Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS, formerly PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects females of reproductive age. Due to excessive production of testosterone, some people may experience hair loss or thinning.

PMOS is an endocrine disorder. This means it is a condition that affects hormones and can affect many parts of the body. Due to the hormonal imbalances that may occur with PMOS, a person can experience a variety of symptoms.

People with PMOS may sometimes experience changes to their hair, such as hair thinning or hair loss. This is likely due to an increase in androgen hormones that may occur with PMOS. Androgens are a group of sex hormones that play a variety of roles in the body.

Females will naturally produce low amounts of androgens from their ovaries. However, PMOS can result in an increase in these hormones, which can lead to a type of female pattern hair loss known as androgenetic alopecia.

In May 2026, global experts officially changed the name for PCOS to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). Experts say the name change more accurately reflects the condition as something that affects the whole body.

You may see both terms used, as rollout of the new term is expected to take several years, with full integration into international guidelines and insurance documentation by 2028.

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PMOS is a chronic condition that can cause hormonal imbalances. Symptoms of PMOS can differ from person to person. However, it is not uncommon for PMOS to affect hair.

Some people with PMOS may experience hirsutism. This is a term that describes when a female has excessive growth of dark or coarse hair in a male-like pattern, such as on the face or chin. However, other people with PMOS may experience hair loss or hair thinning on their heads.

Androgenic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern hair loss (FPHL), is the most common type of hair loss that affects females. Evidence notes that FPHL may occur due to various genetic and hormonal factors. It often relates to conditions that cause an increase in androgen hormones, such as PMOS.

Androgens are hormones that play an important role in male sexual development. However, they also have other vital functions in both males and females, such as regulating hair growth.

The growth of hair from a hair follicle is cyclical. It undergoes different phases of growth and rest before falling out to repeat the cycle. Androgens help control this cycle. However, too many androgens can overstimulate the hair follicles, leading to shorter growth periods. This can result in shorter and thinner strands of hair, which may lead to hair thinning or loss.

Also known as Stein-Leventhal syndrome, PMOS is an endocrine system disorder. This term describes medical conditions where the endocrine system, which produces hormones, does not function correctly.

PMOS affects how the ovaries work. The ovaries are part of the female reproductive anatomy. They play a role in producing hormones and releasing eggs. However, with PMOS, a person experiences a hormonal imbalance that creates problems in the ovaries.

Despite the name, PMOS does not cause cysts on the ovaries. Instead, it results in the ovaries becoming larger and containing a large number of fluid-filled follicles. The follicles are underdeveloped sacs where eggs develop. In individuals with PMOS, these sacs are often unable to release an egg, meaning ovulation does not take place.

The exact cause of hair loss with PMOS is still unknown. However, it likely occurs due to a hormonal imbalance and an increase in androgen hormones, resulting in FPHL.

The ovaries produce a variety of hormones, including androgens. The body can usually regulate hormone production. However, in those with PMOS, hormonal problems can result in an increase in androgen levels.

For example, evidence suggests that insulin resistance likely plays a role in the development of PMOS. Insulin is a hormone that helps to regulate blood sugar levels. When the body is resistant to insulin, it can increase testosterone levels.

Individuals with PMOS may also have low levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). This protein binds to sex hormones such as testosterone. When this protein attaches to a sex hormone, the body is unable to use it. As such, low levels of SHBG may indicate that a person has higher levels of testosterone available for the body to use.

High levels of androgens in PMOS can affect the hair growth cycle. This can lead to gradual thinning at the part line and hair loss radiating from the top of the head.

At present, there is no cure for PMOS. However, it is possible to manage and improve symptoms.

As such, it is possible to reverse hair loss due to PMOS, but it may not be possible to completely restore hair to its original state. Treatment options for PMOS may stimulate the growth of new hair. There are also other methods people can use to mask PMOS-related hair loss.

Different types of medications are available to help manage PMOS symptoms, such as hair loss. This will generally involve hormonal birth control and antiandrogen medicines. Some drugs to help with hair loss may also provide some benefit.

Birth control

Hormonal contraception refers to hormone-containing birth control methods that act on the endocrine system. They typically contain either estrogen and progestin or progestin alone. They work by preventing ovulation and are available as a:

As these methods of birth control are hormonal, they can help with symptoms of PMOS. Some evidence suggests that estrogen may support hair growth and lower levels of androgens.

Antiandrogens

Antiandrogens describe a group of drugs that help to counteract the effect of androgenic hormones, such as testosterone. Although these drugs do not have Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for treating PMOS, they may help block the effect of androgens and reduce scalp hair loss.

For example, a person may receive spironolactone to treat PMOS and FPHL. However, a 2023 systematic review does not support the use of antiandrogens for treating PMOS unless a person is unable to receive other types of treatment.

Metformin

Metformin is a drug that people typically use to help treat type 2 diabetes mellitus by making the body sensitive to the hormone insulin. Some evidence notes a close relation between problems with insulin and PMOS. As such, a doctor may recommend treating PMOS with metformin.

Although more research is still necessary, evidence from laboratory tests suggests that metformin can help promote hair growth and may provide a treatment option for FPHL.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a medication that has FDA approval for treating hair loss in males and females. It is typically available as a topical solution that a person applies directly to the scalp. It works by shortening the resting phase of the hair, causing it to enter the growing stage. This can help encourage hair growth and increase the thickness of hair.

Learn more about treating female hair loss.

Some people may consider using natural treatments to help manage symptoms of PMOS. A 2023 systematic review suggests that supplements containing chasteberry may help reduce testosterone and androgen levels. As such, this may help reduce FPHL.

A 2023 study suggests that hair serums may help boost hair growth and improve hair quality in those experiencing FPHL due to PMOS. The serum in the study contained:

A person may also consider covering up their hair loss. This can include using wigs, hair extensions, or scarves.

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Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome is an endocrine disorder that can result in a hormonal imbalance. PMOS can cause the ovaries to produce an excessive amount of androgen hormones, such as testosterone. This can cause a person to experience a type of female pattern hair loss known as androgenetic alopecia.

There is currently no cure for PMOS. However, treatments are available to manage symptoms, such as hair loss. This may involve using medications such as birth control, antiandrogens, metformin, and minoxidil. Some natural treatments, such as chasteberry, may also show some benefit for managing symptoms.