🩸Voted least attractive PCOS symptom

Good morning. It’s Saturday, June 14, and this week I went down the DHT rabbit hole. How it contributes to hair loss, what can be done to block it and steps to take to get back those healthy, luscious locks.

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Ladies have voted, the least attractive and most unfeminine symptoms of PCOS is hair loss and facial/body hair growth.

And the culprit to this nasty symptom is dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

If you’ve ever stared at a clump of hair in your brush and wondered, “Why is this happening to me?” — you’re not alone.

I remember the first time I noticed it. A thinning patch near my part line. Nothing major. Until it was. I started tying my hair tighter to cover it — buns, ponytails, hats. Anything to hide what felt like a betrayal from my own body.

At the same time, there was another betrayal happening in my bathroom mirror. Chin hairs. Not peach fuzz — thick, stubborn strands that came in fast and dark. I’d pluck one, and it was like three RSVP’d to the next party.

And all of it? Tied to this one nasty hormone: DHT.

So what is DHT anyway?

Dihydrotestosterone is a super potent form of testosterone. Think of it as testosterone’s meaner, stronger cousin. In women with PCOS, testosterone is already elevated — and when too much of it converts into DHT, things start to go haywire.

DHT binds to receptors in your hair follicles, shrinking them over time. On your scalp, this leads to thinning or hair loss. But on your face, chest, back, and stomach? It has the opposite effect — thicker, darker, unwanted hair.

It’s cruel, really.

Because while you're losing the hair you want to keep, you’re gaining the hair you never asked for.

And worst of all, DHT doesn’t just mess with your looks. It messes with your confidence, your femininity, and your identity.

But here’s what nobody tells you:

You can fight back.

This doesn’t have to be your forever.

There are natural ways to support your body in lowering DHT — without harsh meds or crash diets. It starts with understanding why your body is overproducing and what you can do to calm the storm.

Some of the most effective tools in the PCOS-DHT battle include:

• Saw Palmetto – a natural DHT blocker found in many hair supplements

• Zinc – helps reduce testosterone converting into DHT

• Spearmint tea – calming and shown in studies to reduce androgens

• Lowering insulin levels – because insulin resistance fuels higher androgens (and therefore DHT)

• Anti-inflammatory diets – because inflammation is like throwing gasoline on the hormonal fire

No, there’s no overnight cure. But with the right approach, your hair can grow back. Your confidence can return. And those chin hairs? They can get ghosted for good.

If this hit home…

Know that I see you.

Not the filtered version of you. You. The woman trying to laugh through the pain. The one making jokes about beard hairs while crying in silence over her thinning hairline. The one googling “PCOS hair loss” at midnight and wishing someone would just get it.

I do.

And I want you to know — your body isn’t broken. It’s just overwhelmed. And with the right support, it can heal.

So if you're ready to dig deeper, I’ll be sharing more about DHT-fighting foods, habits, and supplements in the next newsletter. No fluff. Just real strategies that work.

You're not alone in this fight. And you’re still so feminine — even when it feels like DHT is stealing that from you.

Keep going.
You're growing stronger — one follicle at a time.

— Arzina | PCOS Queens

^{Why PCOS Queens? I want to save you the energy and time in researching and instead give you the shortcut to managing PCOS. I want to help you avoid feeling self-conscious and thinking you have to accept how things are. I want to help you overcome the worst of your symptoms, feel empowered and discover your inner strength. I want to hand you the keys to take back control of your life.}

*Disclaimer: Every women is unique, and this information is provided for educational purposes only. I share summarized research data and personal experience, but this should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance on your specific health needs.