PCOS (PMOS) Hair Loss: Specialist Care in Birmingham
PCOS hair loss is thinning hair caused by the hormone and blood sugar changes of polycystic ovary syndrome. PCOS has a new name: polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS).
As a doctor with a special interest in PMOS hair loss, Dr Anita Raja leads expert, hormone-led care in Birmingham to find the cause and protect the hair you have.
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What is PCOS (PMOS) Hair Loss?
PCOS (PMOS) hair loss is a type of female pattern hair loss driven by high levels of male hormones called androgens. In PCOS, your body makes more of these hormones than usual. They act on the hair roots on top of your head, so the roots shrink and grow thinner, weaker hairs.
Over time, your parting looks wider, and your hair feels less full. In PCOS, hair loss often comes with irregular periods, acne or weight gain. At House of Health, Dr Raja looks at your hair and your hormones together, not one without the other.
Stages of Androgen-Driven Hair Thinning (Ludwig Scale)
PCOS hair loss tends to get worse slowly. Doctors often grade it with the Ludwig scale. Dr Raja uses a close scalp exam and AI scalp maps to see exactly what stage you are at.
Early Changes
Your hair falls out a little more than usual. New hairs may grow back finer and shorter.
Mild Thinning (Ludwig Grade I)
Your parting looks a bit wider. You may see more scalp under bright light.
Moderate Thinning (Ludwig Grade II)
The top of your head looks clearly thinner, and your ponytail feels smaller.
Advanced Thinning (Ludwig Grade III)
Large areas of scalp show through on top. The front hairline usually stays in place.
As Seen On
Symptoms of PCOS Hair Loss
PCOS hair loss is easy to miss at first because it creeps up over months. However, as androgen levels stay high, common signs include:
- A wider parting or more scalp showing at the top of your head
- Thinner, finer hair and a smaller ponytail
- Acne, oily skin or extra hair on the face and body (hirsutism)
- Irregular or missed periods, and weight gain around the waist.
Why PCOS Causes Hair Loss: Androgens, Insulin and Iron
Unlike hair loss after stress or illness, PCOS hair loss is driven by hormones and metabolism. You may be more likely to notice it if you have:
High Androgen Levels
Testosterone turns into a stronger hormone called DHT, which shrinks the hair roots on your scalp.
Insulin Resistance
High insulin pushes your ovaries to make more androgens. It also lowers SHBG, a protein that keeps these hormones in check.
Low Iron or Thyroid Problems
Low iron stores (ferritin) or an underactive thyroid can add to the hair loss.
A Family History
Your genes affect how sensitive your hair roots are to androgens.
How We Diagnose Hormonal Hair Loss in Birmingham
Dr Raja finds the cause of your hair loss with clear, simple tests. Here's how she diagnoses it:
Specialist Consultation
You will have a thorough 45- to 60-minute talk with Dr Raja about your hair, periods, skin, weight, diet and family history.
Hormone and Blood Tests
Our hair loss blood test panel costs £250. It checks FSH, LH, prolactin, testosterone, SHBG, zinc, ferritin, TSH, T3, T4, a full blood count (FBC), vitamin D, B12 and folate.
AI Scalp Analysis and Trichoscopy
A quick, painless AI scalp analysis maps your hair density and the health of your hair roots.
Genetic Testing (TrichoTest)
If it helps, a simple TrichoTest DNA swab shows which treatments your body is likely to respond to.
PCOS (PMOS) Hair Loss Treatment Options
Hormone and Metabolic Care
The first step in treating PCOS hair loss is to calm the hormones behind it. Dr Raja may suggest medicines that block the effect of androgens or help your body use insulin better. Some of these are not safe in pregnancy, so she will check your plans first. For complex hormone cases, she works with our Consultant Endocrinologist, Dr Sobia Arshad, to optimise your hormone and metabolic health.
Lifestyle and Nutrition Support
Small changes can make a real difference. If you carry extra weight, losing 5% to 10% of your body weight can lower insulin and androgen levels. We also correct low iron, vitamin D or other gaps found in your blood tests. At House of Health, our team helps you build a simple, realistic programme that fits your life.
Scalp and Regenerative Treatments
Hormone care works from the inside. Scalp treatments work from the outside, so we often use both together and track your progress with repeat AI scalp maps.
Prescription Topicals: Medical-grade treatments you apply to the scalp to support hair growth, including topical finasteride, spironolactone, dutasteride, higher-strength minoxidil, and topical melatonin
PRP: Growth factors from your own blood aim to support weak hair roots.
Polynucleotides: Injections that aim to improve scalp health.
Exosomes: A regenerative scalp treatment that aims to support weak hair roots.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): A gentle light treatment that aims to boost blood flow to the scalp.
Meet the Team
Dr Anita Raja
MBBS, MRCGP, DFSRH · Postgraduate Certificate in Trichology · GP and Trichologist, CEO of House of Health
Dr Anita Raja is a practising GP, a qualified Trichologist and the co-founder and CEO of House of Health. She leads the medical side of hair loss care at our Birmingham clinic. Her aim is simple: find the root cause of your hair loss before starting any treatment. Hair reflects your hormones, iron, thyroid and metabolic health.
That is why Dr Anita Raja has a special clinical interest in hair loss driven by PMOS (formerly PCOS) and other hormone conditions. She can find the cause, run and read your blood tests, prescribe treatment and manage the condition behind it, all under one clinician.
- 10+ years of medical experience.
- A Postgraduate Certificate in Trichology from the University of South Wales.
- MBBS, MRCGP and DFSRH (Diploma in Sexual and Reproductive Health).
- Advanced Certificate in Menopause Care and certified in Medical Weight Management.
- Clinical interests in female pattern hair loss, PMOS hair loss, postpartum and perimenopausal hair loss.
- Special interest in iron and ferritin levels and their link to hair loss.
- Skilled in trichoscopy, a close, magnified exam of the scalp and hair roots.
Joined-Up Care for Hair, Hormones and Metabolism
PCOS hair loss sits where your hair, hormones and metabolism meet, so you need a doctor who understands all three. As a GP and Trichologist with a special interest in PMOS, Dr Raja treats the cause, not just the scalp. This means you get joined-up care for your hair, hormones and weight under one roof.
Book ConsultationWhy Seek Dr Anita Raja for PCOS Hair Loss Care?
Diagnostic Depth
General GP/High Street Clinic: Basic blood tests may not assess hair, and salons cannot test hormones.
Dr Anita Raja (GP with a special interest in PCOS (PMOS) hair loss): Hormone and blood tests, trichoscopy and AI scalp analysis in one place.
Treatment Range
General GP/High Street Clinic: Generic advice on shampoos, supplements or weight loss alone.
Dr Anita Raja (GP with a special interest in PCOS (PMOS) hair loss): A tailored plan that treats hormones, insulin, nutrition and the scalp together.
Experience
General GP/High Street Clinic: General knowledge of hair loss or PCOS, rarely both.
Dr Anita Raja (GP with a special interest in PCOS (PMOS) hair loss): 10+ years as a doctor, with trichology training and a clinical interest in PMOS hair loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
In many cases, yes. If your hair roots are still alive, treatment can help thin hair grow thicker over time. Many patients notice less shedding within a few months, with any regrowth taking 6 to 12 months. Results vary from person to person.
Hair loss linked to PCOS usually shows as thinning on top of the head and a wider parting. It often comes with other signs, such as irregular periods, acne or extra facial hair. A consultation with blood tests and a scalp scan can confirm the cause.
No. You can book directly, with no GP referral. If your tests point to PCOS (PMOS), Dr Raja can arrange a full assessment with our endocrinology team.
It can. Losing 5% to 10% of your body weight can lower insulin and androgen levels. However, hair takes months to respond, so most people also need scalp or medical treatment.
A hair loss consultation costs £150 and includes your AI scalp analysis. The hair loss blood test panel costs £250, TrichoTest is charged separately, and Dr Raja will explain any costs before you agree.
Dr Raja looks at your whole hormone and metabolic picture. She uses blood tests and scalp scans to find the cause, then builds a tailored plan. It combines hormone care, nutrition support, scalp treatments and regular checks to protect your hair.
Further Reading/Patient Resources
Medically reviewed by Dr Anita Raja, GP and Trichologist. Last reviewed: October 2026
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