8 Supplements for Hirsutism
Hirsutism is unwanted hair growth typically seen on the face or body and is a common symptom seen with PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome. This condition occurs because of an increase in androgen production (could be testosterone or DHEA) in females.
High androgen levels in females can be caused by imbalances in blood sugar, reduced insulin sensitivity, or stress. The reason for the facial hair growth is because the hair follicles become overstimulated by a compound DHT, as a result of high testosterone levels. The follicles will, therefore, grow at a rapid rate and will also increase the pigmentation of the hair. It’s important to uncover the root cause of your elevated androgen levels that lead to hirsutism.
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Several anti-androgen supplements plus some lifestyle modifications may be helpful for hirsutism natural treatment.
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1. Zinc
Zinc is a mineral found in food that functions to grow and repair body tissues, supports the immune system, and helps many of the reactions that occur in the body. As one of the supplements for hirsutism, zinc aids in regulating testosterone which results in decreased hirsutism.
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2. Spearmint
Spearmint tea is another great treatment for those dealing with elevated testosterone levels and associated symptoms like hirsutism. Studies show that spearmint tea helps to decrease free testosterone levels and increase luteinizing hormone (LH), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol in those with PCOS. Due to spearmint tea’s ability to inhibit testosterone, it can help to restore follicular development in the ovarian tissue and promote ovulation. If you struggle with elevated testosterone, hirsutism, or trouble ovulating, spearmint tea can be a great treatment option. This is why spearmint is one of the supplements for hirsutism.
3. NAC
N-acetyl cysteine, or NAC, is needed to make your body’s most powerful antioxidant: glutathione. It is another one of the natural anti-androgen supplements for lowering testosterone as it helps to improve the body’s insulin response and helps to protect egg quality. It has also been shown to improve ovulation and pregnancy rates for those with PCOS.This is why NAC is one of the supplements for hirsutism.
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4. Reishi
Red Reishi is a mushroom, or adaptogen, that helps the body adapt to stress. It has also been shown to be one of the supplements for hirsutism because it can help to lower high testosterone levels caused by blood sugar imbalances. Blood sugar imbalance causes a high insulin concentration in the blood which can signal the ovaries to produce more testosterone. A study looking at the anti-androgenic effects of 19 mushrooms, found that Reishi mushrooms had the strongest effect inhibiting testosterone. Reishi has been shown to reduce an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, which aids in the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). As we know, high DHT levels are associated with hirsutism.
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5. Nettle
Nettle, or is also known as stinging nettle or urtica dioica and originates in all parts of the world, though you may have never heard of it. Nettle has anti-inflammatory, testosterone lowering, and blood sugar-lowering effects. A study on 40 women with elevated androgen levels found a significant decrease in total testosterone and free testosterone levels. Due to its testosterone lowering effect nettle can help with symptoms associated with elevated androgens like hair loss, acne, and hirsutism. This is why nettle is one of the supplements for hirsutism.
6. Licorice + White Peony
Licorice and white peony are another effective treatment for hirsutism that is one of the natural anti-androgen supplements. A small study of nine women aged 22-26 found a reduction in serum testosterone levels after daily licorice intake for two cycles. Testosterone levels returned to pre-treatment levels when discontinued. Do not consume more than one cup of licorice tea per day due to the risk of elevated blood pressure.
White peony contains a constituent called paeoniflorin, which has been shown to reduce serum testosterone levels. It promotes the aromatization (or conversion) of testosterone into estrogen. TJ-68 is a traditional Chinese formula containing a combination of equal parts white peony and licorice. In a trial of 34 women with PCOS this combination significantly reduced serum testosterone levels. In a trial of 8 women with elevated androgen, a similar effect was observed. Pairing white peony and licorice in combination can improve the benefits to reduce hirsutism and PCOS by boosting ovulation due to the testosterone lowering effects.
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7. Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is another one of the supplements for hirsutism. Native to the eastern regions of the US, saw palmetto is another plant that aids in treating hirsutism. A study found that saw palmetto is a great remedy to reduce testosterone by inhibiting the 5 alpha-reductase pathway. The 5 alpha-reductase pathway is how androgens convert into DHT, the enzyme that over stimulates facial hair follicles. This pathway can be up to 3x more symptomatic than the 5 beta reductase pathway.
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8. Inositol
Inositol is another one of the supplements for hirsutism. Inositol is a vitamin B-like compound shown to help to improve insulin sensitivity. Though it can be supplemented, Inositol is found naturally in fruits like cantaloupe and citrus, but also in beans, brown rice, and other fiber-rich foods. Inositol can help to treat hirsutism by lowering testosterone levels due to its ability to improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.
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