Addressing Female Hair Loss Linked to PCOS: A 34-Year-Old Patient’s Journey at Reena Jogi MD in Houston and Katy, Texas
Hair loss in women is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed. At Reena Jogi MD, we see many patients facing this challenge—and with proper evaluation and a personalized approach, we help them restore both their confidence and their hair. Today, we share a recent case highlighting the connection between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and androgenetic alopecia.
Case Overview: A 34-Year-Old Woman with Gradual Hair Thinning
A 34-year-old woman presented to our Houston dermatology clinic with concerns of generalized hair thinning that had gradually worsened over the past few years. She was not on any current treatment for her hair loss. Recently, she was diagnosed with PCOS by her OBGYN and had labs showing elevated total testosterone—indicating a likely hormonal component contributing to her condition.
During her scalp examination, we observed signs consistent with androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the most common type of female hair loss. The patient reported a healthy lifestyle and had made diet and exercise changes to address prior pre-diabetic labs—an important step in managing PCOS.
Customized Treatment Plan
After a thorough consultation, including discussions about PCOS-related hair loss, we developed a tailored treatment plan:
Topical Minoxidil 5% solution was initiated as the first-line therapy. The patient was advised to apply 1 mL once daily at night to the affected scalp areas, and to increase to twice daily if tolerated.
Lab recommendations included checking free testosterone, vitamin D, and iron panel, although they would not alter the core management plan.
Additional options were discussed including oral minoxidil, spironolactone, supplements (Nutrafol, Viviscal, Votesse), low-level laser therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments, and Alma TED. However, the patient elected to begin with topical treatment first.
Coexisting Seborrheic Dermatitis
The patient also showed signs of seborrheic dermatitis, a common inflammatory scalp condition often mistaken for dandruff. We prescribed:
Ketoconazole 2% shampoo, to be used 1–3 times per week, with a 5–10 minute lather.
Fluocinonide 0.05% topical solution, to be applied during flares twice daily.
Both treatments help reduce inflammation, itching, and flaking that can worsen hair thinning.
Patient Education and Follow-Up
We educated the patient on:
Realistic expectations with minoxidil: it may take 3–6 months to see visible improvements, and continued use is necessary to maintain results.
The chronic nature of both androgenetic alopecia and seborrheic dermatitis.
Signs to monitor that may suggest worsening or need for additional therapies.
She will return for re-evaluation in 4 weeks for seborrheic dermatitis and in 6 months for hair loss progression.
Why Choose Reena Jogi MD for Hair Loss in Houston and Katy, Texas?
Whether caused by hormonal imbalances, genetics, or underlying medical conditions like PCOS, female hair loss can be distressing. Our team at Reena Jogi MD takes a comprehensive approach—combining cutting-edge dermatologic care with compassionate support.
If you're experiencing hair thinning or scalp irritation, we invite you to schedule a consultation at one of our conveniently located clinics in Houston or Katy, Texas.
