Cystar Team
Table of Contents
Introduction
PCOS and excessive hair growth often come together but there’s a name for it! Hirsutism. Hirsutism AKA excessive hair growth is a frustrating but common symptom of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Like many women, you may have been diagnosed late and have no clue on how to manage PCOS and the constant changes your body is putting you through so let’s do this together. Honestly, it’s okay to struggle with unwanted hair, you’re not alone. In this post, we’ll break down a few things:
What is Hirsutism?
Hirsutism is also called excessive hair growth. It is a very common symptom of PCOS. It generally affects 4-11% of women but affects 65-75% of women diagnosed with PCOS
This type of hair is usually coarse and dark and looks more like a “peach fuzz” and appears in areas like the face—especially the chin and upper lip area, chest, back and stomach. This can not only be frustrating but can make you feel self-conscious as hair growth is not always associated with femininity.
Why Does PCOS Cause Excessive Hair Growth?
Hirsutism in PCOS is caused by high androgen levels (male hormones like testosterone). While all women have androgens, those with PCOS often produce more than usual and this leads to hair growth in unexpected areas. Although, not all women with PCOS deal with stubborn hair some just have a couple stray hairs. If PCOS remains unmanaged, this excessive hair growth is likely to worsen over time. However, with treatment, some women have experienced a reduction in hair growth over time.
How Do I Stop My Hair from Growing with PCOS?
While you can’t entirely stop hirsutism, you can reduce the excessive hair growth and slow it down with a combination of medical and natural treatments. So here’s how to slow down excessive hair growth with PCOS.
1. Use Medications to Balance Hormones
PCOS and excessive hair growth is often caused by a hormonal imbalance. Like we mentioned earlier, women with PCOS have higher androgen levels which leads to excessive hair growth. Now, using medication to balance your hormones is a great way to slow down facial hair growth. Some common options include:.
- Spironolactone: This is a medication that helps with the removal of excess fluid from your body. It is used to treat several conditions, PCOS being one of them as it is also an anti-androgen. Spironolactone helps to block androgen receptors which decreases androgen production and leads to a reduction in hair growth.
- Metformin: Metformin is typically used in patients with type 2 diabetes to improve the body’s ability to respond to insulin. However, several studies show that metformin in women with PCOS can make periods more regular and reduce unwanted hair growth.
2. Make Lifestyle Changes
Here are some lifestyle changes you can make while living with PCOS that can pause excessive hair growth.
- Weight Loss: Losing weight can also lower your androgen levels which can slow down excessive hair growth.
- Balanced Diet: What you eat has a direct impact on hormone levels. A low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory diet can help regulate insulin, which in turn helps keep androgen levels in check.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity, which can indirectly help lower testosterone levels and reduce hair growth.
3. Use Natural Supplements
Some supplements may be helpful in regulating hormones and reducing excess hair growth naturally:
- Spearmint Tea: This tea is known for its anti-androgenic properties, spearmint tea may help lower testosterone levels when consumed regularly. Studies suggest drinking two cups per day of spearmint tea can lead to a noticeable reduction in excess hair growth over time.
- Saw Palmetto: This is a herbal remedy that blocks the effects of androgens like testosterone. It is often used to reduce hair thinning on the scalp and may also help slow excess facial and body hair growth.
How to Remove Excessive Hair for Women With PCOS
If you want to remove or reduce unwanted hair, there are several treatment options you could try:
For a quick fix, shaving and waxing will get the job done but of course, they require frequent upkeep. You can also consider depilatory creams AKA hair removal creams such as Veet, but like shaving, this requires frequent upkeep and may irritate your skin.
For longer-term solutions, laser hair removal is advised as it will gradually reduce growth over time. While effective, it often works best when paired with hormonal treatment to address the root cause. Also, advanced treatments like IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) might be just what you need. Treatments like laser hair removal and IPL work by targeting the hair follicles with concentrated light energy, which gradually reduces hair growth over time. Laser hair removal, in particular, is highly effective when paired with hormonal treatments that address the underlying causes of PCOS. Similarly, IPL offers a broad-spectrum light approach that can also lead to significant hair reduction.
Electrolysis, on the other hand, is one of the only permanent solutions, it destroys hair follicles entirely, though the process can be time-consuming and expensive.
How to Deal With PCOS and Excessive Hair Growth Without Shame
PCOS affects millions of women worldwide, and it is important to know you are not alone. Excessive hair growth or hirsutism is not your fault neither does it take from you. It is a medical condition not your fault so treat it as such.It’s totally fine to feel frustrated and confused but take this one day at a time. Whether you choose to remove, reduce, or embrace your hair, the most important thing is feeling comfortable in your own skin.
Conclusion
If excess hair is affecting your confidence, consider speaking to a doctor or dermatologist about the best treatment options for you. We are also here to provide support to you through our PCOS treatment program, driven by functional medicine experts focusing on supplements, mental health support, nutrition and more which in turn helps to reduce excessive hair growth. You deserve to feel good about yourself whether you have PCOS or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Alongside professional treatments, you can support your body with natural approaches. Eating a balanced, low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory diet, engaging in regular exercise, and incorporating supplements like spearmint tea, inositol, and saw palmetto can help regulate hormones and reduce unwanted hair growth.
Yes, it's possible for hair to regrow if the underlying hormonal imbalances of PCOS aren't managed. However, when treatments like laser or IPL are paired with hormonal therapies and lifestyle changes, many women see a significant reduction in regrowth over time.
Most laser and IPL treatments require multiple sessions over several months to achieve noticeable results. The exact number can vary based on your hair type, skin tone, and the severity of hair growth. Your specialist will tailor a treatment plan that fits your unique needs.
