Female facial hair growth is medically termed as hirsutism. Hirsutism often develops because of an imbalance in hormones that favor male-patterned hair growth. These hormones include testosterone. In broader terms, however, hirsutism is caused by an absolute or relative increase in androgens. In women, androgens are produced by the adrenal glands and in smaller percentages by the ovaries. Hirsutism often occurs as a complication of Cushing's disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, chronic stress, menopause and insulin resistance, but it can also be partly controlled by genetics. Supplements may be helpful in managing abnormal hair growth, but they should be discussed with a qualified health care practitioner first.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is traditionally thought of as an herb for male reproductive health. Namely, it has been popularized for its ability to reduce prostate size in men with benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH, as well as helping with alopecia or male-patterned balding. These two diseases are believed to have a similar origin, which is the presence of a strongly stimulating testosterone derivative. This androgen is known as DHT, and saw palmetto effectively reduces DHT levels, by inhibiting the enzyme that converts it.
In treating female facial hair growth, saw palmetto is deemed to have a similar mechanism of action, notes the "Iranian Journal of Dermatology." This journal published a small study in 2009 on the use of saw palmetto cream for a two-month period. The findings were positive, noting that except for a single case of contact dermatitis, the cream was safe and efficacious in decreasing the frequency of using other hair removal methods by 76.66 percent in only one month. Another 6.66 percent of participants reduced their hair growth frequency by the second month. Although this study did not observe the effect of internally prescribed extract of saw palmetto, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that it has anti-androgenic activity in an oral dose of 160 mg taken two times per day. UMMC additionally notes to be careful of saw palmetto's blood-thinning effects if you are taking blood thinners, like warfarin, brand name Coumadin.
Spearmint
Spearmint is an herb commonly associated with the flavors of mint gum or toothpaste. It is used in herbal medicinal healing for digestive concerns, febrile conditions and even as an antimicrobial. However, recent investigation of the herb has found that it may be an effective natural treatment for lessening female facial hair growth. A 2007 Medical News Today article notes that a tea made from the leaves of this plant can reduce the levels of masculinizing androgens in women. It was noted to be of particular benefit to women with only mild hirsutism. In the study, the tea was prescribed at a dose of two, 250 ml cups per day. It was made by pouring boiling water over 5 or so grams of dried leaves and letting it steep for five to 10 minutes.
Vitex
Vitex, also known as chastetree, is a widely used herb for balancing women's health concerns. It is used as an herb in treating concerns such as menstrual irregularity, infertility, PCOS, fibroids and fibrocystic breast disease. The herb helps to balance the ratios of estrogen to progesterone, specifically helping to increase progesterone levels. In treating hirsutism, UMMC notes that the standardized extract of vitex acts as an anti-androgen. UMMC suggests that vitex be taken on an empty stomach, before breakfast, in a dose of 20 to 40 mg per day. This herb, like the others listed, may interact with medications used to treat Parkinson's disease and psychiatric concerns, such as mania.
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