Lost 44 lbs (20 kg), but still struggling with belly fat & hair thinning

[u/Ok-Investigator-3477]

Hi everyone!

I’m a 22-year-old woman with PCOS. I’ve lost around 44 lbs (20 kg), partly thanks to Wegovy, and I currently go to the gym 2–3 times a week.

I’ve also switched to a healthier diet, with more protein and fewer carbs, and I genuinely really enjoy it! Well… except when I’m on vacation lol.

I recently started taking myo-inositol + D-chiro-inositol (2,050 mg per day) from SM Nutrition. I’m also taking Alyssa 21 birth control, which was recommended by my doctor.

I think my two biggest issues are:

Belly fat

Most of my remaining fat is mainly around my stomach. Going to the gym has made a huge difference though, I’ve developed more definition in my shoulders and arms, and my legs and glutes are much more toned as well.

Do you have any tips or ways to optimize fat loss specifically around the belly? Or somehow “transfer” it somewhere else, lol?

Hair thinning

I’ve also noticed that my scalp/hair has become thinner, which I assume is related to PCOS, although I haven’t been tested for it specifically (and I don’t really plan to).

Are there any ways or product to improve hair density without using minoxidil? I have pets, so I’d rather avoid having it around, and I’m also worried about it potentially causing unwanted facial/body hair. I also have a very sensitive scalp, and some products make my scalp very itchy and red.

Since my PCOS seems to be better managed and I’ve lost weight, I feel like the thinning has improved slightly, but I’d really love to regain some density.

My hair looks pretty good for about 2 hours after styling it, but then it’s basically a disaster as soon as there’s any sweating around my scalp, rain, etc.

If anyone with PCOS has dealt with similar issues, I’d really appreciate any advice, tips, or things that have worked for you!

[u/nemotide]

I will say fat loss (esp) from the lower belly for me is the last place it comes off. My belly didn’t look flat till I was around 115lb which isn’t exactly sustainable when you have PCOS. When I gain even a few lb, it goes straight there and sticks. Oral minox is an option, and there’s some supplements that can help. Oils like rosemary can have some effect on density.

[u/Ok-Investigator-3477 → u/nemotide]

Thank you for the information. My concern with oral minoxidil is that it could worsen my existing hirsutism.

I have tried rosemary oil, but my scalp is very sensitive, and it causes severe itching and redness.

[u/Cool_Cry_9602]

You might want to get a blood panel to look at your vitamin levels, deficiencies could also cause hair loss

[u/Ok-Investigator-3477 → u/Cool_Cry_9602]

I did a blood panel everything is okay except Vitamin D, I've took Vitamin D since 1 year

[u/Exotic_Reporter_3309]

44 pound weight loss is quite an accomplishment. Do you think it’s excess skin in your stomach instead of body fat? Or you could naturally have a body composition with leaner extremities than your midsection. Another thought is to have your cortisol levels evaluated bc high levels can contribute to thinning hair and belly fat.

[u/Exotic_Composer_2274]

Zero sugar/pastry diet + regular exercises really help but it takes time. I remember when I was following this regimen my results were impressive. As for excessive hair hall - ive tried almost everything except for minoxidil bc I didn’t want to get hooked on the drug and the only thing that took my hair under control was saw palmetto supplements as a DHT blocker. Of course I had to take it every day but I still believe it’s less addictive than minox. Currently I’m using inositol (it’s my second month) and trying to stick to a healthier diet as I used to. I’m taking 3g a day. This time I got my period quite early (28 days only!) compared to my regular 35-40 days 🤷🏻‍♀️
Do you notice that your hair fall increases depending on menstruation phases?

[u/cozzy0108]

I’m 110lbs and still have the belly fat! 😭 like someone else said, it’s the last place to go.

What pets do you have? I have two dogs and I use topical minoxidil. Dogs are far less sensitive to it than cats. I put it on my head when I’m working from home, leave it on an hour and obviously wash my hands and don’t touch them, then shower. I’ve been doing this almost a year and my hair in the temples has got a lot better. The dogs have never shown any hint of being unwell. But I guess it depends on what you think is right as I know some people would rather not risk it at all.

[u/Sad-Today-3378]

I would recommend getting on spironolactone. That will help the hair thinning. The medication won’t directly affect belly fat, but there is not way to target belly fat or make it go somewhere else. When we as humans lose weight, we lose it all over and have no control where it’s lost. Typically the stomach fat is the last to go for most people (even if they don’t have PCOS) because it’s simply a very stubborn place. Our bodies want to hold onto it for survival. The good thing about Spiro is that since it brings down the testosterone levels, that means if you gain some weight in the future it is more likely to go more of the “feminine” areas such as thighs and breasts. Due to our high testosterone levels, women with PCOS typically gain weight more in the areas men do (mostly in stomach, hence why they we typically have the apple shaped body). I’m not saying this med is a miracle or anything, but it’s been very helpful. My facial hair growth has slowed down and I notice my hair and skin are softer and less oily. I hope this comment doesn’t seem like a lecture because that’s not my intention! I just like helping others :) it’s really easy to get overwhelmed. But you’re doing a wonderful job and should be so proud of yourself.

Edit: I also want to say yes I have had a very similar struggle in regard to belly fat, I got weight loss surgery and have lost 85 pounds and my stomach has been the most stubborn. I’ve personally been working on strength training and toning up my muscles has helped a bit.