Male pattern baldness is the most common cause of loss of hair in men. PCOS can also cause hair loss. There could be similar mechanisms behind the hair loss in both conditions. It is good to know the causes so that appropriate management can happen for hair loss. Here we discuss the factors causing hair loss in PCOS and male pattern baldness.

 

PCOS

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) causes infertility in which eggs are not being produced. Many women of reproductive age are affected by this hormonal disorder. It may cause symptoms of irregular and scanty menstruation, male features, obesity, excess body hair in women. Ultrasonography is quite accurate at getting to this diagnosis. PCOS may also cause resistance to function of insulin in body, increased insulin levels, increased male hormone levels and metabolic problems.

ANDROGENIC ALOPECIA

Androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness) is genetically predetermined disorder due to excessive response to male hormones. This disorder tends to run in families with many males in a family are affected by it. Firstly baldness is seen in the front and then to the sides and centre of the head. E

EARLY ANDROGENIC ALOPECIA

Early androgenic alopecia is the male pattern baldness that starts before the age of 30 years. It is now seen as equivalent of PCOS due to many overlapping characteristics. Both these conditions may have the same health problems.

Doctors will advise to get tested for blood concentrations of total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, fasting plasma glucose and insulin levels. They will also calculate insulin resistance and free androgen index in both conditions. Studies have shown similar patterns of hormone imbalances of both conditions. They are therefore considered at risk of developing same complications including metabolic syndrome, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and infertility. Although these studies have been done on small set of patients, larger trials are needed to confirm the diagnosis.

MANAGEMENT

A team of many specialists will need to be involved including dietician, endocrinologist, dermatologist, infertility specialist, and sometimes a consultation with surgeon may also be needed. Making efforts to keep the weight under control are needed in both these conditions. Underlying metabolic problems and hormonal problems will need to be corrected. Cosmetic treatment would give only temporary relief.

Topical medicine like minoxidil maybe used in androgenic alopecia to re-grow hair. Medicines like metformin and antiandrogens maybe taken when needed to correct metabolic and hormone problems respectively. Long term medication is seldom required. Female hormones to correct the menstrual irregularities are also frequently employed. Medicines to improve fertility are also frequently prescribed. These medicines can have side effects.

Ask A Doctor if you have any doubts about the above diagnosis. Check with dermatologist if medicine is really needed to correct the problem.

Written by Dr Vaishalee Punj