A Functional Medicine Guide for Women at Every Age
It started in the shower.
Jessica noticed more strands of hair swirling down the drain than usual. At first, she brushed it off—maybe it was stress or the change of seasons. But as the weeks went on, she realized her once thick ponytail had thinned noticeably, and her part was widening. To make matters worse, a few coarse hairs had popped up on her chin. “What is happening to me?” she wondered.
Turns out, Jessica—like millions of women—was living with undiagnosed PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), and she had just entered perimenopause. The hormonal shifts of midlife were pulling the curtain back on a condition she had likely had for years but never connected to her hair, mood, cycle changes, or energy.
If this story sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re not without hope. At Antigravity Wellness, we specialize in helping women uncover and manage root causes like PCOS, especially during the midlife transition, so you can reclaim your health and confidence—naturally.
🔬 What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal condition that affects at least 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. It’s often underdiagnosed or misunderstood, especially in women who don’t present with the “classic” signs like cystic ovaries on ultrasound or irregular cycles.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Thinning hair at the crown or temples
- Unwanted facial/body hair
- Acne
- Irregular or heavy periods
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Insulin resistance
- Mood swings or anxiety
- Fatigue
🌀 PCOS + Perimenopause: A Double Hormonal Whammy
During perimenopause (typically starting in your late 30s to early 40s), hormone levels fluctuate wildly. For women with PCOS, this can worsen insulin resistance, increase androgen activity, and accelerate hair loss and metabolic symptoms.
At this stage, your body needs a more individualized, gentle, and root-cause approach—not more Band-Aid solutions.
🌱 A Natural Plan to Restore Hair Health with PCOS
Whether you’re 25 or 45, these holistic, functional strategies can help restore balance and support hair growth:
1. 🍳 Prioritize Protein Daily
Hair is made of keratin, a protein. Without enough dietary protein, your body won’t prioritize hair growth.
Aim for at least 0.8–1.2 grams of protein per pound of ideal body weight per day, depending on your activity level.
Great sources include:
- Eggs, lean poultry, fish, grass-fed beef
- Lentils, tempeh, and quality plant-based protein (especially if you’re vegetarian)
- Protein shakes with collagen, pea, or rice protein
2. 🥗 Eat to Balance Blood Sugar and Reduce Androgens
- Avoid blood sugar spikes: Cut refined sugars, sodas, pastries, and white carbs
- Focus on high-fiber, anti-inflammatory meals: Veggies, protein, healthy fats
- Add spearmint tea (2 cups daily) to help naturally lower androgen levels
3. 💊 Targeted Nutrients for Hair & Hormone Health
- Zinc – Lowers androgens and supports follicle health
- Vitamin D – Needed for healthy hair cycling and mood
- Biotin & B-complex – Strengthen hair and buffer stress
- Inositol (Myo + D-Chiro) – Improves insulin sensitivity and can help with ovulation and androgen excess
- Omega-3 fatty acids – Reduce inflammation and support scalp health
4. 🧴 Clean Up Your Hair Products
Look for shampoos and conditioners that are:
- Sulfate-free (no stripping or drying)
- Paraben- and phthalate-free (no hormone-disrupting chemicals)
- Enriched with rosemary, tea tree, or nettle for scalp stimulation
5. 💆 Massage the Scalp + Stimulate Growth
Use castor oil or rosemary oil (diluted with jojoba) to massage your scalp 2–3 times per week.
This increases blood flow to the follicles and may reduce DHT (a testosterone byproduct that contributes to hair loss).
6. 🧘 Manage Stress and Sleep
Chronic stress drives up cortisol, which worsens insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance.
Tips:
- Try breathwork or journaling
- Limit screen time before bed
- Walk or stretch daily to move stagnant stress hormones
- Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep
📋 Case Study: “Kendra” – Hair Loss, Fatigue, and PCOS in Perimenopause
Kendra (not her real name) came to Antigravity Wellness at age 41, frustrated by increasing fatigue, thinning hair, and unpredictable periods. She had a history of irregular cycles and mild acne, but no one had ever connected the dots.
After comprehensive functional lab testing, we confirmed PCOS with androgen excess, insulin resistance, and low vitamin D. Kendra was also entering early perimenopause.
We worked with her to:
- Optimize her nutrition and protein intake
- Add a myo-inositol and NAC blend
- Start a functional multivitamin, Vitamin D3 + K2, and Omega-3
- Create a personalized movement plan and stress reduction routine
- Introduce topical castor oil scalp treatments with rosemary oil
In 4 months, her hair shedding had decreased, energy improved, and she was sleeping better. By 6 months, her scalp was filling in, and she felt “like herself again.”
💡 How Antigravity Wellness Helps Women with PCOS—at Any Age
We know PCOS doesn’t end after your 30s—and neither should your care.
At Antigravity Wellness, we take a root-cause approach to hormone healing. We offer:
- Comprehensive functional lab testing
- Expert analysis of your symptoms and lifestyle
- Personalized supplement and nutrition protocols
- Ongoing accountability and coaching
- Hormone replacement therapy (when appropriate and needed)
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or rediscovering symptoms in perimenopause, we’re here to help you feel seen, supported, and empowered.
💬 Ready to Take the First Step?
Book a Brief Initial Consult Call with Dr. Nicole Smith today and begin your path to hormone harmony, naturally.
📚 References
- Escobar-Morreale, H.F. (2018). “Polycystic ovary syndrome: definition, aetiology, diagnosis and treatment.” Nat Rev Endocrinol. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29569621/
- Pal, L., & Santoro, N. (2018). “Perimenopause: From Research to Practice.” J Womens Health (Larchmt). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26653408/
- Vittorio Unfer. 2017. Myo-inositol effects in women with PCOS: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5655679/
- Paul Grant. 2010. Spearmint herbal tea has significant anti-androgen effects in polycystic ovarian syndrome. A randomized controlled trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19585478/
- Yunes Panahi. 2015. Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25842469/
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
This blog post is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, therapy, or lifestyle program, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications.
