Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
It is the most popular hormone disorder among women. The cause and occurrence are genetic, and there is evidence of familial transmission. This disease affects the younger generation more than elders. Beginning from the first menstrual period, irregular menstruation during the youth years, hair growth, hair loss, weight gain are some symptoms of the disease. There is no effective and complete treatment. The main idea in treatment should be turning irregular periods into regular menstruation. Because the disorder is based on the hormone.
When the doctors treat an underlying hormonal disorder, the person will have regular menstruation and treatment of the problems. However, hair loss may reappear according to the severity of the disease because there is no complete solution for the disease. She may return to her old hormone arch after stopping the medication. Therefore, regular PCOS is the most important symptom of well-being.
In polycystic ovary syndrome, there are additional complaints such as increased or decreased hair growth. The cause of this disorder is the overproduction of male hormones. Therefore, hair loss is a common problem in this disorder. The medication aims to suppress the production of male hormones. One of the causes of PCOS is exposure to certain harmful chemicals. Certain pesticides, dioxins, phytoestrogens, several chemicals such as BPA, Bisphenol A, DBP can affect the hormone production process in the body. It leads to disruption of hormonal balance.
Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Although the disease does not show any symptoms during the initial period, it starts to show itself with some signs as the process progresses. However, even though the symptoms vary depending on the individual, the common symptoms seen in most women are as follows:
- Irregular period
- Weight Gain
- Inability to have children
- Acne on the face and back
- Sound thickening
- Hair loss
- Skin spot
How is polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosis process?
Diagnosis in polycystic ovary syndrome is a complicated process. Clinical findings, radiological images and history of the patient are essential. Doctors examine ovary and uterus are in detail. Some symptoms that help doctor are thickening of the voice, hair growth and excessive hair loss. As a result of the blood test, doctors detect hormone levels, and in the light of all these diagnostic tests, they may diagnose the problem. FSH and LH hormone levels are regulating ovulation cycle. If estrogen hormone level is low and male hormone levels are higher than usual in hormone test, you might have PCOS. Ultrasonography is also critical in the diagnosis and follow-up of the disease.
It usually presents with a slow and progressive hair thinning.
There are three different patterns of hair loss:
- Diffuse examination of the vertex, protection of the frontal hairline (Ludwig type).
- The retraction of the frontal midline and the expansion of the central part of the scalp without diffuse hair loss (Pine tree pattern).
- Thinning with bitemporal withdrawal (Hamilton type).
Treatment for hair loss
Minoxidil has effects that can slow and stop hair loss. It is also an antihypertensive vasodilator that supports hair growth. Furthermore, it affects the hair cycle and provides the premature termination of the telogen period and the prolongation of the anagen phase.
On the other hand, it has a potassium channelling effect, and its mechanism of action is still unclear. It stimulates hair follicles by acting as a hair growth stimulant around the follicle.