Question
I’m a 22 year old female and I’ve always been blessed with thick hair… Up until a few months ago when it started getting noticeably thinner and it seems to be getting more and more thin every single day. I don’t have female hair loss in my family – I’m the first and i’m worried it’s a sign of something serious.
I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome when I was 15 years old, but after having an ultrasound scan and a variety of tests a few months ago, I was told the previous gynaecologist must have made a mistake because I have no symptoms of PCOS now so that can’t be the cause right? Or can it go and come back?
Any thoughts please?
Shuna’s Answer
I’m sorry to hear about the trouble you are experiencing with your hair, this subject within hair is one of my “special interests” as a Trichologist.
First of all; PCO can be one of two types,
- involves increased testosterone picked up in a blood test and carrying symptoms such as: increased facial hair, irregular or loss of periods and emotional extreams- a scan for this type usually shows no visual cysts on the ovaries.
- normal testosterone in blood test, weight gain, same periods issues as type I but clear defined cysts to ovaries which may vary in severity but rarely completely go without surgery.
Both types can cause hair loss. The onset of this condition can trigger a specific type of thinning, the family history is only a guide- I consult patients who don’t know family history and an experienced Trichologist should still be able to diagnose this condition following examination.
A full blood count, hormone profile and Thyroid blood test would be useful and I suggest you ask for a referal to an Endocrinologist to discuss your options re contraception as o/c such as Dianette can help control symptoms well.
For more advice re hair check out www.shunahammockstrichology.com and email me via contact page.
