What is PCOS? Symptoms And Treatment Options For New Zealand Women

Polycystic ovary syndrome, commonly known as PCOS, is a relatively common hormonal disorder that affects many women worldwide - including here in New Zealand. Even though this condition affects around 10% of women, it still remains misunderstood, leading to late diagnoses and continued untreated symptoms. 

This is why we at The Hair Clinic stay up to date with the latest and most reliable medically-based PCOS treatments, and we want to keep our customers informed as well. PCOS and its symptoms can be uncomfortable and distressing, but you are not alone - our trained, compassionate team members are here to learn more about your specific case so that we can discover the best treatment options for you. 

Let’s review what this condition is, how it can affect the lives of those with PCOS and how we at The Hair Clinic can help. 

What Is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that is characterised by an imbalance in reproductive hormones and typically affects women during their reproductive years. This imbalance can lead to symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, difficulties with pregnancy, difficulties with weight management, hair thinning or loss and more. One of the defining features of PCOS is multiple ovarian cysts, which can be detected through an ultrasound - however, not everyone with PCOS has cysts, as this condition is primarily related to hormones.

PCOS manifests in different ways, so the symptoms can vary from individual to individual. Those with PCOS may experience some of the following symptoms but might not experience all of them:

• Irregular Periods. Women with PCOS may experience infrequent, irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles.

• Excess Androgens. Elevated levels of androgens can lead to physical signs, such as increased body hair, increased acne and hair loss.

• Polycystic Ovaries. Enlarged ovaries containing numerous small cysts can develop due to PCOS.

• Difficult Weight Management. Many women with PCOS struggle with weight gain or find it difficult to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

• Hair Thinning And Loss. PCOS can lead to hair thinning and loss due to hormonal imbalances. This is one of the more distressing symptoms of PCOS, significantly affecting self-esteem and confidence. 

Medical Treatment Options For Those With PCOS In New Zealand

While, unfortunately, there is no definitive cure for PCOS, there are ways in which we can manage and improve the symptoms and quality of life. The specific treatment that works best for you will depend on your situation, and we at The Hair Clinic will do everything we can to find the right treatment for you.

While there is no guarantee that any one treatment will work, we will do our best to explore every option we have to help you. We encourage you to stay positive, open-minded and patient as we work with you through your hair regrowth journey. 

Here are a few options we may discuss with you:

PRP Therapy. Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a promising modern treatment for managing hair loss due to a variety of reasons, including PCOS. PRP involves taking a small amount of blood, processing it to concentrate platelets, and then injecting the blood back into your scalp to promote hair growth by stimulating hair follicles. PRP is particularly effective for PCOS-related hair loss as it addresses the underlying hormonal imbalances.

PDO Thread Treatment. PDO thread treatment, or polydioxanone thread treatment, is another innovative option for treating PCOS-related hair loss. These threads are dissolvable sutures that are placed beneath the scalp to provide support to hair follicles, stimulating collagen production and leading to firmer, healthier skin and hair. This option can be used in tandem with PRP therapy to potentially improve results.

Nanoxidil Spectra CSF. This is a topical solution that’s less extensive than PRP therapy and PDO thread treatment, and it has fewer side effects. Nanoxidil can be used alongside PRP therapy to potentially enhance results and promote healthier hair growth. 

Lifestyle Changes. Aside from medical treatments, we will also discuss lifestyle changes that you can work on at home to improve your symptoms and your quality of life. PCOS and its symptoms can be uncomfortable and distressing and can undoubtedly lead to increased stress and unwanted mental and physical side effects. 

Improving your life through a better diet, exercising more, quitting or avoiding smoking and other healthier choices can relieve PCOS symptoms. We’ll discuss your current lifestyle, and we encourage you to be open and honest so that we can have a clear picture of how we can help you. We understand that lifestyle changes can be uncomfortable and hard, but we know that through patience and discipline, you can enjoy a happier and healthier life. 

Discovering The Help You Need To Improve Your Hair And Your Life

At The Hair Clinic, we want to make this process as easy and successful as possible for you. You can visit our website for more information regarding PCOS. Or, you can contact our team directly on (09) 523 5999 or through our contact page.

The Hair Clinic: Find the hair loss treatment that works for you.