PCOS Management of Androgenetic Alopecia

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, affecting 4-20% of Indian women, though the actual prevalence may be higher. Common symptoms include menstrual irregularities, hirsutism, acne, and hair loss, with female pattern hair loss (FPHL) being a notable sign of hyperandrogenism in PCOS. FPHL is a progressive, non-scarring type of alopecia affecting 20-30% of women with PCOS, often accompanied by other symptoms like hirsutism and acne. The relationship between hair loss and androgen excess in women with PCOS remains inconsistent and unclear. Recent guidelines continue to use "alopecia" as a diagnostic term for hyperandrogenism in PCOS.