Excessive unwanted hair is called hirsutism and it is often caused by too much of androgen hormones such as testosterone, says the Patient UK website. While numerous hair removal options are available, some vitamin supplements can also reduce unwanted hair growth.
Vitamin B6
This vitamin is believed to prevent unwanted hair in two ways, says the Natural Health Solutions For PCOS website. It can inhibit your body's production of the hormone prolactin, which helps body tissues take up testosterone, and also dulls your cells' responsiveness to hormones. People who have a vitamin B6 deficiency can have an exaggerated response to hormones.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is believed to help decrease androgen levels by blocking their production in the first place, says Molecular Cancer Therapeutics. This is important because the higher your blood sugar, or insulin, levels, the more likely you are to have an excessive hair problem, says the Polycystic Ovary Support Blog. When insulin levels increase, your body's production of androgens does, too.
Saw Palmetto
This herb extract can be effective in reducing unwanted hair growth because it lowers the levels of androgens in your body, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. It is available as a supplement, which can be taken twice daily as a natural hair retardant; however, saw palmetto should never be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Check with your doctor before taking this, or any other, supplement.
References
- Patient UK: Hirsutism and Virulism
- Natural Health Solutions For PCOS: Hirsutism and PCOS
- Molecular Cancer Therapeutics: Androgen Antagonist Activity by the Antioxidant Moiety of Vitamin E, 2,2,5,7,8-Pentamethyl-6-chromanol in Human Prostate Carcinoma Cells1
- Polycystic Ovary Support Blog: How to Control Hirsutism (Excessive Hair)
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hirsutism
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