but males often have a higher level of them.
Symptoms of PCOS differ among individuals, but some of the most common include:
PCOS isn’t curable, but it’s treatable with medication and lifestyle improvements.
Do you experience hair shedding in the shower? Perhaps you find many strands of hair on your pillow. This is often how hair loss starts with PCOS.
The exact reasons behind hair loss in PCOS are complex, but they largely revolve around hormonal imbalances. Women with PCOS have higher levels of androgens than normal, which, as a result, may cause hair thinning and balding.
Women experience hair loss differently from men and often see it show up as:
PCOS-related hair loss can be reversed with PRP or minoxidil.
You might have heard of PRP but don’t quite understand how it works. PRP was first used to treat musculoskeletal injuries but has recently expanded to improve cosmetic concerns like hair loss. PRP involves injecting a rich mix of cytokines and growth factors into areas of thinning hair to stimulate dormant hair follicles and encourage regrowth.
Peter Panagotacos, MD, performs PRP for hair loss in a three-step process:
One PRP treatment takes about 40 minutes to complete. While you’ll notice an improvement after the first session, 3-6 treatments are often needed to experience full results.
You may start seeing results as soon as two weeks from your treatment, with full results that peak around six months. Expect stronger strands of hair and a thicker, fuller hairline. PRP is a safe and natural treatment for patients bothered by hair loss from PCOS and wish to improve it.
Minoxidil, better known by the name Rogaine™, is a topical solution that’s proven to encourage hair regrowth in women affected by PCOS. This FDA-approved treatment is applied to the scalp to promote hair regrowth in as little as eight weeks.
Here are some tips on how to use minoxidil:
Minoxidil provides noticeable hair thickness and regrowth for most patients after four months of consistent use. Whether you’re interested in trying minoxidil or PRP, the soonest way to get results is by starting now.
Call 415-907-7354 or book online to schedule your hair restoration consultation with us today.
