Safety and Clinical Considerations of Alopecia Therapies During Pregnancy, Fertility Treatment, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Workup

June 2026 in “ International Journal of Women’s Dermatology ”

Anna Brinks, Carli Needle Lawrence, Caitlin A. Kearney, Grace Rachko, Amy K. Bieber, Shannon DeVore, Jerry Shapiro, Kristen I. Lo Sicco, Daniela Majerson

alopecia pregnancy IVF PCOS polycystic ovary syndrome hormonal labs clinical trials contraindicated medications in vitro fertilization

TLDR Alopecia treatments during pregnancy, IVF, and PCOS have limited safety data and may require caution.

This review evaluates the safety of alopecia treatments during pregnancy, IVF, and PCOS workup, highlighting significant knowledge gaps due to the exclusion of pregnant women from clinical trials. There is limited safety data for alopecia medications during pregnancy, with many being contraindicated or requiring cautious use. Some treatments may benefit women undergoing IVF or PCOS workup, but they can also affect hormonal labs or mask PCOS symptoms. The study emphasizes the need for more targeted research to guide clinicians in making informed treatment decisions during these sensitive periods.

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