Why Does PCOS Cause Hair Loss?
Hormones influence almost everything in your body, including how your hair grows. With PCOS, elevated levels of androgens (male hormones like testosterone) can convert to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone that shrinks hair follicles over time. This process is called androgenic alopecia, or female pattern hair loss.
Is PCOS Hair Thinning Forever?
When DHT binds to receptors in the scalp, it shortens the hair’s growth phase, and leads to finer, weaker strands. This might show up as:
- Thinning around the crown
- A widening part
- Shedding faster than your hair can recover.
Unfortunately, testosterone isn’t the only cause. Insulin resistance, common in PCOS, can increase androgen levels further. Meanwhile, chronic inflammation and cortisol imbalances disrupt nutrient absorption and blood flow to the scalp, making it harder for your follicles to thrive.
There’s no need to panic, the effects aren’t permanent.
When you address the hormonal pathways, through nutrition, supplements, and stress balance, your hair can start to recover.
Mila’s Experience
For our founder, Mila, PCOS hair loss was one of many frustrating signs that something deeper was happening in her body.
“My hair used to fall out in clumps when I took a shower, it was all over the house”
But judging by her thick, healthy hair today, you’d never believe she struggled. Her journey wasn’t about quick fixes. Instead, she applied patience, nourishment and consistency, both with what she put on her hair, and what she put in her body.
“The biggest difference for me was supplementation and daily care. I focused on increasing healthy fats in my diet, adding Omega 3s, and making my own hormone-balancing drink, with nutrients that support hair, skin and nails. I also started massaging my scalp every night to boost blood flow — that helped, a lot.”
Mila’s approach is the foundation of Milamend’s philosophy: science-backed and natural solutions that strengthen your hormones and confidence, strand by strand.
How to Stop PCOS Hair Shedding
Hair growth doesn’t happen overnight — and it will never solely come from a serum. Supporting your hair from the root means looking at three pillars of health: what you eat, how you care for your scalp, and what you use on (and in) your body.
Nourish from within: Diet for PCOS hair loss and growth
Healthy hair starts at the root, and that root is hormonal balance. For people with PCOS, a diet that supports insulin sensitivity and reduces inflammation can help slow hair loss and encourage regrowth.
Focus on a balanced diet of:
- Healthy fats — avocados, olive oil, nuts, and salmon are rich in omega-3s that support follicle health and help reduce inflammation.
- Protein — hair is made of keratin, a protein that depends on amino acids. Include lean protein like eggs, tofu, chicken or lentils, daily if you can.
- Micronutrients that matter — zinc, selenium, and B-vitamins support hormone balance and follicle repair. Think dark leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, and eggs.
- Low-GI carbohydrates — Complex carbs like quinoa and oats help stabilize blood sugar, preventing insulin spikes that can worsen androgen activity.
Stimulate Growth: Scalp Massage and Circulation
One of the simplest (and cheapest) ways to support PCOS hair thinning is by improving blood flow to the scalp. This brings oxygen and nutrients directly to the follicles — the foundation for stronger strands. These three tips come straight from our founder, Mila:
- Massage daily — Use your fingertips or a soft shampoo brush to gently massage your scalp for 3–5 minutes each night. This promotes circulation and can encourage growth over time.
- Use nourishing oils — Mila uses Davines OI Oil and the brand’s Nourishing line, which hydrate and protect fragile hair while enhancing shine. Look for natural oils like argan or jojoba, which mimic the scalp’s natural sebum.
- Protect your hair overnight — Sleeping with a loose braid or silk scrunchie reduces friction and breakage. A silk pillowcase can also help maintain moisture and strength.
Calm Your Hormones, Calm Your Hair
Stress might not be the cause — but it can make it worse. When cortisol (your stress hormone) stays high, it disrupts estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid balance, all of which influence hair growth cycles.
This is why stress balance is key for restoring hormonal hair health. Simple ways to do that:
- Prioritize rest — sleep regulates cortisol and gives your follicles time to repair.
- Move gently — Yoga, walking, and stretching reduce stress hormones without adding extra strain.
- Healthy habits — Journaling, therapy, or setting firmer boundaries with work and social demands can bring your cortisol back to baseline.
Strengthen from the Inside: Best Supplements for PCOS Hair Loss
Hair health is both topical and internal. While gentle, nutrient-rich haircare can help reduce breakage and dryness, supplements target the hormonal imbalances that cause shedding in the first place. Here are a few key nutrients to look for when healing your hair:
- Inositol — Supports insulin balance and helps lower excess androgens, tackling one of the root causes of PCOS hair loss.
- Zinc and Selenium — Reduce inflammation and strengthen follicles at a cellular level.
- B-vitamins — Encourage growth and repair while supporting mood and energy.
- Magnesium — Regulates cortisol and promotes calmer hormonal cycles, creating a healthier environment for hair growth.
“I don't trust a lot of hair growth supplements for PCOS. A lot of them use Biotin but if you're acne prone (like many people with PCOS are) it can break you out, it did for me. I just stick to the basics” - Mila Magnani, founder of Milamend.
Does Inositol help with PCOS hair loss?
Yes. It’s one of the most effective natural solutions for PCOS hair loss because it helps balance insulin levels and lowers excess androgens, two of the main reasons your hair thins. By improving how your body uses glucose, and reducing testosterone conversion to DHT, inositol supports healthier follicles and slows hair shedding over time.
Confidence Through Consistency
Hair regrowth doesn’t happen overnight. Healing your hair starts with healing your hormones, and that takes time. The most important step is consistency. Nourish your body, protect your scalp, and choose science-backed supplements that work with your body, not against it.
That’s why Milamend created Hormone Balance, a daily blend of inositol, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and B-vitamins — the key nutrients for hormonal stability, energy, and hair growth. When your hormones are balanced, your hair can finally focus on thriving, not surviving.
Key Takeaways
- PCOS hair loss happens when elevated androgens, insulin resistance, or inflammation disrupt the hair growth cycle.
- Addressing those root causes through nutrition, stress balance, and consistent supplementation helps restore healthy growth.
- Science-backed blends like Hormone Balance combine key nutrients for hormonal and emotional balance, supporting healthy hair from within.
You don’t have to figure out your hormonal health alone. Explore Milamend’s resources, real stories, and supplements to help you feel balanced in your body.
