PCOS Hair Loss: Why It Happens (And How to Support Hair Growth by Lowering Androgens + Inflammation)

Understanding PCOS Hair Loss: Managing Androgen Levels and Reducing Inflammation

Hair loss can be one of the most distressing symptoms of PCOS, not because it’s “just cosmetic,” but because it can deeply affect your confidence, femininity and sense of control in your own body.

And for many women, it feels unfair.

You might be managing your periods, trying to eat well, supporting your weight and energy… and yet you’re watching more hair collect in the shower drain, noticing thinning around your part line, or feeling like your ponytail is getting smaller.

If that’s you, I want you to know two things:

1. You are not imagining it

2. There are real reasons PCOS causes hair thinning and there are steps you can take to support change

PCOS hair loss is very real, and it’s usually linked to two key drivers:

• androgen imbalance

• inflammation (and often insulin resistance)

Let’s break this down clearly.

Why PCOS Causes Hair Loss

PCOS is a hormonal and metabolic condition that affects millions of women. One of its common features is higher levels of androgens, like testosterone.

Androgens aren’t “bad” women need them too, but when levels rise above what your body can comfortably handle, symptoms appear.

In PCOS, elevated androgens can cause:

• acne

• unwanted facial/body hair

• and scalp hair thinning

This is because hair follicles respond differently depending on location.

Your scalp hair follicles are particularly sensitive to androgen activity. When androgen levels are elevated (or when hair follicles are extra sensitive), the follicle can shrink over time and produce thinner, weaker hair strands.

This is known as female pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia) and often shows up as:

• thinning around the crown

• widening part line

• reduced density through the top of the scalp

This is different to “normal shedding.” It’s gradual thinning, and it deserves proper support early.

The Role of Insulin Resistance in PCOS Hair Loss

One of the biggest reasons androgen levels rise in PCOS is insulin resistance.

When insulin is high, it can stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens. So for many women, hair loss isn’t just a “hormone problem” it’s also a metabolic one.

This is why supporting insulin sensitivity often becomes a key part of supporting hair health and reducing androgen symptoms.

Why Inflammation Makes Hair Loss Worse

Inflammation is another major piece of the puzzle.

Many women with PCOS have chronic low-grade inflammation, which can:

• disrupt the scalp environment

• weaken follicle health

• impair nutrient absorption

• worsen insulin resistance

• increase sensitivity to hormonal changes

If the body is in a chronic inflammatory state, hair growth often becomes less of a priority because the body is focused on survival, stress response and stability instead.

Supporting inflammation is not optional when it comes to PCOS hair loss.

How Androgens Affect Scalp Hair (And Why It Feels So Confusing)

This is where PCOS can feel unfair.

High androgens can cause:

• more hair growth on the chin, upper lip, stomach, chest

• less hair growth on the scalp

This happens because scalp follicles react to androgen activity by shrinking. Over time, the follicle produces thinner hair strands until growth slows.

This is why PCOS hair loss often feels like a double hit unwanted hair in places you don’t want it, and thinning in places you do.

What Helps PCOS Hair Loss (What I Focus On With Clients)

1) Improve insulin sensitivity

Supporting insulin helps reduce androgen production at the root.

Key strategies include:

• protein-based meals (especially breakfast)

• reducing refined carbs and added sugars

• choosing whole food carbohydrates

• strength training and consistent movement

For many women, improving insulin resistance is the turning point for hair, skin and cycle changes.

2) Reduce inflammation

An anti-inflammatory lifestyle supports hair follicle health and hormonal stability.

Support includes:

• colourful vegetables daily

• omega-3 rich foods (salmon, sardines, flax, chia, walnuts)

• reducing ultra-processed foods and inflammatory oils

• gut support if bloating or digestive issues are present

3) Support androgen balance

Androgen levels can be supported through a combination of:

• nutrition

• lifestyle

• targeted supplements (only when appropriate)

• herbal medicine (when prescribed correctly)

• medical options when needed

Some women may benefit from medication support like anti-androgens or hormonal prescriptions depending on goals and symptom severity — but this should always be considered individually.

4) Nutrient status matters (and this is where testing is key)

Hair growth requires nutrients. If your body is depleted, it becomes very difficult to grow strong hair.

Common deficiencies that can worsen hair thinning:

• iron / ferritin

• zinc

• vitamin D

• B12

• protein inadequacy

This is why I never recommend guessing supplements.

You want to test, identify what’s actually low, then support it properly.

5) Stress and nervous system regulation

Chronic stress can worsen cortisol patterns, inflammation and insulin resistance, which all impacts hair growth.

Support can look like:

• consistent sleep routines

• gentle daily movement

• nervous system regulation tools

• ERT support for emotional stress load

Practical Tips If You’re Experiencing PCOS Hair Loss

Here’s what I want you to take away:

• track symptoms and patterns (including cycle changes)

• don’t wait until hair loss is severe to seek support

• focus on internal drivers, not just topical products

• use gentle hair care (avoid harsh products and over-styling)

• consider professional support (dermatologist/trichologist if needed)

• be patient, hair regrowth takes time

Hair cycles are slow. Most women need at least 3–6 months to begin seeing visible improvement, sometimes longer. But progress is possible when the root cause is being supported.

Final Thoughts

PCOS hair loss can feel overwhelming and emotional, but you are not powerless.

When you address androgen drivers, insulin resistance, inflammation and nutrient depletion, you support the scalp environment and give your body the resources it needs to grow stronger hair again.

If you’re struggling with PCOS hair loss and you’re tired of being told it’s “just hormones,” I can help.

Book a FREE Naturopathic PCOS Assessment Call and we’ll map out what’s driving your symptoms, what testing is worth prioritising, and the most supportive next steps to improve androgen balance, reduce inflammation and support hair regrowth.