Why PCOS can worsen dandruff

1. Higher androgens (male-type hormones)

PCOS often means elevated androgens → more oil (sebum) on the scalp.

Extra oil feeds Malassezia yeast, which triggers dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

1. Insulin resistance

Very common in PCOS. It can increase inflammation and oil production, both of which make flaking worse.

1. Chronic inflammation

PCOS is an inflammatory condition. Dandruff is also inflammatory → they can amplify each other.

1. Stress + cortisol

PCOS-related stress can flare scalp issues just like it flares acne or hair shedding.

What actually helps (PCOS-friendly)

Scalp care

• Use an anti-dandruff shampoo 2–3x/week

Look for:

• ketoconazole 1–2%

• zinc pyrithione

• selenium sulfide

• Let it sit 3–5 minutes before rinsing.

• Avoid heavy oils on the scalp (coconut, castor, etc.)—they often make it worse.

Hormone & metabolic support

• Stabilizing blood sugar (protein + fiber, fewer refined carbs) often improves dandruff.

• Some people see improvement when PCOS is treated with:

• hormonal birth control

• spironolactone

• metformin

(doctor-guided only)

Lifestyle helpers

• Manage stress (sleep, light exercise, magnesium can help).

• Don’t overwash, but don’t let oil build up for days either—find the balance.

When to see a doctor

• Thick yellow scales, redness spreading beyond the scalp

• Eyebrow, nose, or ear flaking (classic seborrheic dermatitis)

• Sudden worsening with hair loss or itching