Does PCOS cause hair loss?
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormonal condition, affecting around one in eight women. Many women with it have higher levels of androgens, hormones such as testosterone that women make in smaller amounts than men.
In women whose hair follicles are sensitive to androgens, this gradually thins the hair on the top of the head and widens the parting: female pattern hair loss. The same hormones can cause acne and unwanted hair on the face and body.
Not every woman with PCOS loses hair, and not all hair loss in women with PCOS is caused by it.
The short answer
Yes, PCOS can cause hair loss. Higher androgen levels can thin the hair on top of the head, in the same pattern as female pattern hair loss, while extra hair may grow on the face and body. PCOS has recently been renamed PMOS. Hair loss with PCOS can often be slowed with the right treatment, but other causes, such as low iron, need ruling out too.
PCOS is now called PMOS
In May 2026, after a global consensus involving 56 medical and patient organisations and more than 14,000 people, polycystic ovary syndrome was renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). The change was published in The Lancet.
The old name suggested the condition is about ovarian cysts, which it isn’t. The new name reflects what it really involves: several hormones, including insulin and androgens, and effects on metabolism, as well as the ovaries.
You’ll still see PCOS in medical records and on most websites for some time. PCOS and PMOS are the same condition.
Signs of PCOS hair loss
- A wider parting, and more scalp showing on top
- Thinning at the crown, with the front hairline usually kept
- Hair on top that feels finer and won’t hold a style
- Unwanted hair on the face, chest or stomach
- Acne, irregular or absent periods, or difficulty losing weight
Could it be something else?
Women with PCOS can also have other causes of hair loss, and they need different treatment:
- Telogen effluvium: heavy shedding all over, after illness, stress or crash dieting
- Low iron, especially with heavy or irregular periods
- Thyroid problems, which share symptoms such as tiredness and weight change
PCOS hair loss treatment
PCOS is diagnosed by a GP or gynaecologist, from your symptoms, blood tests and sometimes a scan. Treating the hair loss usually means working on the condition and the hair at the same time.
- Managing PCOS itself. For some women, changes to diet, activity and weight improve hormone levels and help the hair.
- Hormone treatment. A doctor may suggest a contraceptive pill or an anti-androgen tablet to lower the effect of androgens.
- Topical minoxidil. A pharmacy treatment for pattern thinning, used daily for months. Female pattern hair loss treatment.
- Checking for other causes, such as low iron and thyroid problems, and putting them right.
Hair responds slowly. It can take six months or more to see whether treatment is helping, so give it time before judging it.
How I can help
At a consultation in Forest Row I examine your hair and scalp closely and take a full history, including your periods, symptoms, any PCOS diagnosis, medication and blood tests, to work out what’s behind your hair loss.
You leave with a written plan for your hair and scalp, and if you need tests or hormone treatment, I’ll write to your GP. Please bring any recent blood test results. What happens at a consultation.
When to see your GP first
Please see your GP or call NHS 111 if:
- your hair loss came on suddenly and you feel unwell
- your scalp is very painful, swollen, weeping or bleeding
- you have patches of hair loss with redness or scarring that are spreading quickly
- you think a new medicine may be the cause. Don’t stop it without speaking to your doctor
You can still see me as well. I’ll happily liaise with your GP if further tests are needed.
Questions about PCOS hair loss
If yours isn’t here, send me a message and I’ll get back to you.
Is PCOS hair loss reversible?
It can often be slowed, and some women regain density with treatment. Starting early helps, as it’s easier to keep hair than to regrow it.
Is PCOS now called PMOS?
Yes. In May 2026 it was renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). It’s the same condition.
Does losing weight help PCOS hair loss?
For some women, losing weight improves insulin and androgen levels, which can help the hair. Crash dieting can trigger shedding, so go gradually.
Can PCOS cause hair loss and facial hair at the same time?
Yes. The same androgens can thin the hair on the scalp and increase hair on the face and body.
Which blood tests check PCOS?
Usually hormone tests, including testosterone, often with tests for diabetes risk. Blood tests for hair loss.
Let’s find out what’s going on
Book online at a time that suits you. If you have a question first, send me a message.