Hirsutism in Women: What You Need To Know & How to Fix It
Hirsutism is something women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) may be very familiar with. If you’ve dealt with the excessive, annoying growth of dark and thick hair on your face, chest, and/or back, then you’re likely experiencing this troublesome condition. Understanding the cause behind constantly needing to tweeze, pluck, shave, or wax these areas will help determine the treatment! Let’s break down what you need to know when it comes to Hirsutism, including why it happens, and HOW you can fix it ASAP.
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Why Does Hirsutism Happen in Females?
So you’re probably frustrated thinking, “why am I growing a full-on beard?”. Excessive hair growth can be just as frustrating as excessive hair loss. Here are some of the main causes of Hirsutism:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Because many women with PCOS have elevated androgen levels, many of them deal with Hirsutism. This often results from the overall imbalance of hormones that may also cause irregular periods, weight gain, ovarian cysts, or infertility. According to AAFP, PCOS is the most common cause of hirsutism, accounting for three out of every four cases.
With PCOS, hirsutism is completely manageable once you understand your personal PCOS journey. The best way you can do this is by asking your doctor for a full hormone panel to check your hormone levels and to diagnose what type of PCOS you have. If you’re feeling super overwhelmed, then you can always do a Dutch Hormone Test with me!
Other Hormone Imbalance Related Cases
Other than women with PCOS, women with other hormone imbalances are at risk for developing hirsutism, mainly idiopathic, acromegaly, adrenal hyperplasia, cushing syndrome, hyperprolactinemia, and thyroid dysfunction. If you suspect you have hirsutism, then definitely speak with your doctor to start running some tests to confirm a hormone imbalance and the cause.
Medication
There are multiple medications that have become associated with causing Hirsutism. It’s important to discuss any medication with your doctor, including the potential risks and side effects from taking it for a long period of time. This includes hormonal birth control as well!
Family History
Some of the causes of hirsutism do have a hereditary component, including PCOS. Oftentimes, some women from specific backgrounds have more body hair with no identifiable cause other than it running in the family. This is something to consider after ruling out all other potential causes of hirsutism.
Can Hirsutism be Cured?
While a lot of the hormonal conditions that cause hirsutism are not “curable”, they are 100% manageable. There are different lifestyle and diet changes you can easily implement to manage the symptoms that come with excessive hair growth. It’s also important to note that managing your symptoms with any hormone imbalance takes time and patience. Your hormone imbalances won’t be fixed in a week, or even in a month. Sometimes it takes months for your body to adjust.
How can you balance your hormones to improve your symptoms with hirsutism? Working with professionals who have your health in mind! Speak to your doctor about your concerns or team up with a women’s dietitian who specializes in hormone imbalance conditions (hey girl, hey!).
How Do You Stop Hirsutism Naturally?
A lot of doctors will recommend medication to manage hirsutism, but it’s worth noting that you can manage and improve hirsutism through natural lifestyle changes. The following tips could help women improve their hirsutism naturally over time:
Focus less refined and processed foods such as sugar, white bread, chips, and pasta
Include plenty of antioxidant-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and beans
Reduce alcohol intake
Drink plenty of water
Move your body at least 30 minutes a day (this doesn’t have to be intense workouts either!)
Incorporate natural herbs and supplements to help curb excess androgens
Supplements for Hirsutism
When it comes down to it, supplements and herbs are great ways to manage your symptoms from not only hirsutism but also from any hormone imbalance. No matter how healthy we eat, sometimes it’s difficult to provide our body with the sufficient nutrients it needs. Always consider your personal health journey and blood work before deciding which supplements you should take.
Here is a list of supplements and herbs to consider if you have hirsutism that may help reduce androgen levels:
Saw palmetto
Spearmint tea
Zinc
NAC
Inositol (use my discount for 10% off Ovasitol)
Even though hirsutism can be frustrating, it is important to remember to be patient with yourself and your body. Stress and mental health play a huge role in our overall hormone health, so take the time to invest in your self care. Even if you have a little extra hair, you’re still a boss! Connect with me on social for more hormone balance advice.
