Treatment for Hair Growth in PCOS
PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) women commonly experience hair loss on the scalp alongside hair growth (hirsutism) in unwanted areas such as the chin, arms, thighs, and chest.
There are multiple therapies to treat this specific symptom. However, if you want to treat the root cause for your unwanted hair growth, you need to understand what’s happening with your hormones.
1. Reduce the amount of testosterone produced by the ovaries
There are two main natural therapeutics indicated to reduce the amount of testosterone produced by the ovaries:
Black cohosh (Actaea Racemosa): This herb has anti-androgenic effects. DO NOT take black cohosh if you have liver disease or a history of sensitivity to the pill.
Dosage: Most clinical trials have used a standard dose of 20 to 40 mg of dried rhizome per day, showing great results in modulating androgen production in the ovaries.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): This simple and cheap intervention has been researched more in recent years. Consuming Apple Cider Vinegar before your meals will decrease glucose spikes from carbohydrates.
Lower glucose spikes lead to lower androgen production in the ovaries, as glucose dysregulation has been repeatedly linked with acne, weight gain, and hair growth in PCOS patients.
Dosage: 1 Tbsp. of Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with water before breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
2. Improve testosterone detoxification from the liver
To have a fast recovery and see signs of improvement quickly, it is important to help the liver detoxify the excess testosterone. There are two main remedies indicated:
Spearmint Tea: Many studies have shown positive effects for PCOS women consuming spearmint tea. Reduction in hair growth (hirsutism) was observed after 30 days of consuming spearmint tea twice per day.
Dosage: 2 tsp. of dry spearmint tea in a boiling cup of water, twice per day for at least 30 days to start seeing an effect.
NAC (N-acetylcysteine): This nutrient is commonly used to improve liver function. NAC promotes the detoxification of androgen excess by the liver through the glutathionylation pathway.
Dosage: 1,000 mg twice per day with food.
There are many other possible interventions to reduce hair growth (hirsutism), acne, weight gain, and manage menstrual cycle irregularities. However, the remedies listed above are a great place to start.
Keep in mind there are some contraindications for the remedies listed above. This is why it is best to work with a health professional who can help you navigate your case and give you personalized advice based on your particular presentation.
The Bottom Line
Don’t believe anyone on the internet who tells you they have the solution for your hair growth regardless of your personal circumstances. You need to do a bit of work to identify what went wrong and how to make personalized changes to fix it. Then you can spend the money on a supplement or herb to deal with the actual issue.
If you find the problem too overwhelming and want some guidance, it is important to find a good health professional who is willing to ask all the right questions and help you find the answers.