Hair acting like the mane character? PCOS could be the reason.
Read time: 3 minutes
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) doesn’t just affect your periods or fertility - it often makes its presence felt through your hair. PCOS is linked to higher levels of androgens, the so-called “male hormones” that we all have but usually in smaller amounts. When these hormones rise, they can miniaturise follicles on the scalp, leading to shedding or thinning. At the same time, they can trigger excess hair growth on areas such as the face, stomach or chest. It’s a paradox that leaves many women feeling stuck between too little hair where they want it and too much where they don’t.
The hormones–insulin loop.
One reason PCOS can have such a visible impact is the way androgens interact with insulin. Insulin resistance is common in PCOS; the body compensates by producing more insulin, and higher insulin can push ovarian and adrenal androgen production up. Scalp follicles may become more sensitive to those signals and gradually produce finer, shorter hairs, while follicles in androgen-sensitive areas do the opposite. It’s a loop: hormones and insulin influence each other and hair cycles reflect that biology. Addressing only the surface rarely solves it for good.
Nourishment from the inside out.
Food and supplements can play a big role in supporting your hair. Nutrients such as zinc, biotin, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for strong, healthy follicles. A balanced diet built around fresh vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats not only fuels your body but also helps to stabilise blood sugar, which is vital for calming the hormonal swings that come with PCOS. For more targeted support, OVAPlus (Advanced Hormonal Support) contains myo-inositol plus CoQ10, NAC, zinc, B6 and probiotics to support hormone balance. By addressing the root imbalances of PCOS, OVA may help calm the underlying drivers of hair changes, giving your scalp a better chance at healthier growth.
Smarter hair and scalp care.
Day to day, a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo keeps the scalp clean without stripping it and a lightweight conditioner helps reduce breakage in fragile strands. Avoiding very high heat and tightly pulled styles preserves the hair you have while new growth is encouraged. Caffeine lotions have some early evidence that they can counter testosterone’s effects at the follicle and are reasonable to try with low risk. Rosemary oil is also popular but evidence is limited and not PCOS-specific. For many, topical minoxidil remains the strongest over-the-counter option for female-pattern thinning and usually needs months of consistent use to judge results.
When to speak to your doctor.
If shedding is rapid, if your scalp is painful or itchy, or you notice scaling or bald patches, it’s worth seeing your GP or a dermatologist. They can check for iron deficiency, thyroid issues and vitamin D deficiency, and discuss treatments that reduce androgen impact where appropriate. In-clinic options such as low-level laser therapy or platelet-rich plasma are available in some settings, but they work best alongside the basics: metabolic health, gentle scalp care and realistic, sustained use of evidence-based topicals.
Patience, tracking and progress.
Hair grows in cycles, so meaningful change is measured over months, not weeks. By tackling insulin and androgen drivers, supporting nutrition, choosing calm, consistent scalp care and seeking medical advice when it’s needed, you give your follicles the best chance to do what they’re designed to do - grow, rest and regrow in healthier cycles.This article is general information and not a substitute for personalised medical advice. If you’re concerned about hair loss or new hair growth patterns, speak to your GP or a qualified dermatologist.
