This is a topic very close to my heart, so I had to share what I knew about it…. PCOS causes high testosterone levels, we know this. However did you know that these high testosterone levels cause thinning hair and/or hair loss, among other things?

Its not bad enough that we have to deal with the other symptoms, but now hair loss? Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not a vain person. I’m incredibly frumpy, plain and simple, just the way my husband likes me However something about losing my hair really freaks me out.

For men, hair loss is expected, even played off as maturity or sexy. However for women its something that is rarely talked about and often ignored. Its not acceptable for women to lose their hair, however there aren’t many things we can do to stop it.

In this case, women with PCOS can control and even stop hair loss by doing one thing — Lowering our testosterone levels. The one and only way I know to lower these levels is to regulate our hormones, by whatever means you choose. By now you know I prefer the natural method of treating/controlling PCOS, however if you are interested in the prescription medications, please visit my earlier post (http://pcosinfo.com/blog/other-ways-to-control-your-pcos-symptoms/)

I have recently found a shampoo and hair lotion that is specifically directed towards regrowing hair, strengthening your follicles, and reducing the DHT in your system (again, DHT is a type of testosterone that causes hair loss and thinning hair) I have been using it for nearly 3 months and although I am still losing hair (because my testosterone levels are not quite low enough) I have noticed my hair being fuller, healthier looking and have also noticed more hair growth. You can find the products here: http://www.nutracareinc.com/. This shampoo has Nettle, an herb proven to stop the production of DHT and regrow hair.

I also found a “combo” herb, that has all the herbs we need to lower our testosterone, which will not only help hair growth, but also acne, dandruff and excess facial hair. It has Saw Palmetto, Nettle and Pygeum (all herbs directed towards lowering testosterone levels). Pygeum has also been shown to reduce LH and prolactin levels !

You can read more about it here: http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/saw-palmetto-description.html

As far as overall regulation of your hormones, please refer to another earlier post (http://pcosinfo.com/blog/herbal-remedies-and-pcos/).

**On a side note, I have been taking Saw Palmetto for over 3 months now. I have noticed a huge decrease in my excess facial hair, acne and have also noticed hair growth (thank goodness!) I had my annual labs today, including my testosterone levels, and I plan to post to update everyone on how the herbs have helped!**