Is There a Homeopathic Treatment for Hirsutism?
Hirsutism is a condition with which women to grow excessive body hair. This hair is dark and thick and grows in areas where women usually do not have hair. There are several underlying causes for Hirsutism, such a medical condition like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), certain medications or changes in the body. Depending on the cause, there are a number of treatment options available for Hirsutism. However, many are wondering if there is a homeopathic treatment available, and if the homeopathic treatment can cure hirsutism?
Causes for Hirsutism
Hirsutism is in most cases caused by excessive “male” hormones such as androgens. They are often referred to as “male” hormones, as in large amounts, they lead to the development of body characteristics that are typically considered male, such as increased body hair. However, also women need androgens in the body. The most common type of androgen is testosterone. The main cause of Hirsutism is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). There are several causes of this condition, and while some are treatable, some are not. But you can always manage the condition.
It is very important to identify the underlying cause of Hirsutism, as Hirsutism can be a sign of something more serious going on in the body. It is recommended to make an appointment with a medical professional to discuss Hirsutism, and find treatment options and advice how to best handle the symptoms.
Some causes of Hirsutism include:
Genetic Hirsutism
If Hirsutism runs in the family or if some of your immediate family suffers from the condition, you are likely to develop the condition as well. You can only curb the symptoms with symptom management such as hair removal.
Hormonal Imbalance
A high level of androgens in women also causes Hirsutism. Hormonal imbalance can be due to a number of reasons. PCOS and Cushing’s syndrome are conditions which lead to a hormonal imbalance in women. Also, some types of tumors can cause a hormonal imbalance. Most women may experience some hair growth when going through menopause. Also, certain medication also cause hormonal imbalance as a side effect.
Obesity
Obesity can also cause a spike in androgens in your body. Your body tends to produce more insulin if you are overweight. Insulin, in turn, promotes the production of testosterone in the ovaries. Excess amounts of testosterone cause Hirsutism. If you struggle to lose weight, you may have PCOS. One of the side effects of this condition is excessive weight gain. But it is not necessary that you have PCOS if you are obese.
Treatment Options for Hirsutism
There are two ways with which Hirsutism can be treated. They also depend on the underlying cause of your Hirsutism, which is very important to identify before the start of the treatment.
The first way is with medication. If your Hirsutism is caused by excess androgen for example, your doctor might recommend to start taking the contraceptive (birth control) pill, or an anti-androgen medication such as spironolactone.
However, as these medications often take some time to start having an effect on hair growth, many women are starting with the second way to treat Hirsutism: Physical hair removal. This can be done either in a cost-effective way such as shaving, waxing, plucking or using depilatory creams, but these options might not be long lasting. There are also other methods which are semi-permanent or permanent called Laser Hair Removal, IPL or electrolysis. These methods are more expensive, but are longer lasting.
Many women also look into other ways to treat their Hirsutism, and for many, natural supplements or homeopathic treatments are of interest. But do they work for Hirsutism?
Homeopathic Treatment for Hirsutism
There are many websites online that mention treating or curing Hirsutism with homeopathic treatments. However, there is no scientific evidence of the effect of homeopathic treatments on Hirsutism. This means that it is not clear yet if homeopathic medicine can improve the symptoms of Hirsutism. More medical studies are required to answer this question.
If you are still interested in exploring homeopathic treatment options, make sure to discuss it with your doctor first, and find a trustworthy homeopathic practitioner or naturopath that you can work with together with your doctor. Never start with a homeopathic treatment or a supplement without talking to your doctor first.
Conclusion
For Hirsutism to get better, it is key to identify and treat the underlying cause. It’s a good idea to visit a doctor and find out more about what causes your Hirsutism, so you can start with the treatment. Even though some mention that homeopathic treatments can have a big effect on Hirsutism, this is not yet proven true. Ask your doctor for advice about your best treatment option.
