PCOS and Hair Thinning: Why It Happens and How to Stop It
If you’ve been struggling with hair thinning or noticing more shedding than usual, you’re not alone. Many women with PCOS experience androgenic alopecia, a type of hair loss caused by hormonal imbalances—specifically high testosterone and insulin resistance. The frustrating part? While excess hair can show up in unwanted places (like the chin and upper lip), the hair on your scalp might be getting thinner at the same time.
The good news? Hair loss from PCOS is not permanent if you take the right steps. The most important thing you can do is lower insulin levels, because insulin resistance is what’s driving the hormone imbalance in the first place.
Why Does PCOS Cause Hair Loss?
The root cause of PCOS-related hair loss comes down to high insulin and androgens (male hormones like testosterone and DHT). Here’s what happens:
- Insulin resistance triggers the ovaries to produce more testosterone.
- Testosterone converts into DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in the scalp, which shrinks hair follicles over time, leading to thinner, weaker strands.
- Hair growth cycles shorten, meaning hair falls out sooner and takes longer to grow back.
- Chronically high insulin levels fuel even more androgen production, creating a vicious cycle of hair loss and hormone imbalance.
This means that treating the root cause—insulin resistance—is key to stopping and reversing PCOS-related hair thinning.
How to Slow or Reverse Hair Loss
Because hair growth works in cycles, it takes at least 6 months for your follicles to respond to changes. But the sooner you take action, the better your results will be.
Lower Insulin and Androgen Levels with a Low Insulin Lifestyle
No medication, shampoo, or hair growth serum will work long-term if you don’t address the underlying insulin resistance. Following a Low Insulin Lifestyle is the single most effective way to:
- Lower insulin levels, reducing testosterone and DHT
- Prevent further hair loss by rebalancing hormones naturally
- Support hair regrowth by improving nutrient absorption and blood flow
If your insulin remains high, no amount of biotin, minoxidil, or hair treatments will provide long-term results. The foundation of hair regrowth starts with your diet.
Medications That May Help
For some, medications can be an additional tool in lowering androgens and preventing further hair loss:
- Spironolactone – Blocks androgens from binding to hair follicles. Can take 6+ months to see effects. Not safe during pregnancy.
- Birth Control Pills – Lower androgens but do not treat insulin resistance, meaning hair loss may return when stopping the pill.
- Finasteride (Propecia) – Blocks DHT but is typically used in more severe cases.
While medications can help slow hair loss, they do not address the root issue: high insulin levels. This is why many women see only temporary improvement if insulin resistance isn’t managed properly.
The Truth About Minoxidil (Rogaine)
Minoxidil is a popular treatment that stimulates hair growth but does not fix the underlying problem. While it can help regrow some hair, stopping the treatment often leads to shedding again.
If you choose to use Minoxidil, combine it with a Low Insulin Lifestyle so your body can maintain hair regrowth naturally over time.
What About Topical Metformin?
Topical metformin is gaining attention as a potential treatment for PCOS-related hair loss. Because it’s applied directly to the skin, it doesn’t cause digestive side effects like oral metformin but can still improve insulin sensitivity and lower androgens at the hair follicle level.
Some women find it helpful as part of a comprehensive approach, but like all treatments, it works best when paired with lowering insulin through lifestyle changes.
The Bottom Line: Lower Insulin for Long-Term Hair Growth
PCOS-related hair thinning can feel discouraging, but you are not powerless. The single most important thing you can do is lower your insulin levels through a Low Insulin Lifestyle.
