Eight percent of American women have excessive hair growth, according to a 2003 article in the journal "American Family Physician." In rare cases, it is the symptom of a serious disorder, but most of the time no cause can be found. If there is no underlying disorder causing the condition known as hirsutism there are natural remedies you can try to minimize the hair growth. Be sure to consult with your doctor to rule out more serious conditions before implementing natural remedies.
Medical Causes of Hirsutism
While androgens are commonly thought of as male hormones, women have small amounts of them circulating in their bodies. The underlying cause of hirsutism in women is either high levels of androgens or a greater sensitivity to their effects. If hirsutism is caused by elevated hormone levels, the woman will frequently have other symptoms such as frequent acne, irregular menstrual periods or enlarged shoulder muscles. Medical conditions that can lead to elevated androgen levels are polycystic ovary syndrome, ovarian or adrenal tumors or Cushing's syndrome.
Drugs Causing Hirsutism
Certain drugs can cause hirsutism as a side effect. These drugs include Danazol -- which is used to treat endometriosis -- steroids, progestins and testosterone. Phenothiazines, which are used to treat schizophrenia and other psychiatric problems, are also linked to hirsutism. This category of drugs includes Thorazine, Mellaril and Stelazine.
Dietary Treatment
A website maintained by the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends losing weight, if necessary, as a first step in controlling hirsutism because excess weight leads the body to produce more androgen. They also recommend a diet emphasizing fish and lean meats as well as vegetables like squash and tomatoes, which are rich in antioxidants. You should also use healthy fats like olive oil and avoid eating foods with too much cholesterol, because it is a precursor to androgen. Additionally, avoid refined grains and try to exercise at least 30 minutes each day.
Herbs to Block Androgens
Since hirsutism is caused by androgens, anything that blocks their effects will be beneficial. The University of Maryland Medical Center website lists four such herbs. Black cohosh, which many women take for relief of menopausal symptoms, is one androgen blocker. The recommended dose is 20 to 40 mg twice daily. However, because some studies have shown that it can affect liver function and increase the risk of blood clots, don't take it if you have liver problems or a clotting disorder. Saw palmetto, which some men take for prostate problems, lowers the level of male hormones in the body. This website recommends that you take 160 mg twice daily. Don't take this, however, if you are taking blood thinners like Coumadin because this herb may increase the risk of bleeding. Chaste tree extract also acts against androgens, but it can interfere with some anti-psychotic drugs and Parkinson's medications. The recommended dose is 20 to 40 mg daily before breakfast. Research indicates that 2 cups of spearmint tea per day can block the effects of androgens and reduce the symptoms of mild hirsutism. There are some indications that it is helpful in treating polycystic ovary syndrome as well.
Another natural treatment is acupuncture, and there are some indications that it can lessen the thickness and length of unwanted hair. The procedure is expensive, however, and insurance plans may not cover it.
Conventional Medicine
If natural treatments don't work for you, you may want to try medical solutions. Birth control pills are often prescribed for this condition because they reduce androgen levels in the body. Other possible solutions include the medication Spironolactone, which blocks androgen receptors in the body; and Vaniqa, a prescription cream that slows new hair growth. However, the hair returns if you stop using the cream.
The important thing to remember about hirsutism is that it is a treatable condition. You have a variety of medical and natural options available, but before trying natural treatments, be sure to have a physical exam to rule out any serious disorders.
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