Bi-Directional Association Between Female Pattern Hair Loss and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

    August 2025 in “ PubMed ”
    Daniel Rayner, Eric McMullen, Kshitija Mundle, Michelle Pham, Cathryn Sibbald, Jeffrey Donovan
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    TLDR Female pattern hair loss and polycystic ovary syndrome are often linked.
    This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the bi-directional association between female pattern hair loss (FPHL) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Analyzing 24 observational studies, the research found a 32.3% prevalence of PCOS in patients with FPHL and a 22.7% prevalence of FPHL in patients with PCOS. The study highlights the overlapping mechanisms of hyperandrogenism in both conditions and suggests that patients with FPHL should be evaluated for menstrual irregularity, hyperandrogenism, and fertility concerns. The findings emphasize the need for further longitudinal studies to confirm these associations, as current evidence is limited by potential biases and inconsistencies.
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