Diet and Hirsutism: Do Certain Foods Cause Facial Hair Growth?

Short answer: No food has been shown to directly cause facial hair growth in women. Diet affects hirsutism indirectly, mainly through insulin and body weight in women with PMOS (formerly PCOS). If you are overweight, losing weight lowers androgen levels, but it improves hair only a little. Guidelines say no single diet is better than another, and there is no evidence that juicing, flaxseed or hot water reduce unwanted hair.

Search for “foods that cause facial hair” and you’ll find lists blaming eggs, potatoes, coffee or milk. It’s an understandable worry. If you are dealing with unwanted hair, you want to know whether something on your plate is making it worse.

This guide looks at what the research actually says about diet and hirsutism (male-pattern hair growth in women). It covers sugar and insulin, weight, dairy, soy, flaxseed, juicing and hot water, and answers a common question: can hirsutism cause weight gain? For supplements and herbs, see our supplements guide. For lifestyle approaches beyond food, see our guide to natural remedies for hirsutism.

A note on names: PMOS, short for polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, is the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It was adopted after a global consensus published in The Lancet in May 2026 and will be phased in over three years.^[3] PMOS is the most common cause of hirsutism, and almost all diet research in this area was done in women with PCOS.

Diet and hirsutism at a glance

Food or approach	Evidence	Verdict
Weight loss (if overweight)	Strong	Lowers testosterone. Improves hair scores slightly.
Eggs, potatoes, oranges, nuts, coffee, meat and similar foods	None	No studies show any of these cause facial hair.
Cutting sugar and refined carbs	Limited	May help by lowering insulin. Not tested for hair growth.
A specific “PCOS diet”	None	Guideline: no diet type is better than another.
Dairy	None	Linked to acne in observational studies. No data on hair.
Soy	Limited	One trial lowered the free androgen index. Hair not measured.
Flaxseed	Limited	One small trial: no change in testosterone or hair scores.
Juicing	None	No evidence it balances hormones. Juice is linked to higher diabetes risk.
Hot water	None	No studies in PMOS. Very hot drinks carry a cancer risk.
Spearmint tea	See guide	Covered in our spearmint guide.

Can food cause facial hair growth?

Hirsutism happens when androgens, hormones such as testosterone, act on hair follicles that are sensitive to them. In women with PMOS, insulin plays a big role: when insulin levels rise, the ovaries make and release more androgens.^[4] The Endocrine Society notes that obesity can worsen or even cause features of PCOS.^[1]

So food can play a part, but indirectly. What matters is your overall eating pattern and your weight over months and years, not a single ingredient. And if your hirsutism has another cause, such as an adrenal condition or a medication, diet is unlikely to make much difference.

What about the “9 foods that cause facial hair”?

Evidence: None Nine foods are often blamed online for facial hair growth: eggs, potatoes, oranges, Brazil nuts, raisins, olive oil, coffee, meat and poultry, and gelatin. We are not aware of any study showing that any of these foods causes facial hair growth in women. Some contain nutrients that play a role in hormone or hair biology, but that is not the same as causing hirsutism. There is no need to cut out these foods because of your hair.

Sugar, insulin and glycemic load

Evidence: Limited Because high insulin drives androgen production in PMOS,^[4] it makes sense to limit foods that cause big blood sugar and insulin spikes. These include sugary drinks, sweets and refined carbohydrates such as white bread. The glycemic load of a meal describes how much it raises your blood sugar, based on both the type and the amount of carbohydrate.

However, no trial has shown that a low-sugar or low-glycemic diet reduces hair growth on its own. The 2023 International PCOS Guideline reviewed the evidence on diet composition and found no evidence to support any one type of diet over another.^[2] That includes low-carb, low-glycemic and Mediterranean-style diets.

Practical changes that fit healthy eating guidelines:

• Swap sugary drinks and juice for water, tea or coffee without sugar
• Choose whole grains, beans and lentils over white bread, white rice and pastries
• Build meals around vegetables, a protein source and some healthy fat, which slows down how fast carbohydrates are absorbed
• Eat whole fruit rather than drinking it as juice

What is the best diet for PMOS and hirsutism?

There isn’t one. The 2023 International PCOS Guideline states:^[2]

• There is no evidence that any one type of diet composition is better than another.^[2]
• Any diet that follows population guidelines for healthy eating will have health benefits.^[2]
• Unduly restrictive and nutritionally unbalanced diets should be avoided.^[2]
• A healthy lifestyle has benefits even without weight loss.^[2]

This is good news. It means you can choose an eating pattern that suits your culture, budget and taste, and that you can keep up long term. A registered dietitian can help you build one, especially if you have a history of restrictive dieting.

Does weight loss reduce facial hair?

Evidence: Strong For hirsute women with obesity, including those with PMOS, the Endocrine Society recommends lifestyle changes.^[1] In a meta-analysis of four studies with 132 women, cited in the guideline, lifestyle changes led to weight loss, lower testosterone and lower fasting insulin, but Ferriman-Gallwey hair scores (a 0 to 36 score of hair in nine body areas) improved by only about 1 point on average.^[1] The guideline says lifestyle changes should not be the main treatment for hirsutism, because the contraceptive pill works much better.^[1]

A 2019 Cochrane review of 15 trials with 498 women with PCOS found that diet, exercise and behavioral programs lowered the free androgen index (a measure of active testosterone) and body weight, though the evidence was low quality.^[5] Diet changes are worth making for your health. For visible results on hair, most women also need medication or hair removal.

Can hirsutism lead to weight gain?

Hirsutism itself does not make you gain weight. Unwanted hair is a symptom, not a cause. But hirsutism and weight gain often appear together, because they share a common cause and can feed into each other.

• PMOS is linked to weight gain. A meta-analysis of 35 studies with more than 15,000 women found that women with PCOS were about twice as likely to be overweight, nearly three times as likely to have obesity, and more likely to carry weight around the waist than women without PCOS.^[6]
• Weight gain can worsen androgen excess. Higher insulin levels increase androgen production by the ovaries,^[4] and obesity can worsen features of PCOS.^[1]
• Weight loss can break the cycle. In overweight women with PCOS, losing weight lowers testosterone and the free androgen index.^[1][5]

If you have unwanted hair together with weight gain and irregular periods, ask your doctor to check for PMOS. Our hirsutism self-check can help you prepare for that conversation, and our article on what causes hirsutism explains the other possible causes.

Does dairy cause facial hair?

Evidence: None We found no studies showing that milk or dairy causes facial hair. Dairy does have a link to acne, which is another sign of androgen excess. A 2018 meta-analysis of 14 observational studies with 78,529 children, teenagers and young adults found that people who consumed dairy had about 25% higher odds of acne. The authors warned that the studies had a high risk of bias, and observational studies can’t prove cause and effect.^[11]

If acne is a problem for you, it may be worth watching how your skin responds to dairy. Our article on hirsutism and acne covers treatment. Cutting dairy for the sake of your hair is not supported by evidence, and if you do cut it, make sure you get calcium from other foods.

Soy and phytoestrogens

Evidence: Limited Phytoestrogens are plant compounds with a structure similar to estrogen. Soy is the best-known source. In a 12-week randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 70 women with PCOS took 50 mg of soy isoflavones a day or a placebo. The soy group had lower insulin, better insulin resistance scores and a small drop in the free androgen index.^[10] Hair growth was not reported. This is one small, short trial, and it used a supplement rather than food.

Soy foods such as tofu, tempeh and edamame are a fine part of a balanced diet. There is no evidence that they reduce hirsutism.

Does flaxseed balance hormones?

Evidence: Limited Flaxseed (linseed) is often promoted as a hormone balancer. The best study we found is a 12-week randomized trial in Iran. Forty-eight women with PCOS were assigned to 30 g of ground flaxseed per day plus lifestyle advice, or lifestyle advice alone, and 41 completed it.^[9]

• Insulin and insulin resistance improved more in the flaxseed group.^[9]
• More women in the flaxseed group had regular periods at the end of the study.^[9]
• Testosterone, SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin, a protein that keeps testosterone inactive) and hair scores did not differ between the groups.^[9]

The study was small, short and not blinded, so it was not a placebo-controlled test. Ground flaxseed is a healthy source of fiber, but the evidence does not show it reduces unwanted hair.

Juicing for hormonal imbalance

Evidence: None Juicing is often promoted as a way to “detox” the liver and flush out excess hormones. We found no studies showing that juicing lowers androgens or reduces hair growth. Your liver and kidneys already clear hormones from the body, and there is no evidence that juice speeds this up.

Fruit juice may even work against you. In three large US cohort studies following about 187,000 people, eating more whole fruit was linked to a slightly lower risk of type 2 diabetes, while drinking more fruit juice was linked to a higher risk.^[7] These are observational findings, but they matter for women with PMOS, who already have a higher risk of insulin resistance.

If you make juice at home, drink it fresh and wash produce well. Store-bought unpasteurized juice can carry harmful bacteria, and the FDA warns that pregnant women, children, older adults and people with weak immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness.^[8] Unpasteurized juice must carry a warning label, except when sold by the glass.^[8]

A simple green smoothie (not a treatment)

If you enjoy green drinks, a blended smoothie keeps the fiber that juicing removes. It is a way to eat more vegetables, not a hormone treatment. Try this:

• A large handful of spinach or kale
• Half a green apple or a handful of berries
• A small piece of fresh ginger and a squeeze of lemon
• A spoon of plain yogurt or a few nuts for protein
• Water or unsweetened milk to blend

Does drinking hot water help PCOS (PMOS)?

Evidence: None No. We found no studies testing hot water as a treatment for PMOS or hirsutism. Claims that it boosts metabolism or “flushes out” hormones are not backed by research. Drinking enough water is good for general health, and the temperature is a matter of taste.

One caution: very hot drinks above 65 °C (149 °F) are classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as probably carcinogenic to humans, mainly for esophageal cancer.^[12] Let hot water or tea cool a little before you drink it.

Spearmint tea

Spearmint tea is the one drink with small trials in women with hirsutism. We cover the studies, doses and safety in detail in our guide to spearmint for hirsutism.

When to see a doctor or dietitian

Diet changes are a good addition to medical care, not a replacement. Before changing your diet, see a doctor to find out why you have unwanted hair. See a doctor promptly if:

• Hair growth started suddenly or is getting worse within months
• Your voice is deepening or your clitoris is enlarging
• Your periods are irregular or have stopped
• You have gained or lost a lot of weight without trying

Sudden or rapidly worsening hair growth with signs of virilization (masculine changes) can be a sign of a hormone-producing tumor, which is rare but needs quick investigation.^[1] Our article on which doctor to see for hirsutism explains who to ask. A registered dietitian can help you plan meals, especially if you have PMOS or a history of disordered eating.

Frequently asked questions

Do eggs cause facial hair in women?

No. We are not aware of any study showing that eggs, or any other single food, cause facial hair growth in women.

Can diet cure hirsutism?

No. In overweight women with PMOS, weight loss lowers testosterone, but hair scores improve only slightly.^[1] Most women need medication or hair removal for clear results.

Does sugar cause facial hair?

Not directly. High insulin increases androgen production in PMOS,^[4] so cutting sugary foods may help indirectly. No trial has shown that eating less sugar reduces hair growth.

Does milk increase facial hair?

There is no evidence that it does. Dairy is linked to acne in observational studies, but not to hair growth.^[11]

What is the best diet for hirsutism?

Any balanced, healthy diet you can maintain. The 2023 International PCOS Guideline found no evidence that one diet type is better than another.^[2]

Key takeaways

• No single food causes facial hair growth in women.
• Diet affects hirsutism indirectly through insulin and weight, mainly in women with PMOS.
• Weight loss in overweight women lowers androgens but improves hair only slightly.
• No specific diet is best. Choose a balanced pattern you can keep up.
• Juicing, flaxseed and hot water are not proven to reduce unwanted hair.

Sources

1. Martin KA, Anderson RR, Chang RJ, et al. Evaluation and Treatment of Hirsutism in Premenopausal Women: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018;103(4):1233-1257. PubMed 29522147
2. Teede HJ, Tay CT, Laven JJE, et al. Recommendations From the 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2023;108(10):2447-2469. PubMed 37580314
3. Teede HJ, et al. Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: a multistep global consensus process. Lancet. 2026;407(10545):2329-2339. Published online May 12, 2026. PubMed 42119588
4. Cleveland Clinic. PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome): Symptoms and Treatment. Accessed October 2026. Link
5. Lim SS, Hutchison SK, Van Ryswyk E, et al. Lifestyle changes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;3(3):CD007506. PubMed 30921477
6. Lim SS, Davies MJ, Norman RJ, Moran LJ. Overweight, obesity and central obesity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update. 2012;18(6):618-637. Link
7. Muraki I, Imamura F, Manson JE, et al. Fruit consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes: results from three prospective longitudinal cohort studies. BMJ. 2013;347:f5001. doi:10.1136/bmj.f5001
8. US Food and Drug Administration. What You Need to Know About Juice Safety. Accessed October 2026. Link
9. Haidari F, Banaei-Jahromi N, Zakerkish M, Ahmadi K. The effects of flaxseed supplementation on metabolic status in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized open-labeled controlled clinical trial. Nutr J. 2020;19:8. doi:10.1186/s12937-020-0524-5
10. Jamilian M, Asemi Z. The Effects of Soy Isoflavones on Metabolic Status of Patients With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(9):3386-3394. Link
11. Juhl CR, Bergholdt HKM, Miller IM, et al. Dairy Intake and Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 78,529 Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults. Nutrients. 2018;10(8):1049. PubMed 30096883
12. International Agency for Research on Cancer. IARC Monographs evaluate drinking coffee, maté, and very hot beverages (press release No. 244). June 15, 2016. Accessed October 2026. Link

This article is for education and is not medical advice. Talk to a doctor about diagnosis and treatment.