Does Reishi Mushroom Help with Hirsutism Symptoms?
There are lots of reasons people are now talking about the various health benefits of Reishi Mushrooms. It originates from the eastern part of the world and is a staple in Chinese Medicine. Dating back more than 2000 years, it is typically referred to as ‘The King of Mushrooms.’ In this post, we examine what exactly the Reishi Mushroom is, and talk about if it can help specifically with some of the symptoms that are linked to Hirsutism.
What Is Reishi Mushroom?
The Reishi Mushroom, also called Ganoderma lingzhi, is a fungus that has been used in Chinese Medicine for centuries. The Reishi Mushroom is a red to orange color and it is shaped like a fan when found in its natural form. It is sometimes mentioned as a superfood, based on the effect it may have on the immune system.
But can the Reishi Mushroom also be useful for Hirsutism? Let’s find out more below.
What are the Symptoms of Hirsutism?
The symptoms and signs of Hirsutism vary from one person to the next. Typically, when a person develops or has the condition, they will have to deal with dark or coarse hair that grows in places that are more visible on either the face or body.
While it is typically known as a female problem, it is possible for male hirsutism to occur. Figures suggest that at least 50% of people who suffer from Hirsutism symptoms have an excessive amount of androgens in their bodies. These elevated levels of androgens can cause the hair follicles to start growing thick, darker terminal hairs. This condition is thought to be more common in people from the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and of South Asian origins.
What Treatment Options are there for Hirsutism?
To find the best treatment options for Hirsutism, it is very important to find the underlying cause. Make sure to discuss the issue with your doctor, so they can find out what causes your Hirsutism. If the excessive hair-growth is caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), it can be treated with medications that reduce the body’s effective testosterone, like the birth control pill. Anti-androgens such as spironolactone are sometimes also used. It can take several months for the treatment to have an effect on hair growth.
Hair Removal methods are also a popular method to deal with the hair growth from Hirsutism. There are different options, such as shaving, waxing, plucking and sugaring, which might be quite cost effective but not that long lasting. Other options include laser hair removal, IPL and electrolysis, which remove the hair semi-permanently or permanently, but are more expensive and take longer.
Some women have also seen success with natural remedies such as spearmint tea. Many are also wondering about the effect of supplements such as Reishi mushrooms.
Do Reishi Mushrooms Help with Hirsutism Symptoms?
Some people may mention that Reishi might have an effect on the 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that turns testosterone into the more active DHT. This would lead to an anti-androgen effect. However, there is little no no scientific evidence to prove this, and more medical research is needed.
In addition, reishi mushrooms can cause allergic reactions and side effects such as dizziness, headaches, rashes and itchiness. If you have low blood pressure or are taking medicine for your blood pressure, have diabetes or are taking diabetes medications or immune diseases, it may be riskier to take reishi mushrooms.
If you’re still interested in Reishi Mushrooms, discuss them with your doctor, as they can advise you best, depending on your specific case.
Conclusion
For many women around the world, dealing with excess hair growth from Hirsutism is extremely distressing. It’s important to mention this issue to your doctor, as they can help you to identify the underlying cause and find treatment options. At this point in time, there unfortunately is not enough scientific evidence that supports using Reishi Mushrooms for Hirsutism, and more medical research needs to be done.
Tip: If you want more information about natural supplements for Hirsutism, you can find an overview here!
