Does Yoga Help With Hirsutism?
Hirsutism describes the presence of a male-pattern hair growth, meaning that there is thicker, darker hair growing in areas where men usually have more hair, such as the chin, chest, arms and legs, and the back. What is considered too much or too little body hair also often depends on the culture and ethnicity.
Hirsutism can be a medical condition where there are excess androgens in the body or a familial trait or due to prolonged intake of certain medicines which act like testosterone. It is important to identify the underlying cause of Hirsutism together with a doctor.
After the underlying cause is identified and a treatment is started, many women also look into other ways on how they can best support their treatment, and how to get their body as healthy as possible. Can Yoga help with that?
What is Yoga?
Yoga is one of the most popular workout regimes among both women and men. It is a philosophy and a way of life for those who are involved in yoga.
Apart from gaining strength and flexibility, doing yoga regularly according to a schedule will help you even lose weight. Especially in Yoga – Pilates where the work out is focused on your abdominal muscles, your body will be more toned and with time you will realize you are slowly getting that dream body, you always wanted.
Yoga is a great way to relax your body and mind. As you focus and concentrate on your breathing, your mind is relaxed and you will feel a connection with your body and mind.
Yoga was originated in India about 5,000 years ago and now it is spread throughout the world where many have embraced it with passion. You can practice yoga anytime and anywhere like at your own home, in a gym or a yoga studio. The relaxation is more when combined with meditation and having relaxation music in the background.
There are several benefits of doing yoga continuously.
Physical benefits of yoga are improving balance, increasing strength and stamina, increasing flexibility and reducing joint pains as it works on proper alignment of body through various postures.
Benefits to the mind are awareness of your body, reduction of stress, improving self-esteem, building self-confidence, relaxing and calming your mind. You will notice that you are enjoying better sleep too. It will make you more disciplined with time both in mind and your body.
How Can Yoga help for Women with Hirsutism?
- Yoga reduces stress. When the stress is reduced, it can also reduce the production of a stress hormone called cortisol. Cortisol has an important role in the hormonal balance, and is closely connected to your androgens.
- There are certain Asanas in yoga (postures) where your pelvic region is opened up which promotes relaxation. The more relaxed you are, the less of the stress hormone cortisol is produced. Also, the postures can help with your body posture and overall health.
- Yoga has breathing exercises (pranayama) which helps to calm your mind. Having control over your thoughts can also help with anxiety, or with calming your inner critic. It is crucial that you keep a close eye on how you speak to yourself in your head, as this can have a big influence on how you feel, and also affect your confidence and self-love.
Conclusion
If you experience hirsutism, Yoga may be a good add-on to your treatment regimen prescribed by your doctor. Make sure to check in with your doctor first, as they can then identify the underlying cause and suggest a treatment for you. Yoga may have additional positive effects on your body such as a stress reduction, making your body more flexible, and calming your mind.
