One in every ten females suffers from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The main symptom of PCOS is menstrual irregularities. Other issues related to PCOS are weight gain, irritability, hair fall and hair growth in unusual places.
What Is PCOS Hair Growth?
A couple of stray hairs on the upper lip or chin do not constitute hirsutism. Regular patches of testosterone hair growth in unusual areas and other symptoms such as menstrual irregularities, mood swings, weight gain and episodes of hair loss are red flags of PCOS.
Research suggests that due to abnormal androgen behaviour in PCOS, 10% of all women suffering from PCOS deal with hirsutism.
What Is Hirsutism?
Hirsutism is unusual hair growth in women with PCOS. One observes male-pattern hair growth that is thick, dark and coarse among females with PCOS.Hirsutism usually occurs on the following body parts:
· Arms
· Face
· Back
· Thighs
· Chest
Signs Of Hair Growth
- One usually sees PCOS hair growth on the armpits and forearms as opposed to the upper arm.
- It’s more evident on the face around the upper lip and cheeks.
- Women with PCOS tend to have increased hair growth on the side of their face and chin as well.
- Abnormal PCOS hair growth is also visible on the lower back and inner thighs.
- One links unusual hair growth on breasts among females to PCOS hair growth.
- You may also notice hair around the nipples and areola region.
PCOS Hair Growth Causes
The leading cause of PCOS hair growth is hormonal changes. An excess of male hormones like testosterone and the decrease of female hormones in women leads to PCOS. This increase in male hormones stimulates the hair follicles, resulting in increased hair growth all over the body.
Other conditions like adrenal gland disorder or an ovarian disorder can lead to hirsutism in females. Certain medications like glucocorticoids, testosterone and minoxidil may also cause abnormal hair growth among women.
Also read: PCOS acne and pimples treatment
Types of PCOS Hair Growth
As a human, you possess a certain amount of hair growth on your body. Hair growth in women is generally soft and not prominent. Due to an excess of male hormones, PCOS hair growth is usually coarse, thick and dark. This is unlike the typical ‘peach fuzz’ type of hair growth that women experience on their bodies. Due to the abnormal texture of this hair growth, it is easily noticeable and stands out.
How To Treat Abnormal PCOS Hair Growth
The temporary solution to reducing facial hair growth is a cosmetology procedure. If you wish to stop hair growth on your body permanently, you must treat the underlying cause. Unless one does not fix the hormonal imbalance, hair growth will reduce, but it won’t stop completely.
Hirsutism Treatment In Ayurveda
Studies suggest that a combination of certain indigenous drugs in Ayurveda can help to reduce body hair growth in females. Here are some easy ways to reduce hair growth on your body naturally:
Turmeric and herbs
Mix dry turmeric, neem leaves and the leaves of an Acalypha Indica plant into a smooth paste. Use this paste on your face and leave it on overnight. Wash it off the following day by peeling off the dried mask and then rinsing your face with water. Use this thrice a week for the best results.
Turmeric and milk
A natural paste made of turmeric and milk helps reduce PCOS hair growth on the face. Let the mask dry once you apply it. Scrub it mildly and gently before washing your face.
Lemon and honey
Mix two teaspoons of lemon juice, one tablespoon of honey and two tablespoons of sugar into a coarse scrub. Heat the scrub until it forms a paste. Add water for desired consistency. Apply the mix once it has cooled down, and then wash your face after 30 minutes. Follow this thrice a week to stop facial hair growth due to PCOS naturally.
Flour mix
Mix chickpea flour, turmeric powder and some fresh yoghurt into a paste. Apply this mix to all affected areas to reduce body hair growth. Massage the paste and let it dry. Wash after 20-30 minutes by rubbing in the direction opposite of your hair growth. This also helps get rid of female pubic hair growth.
Focus on a holistic solution to get rid of PCOS hair growth. Hirsutism treatment in Ayurveda helps reduce body hair growth in females naturally. With the help of easy homemade Ayurvedic masks, you can stop hair growth on your body permanently.
Do consult your doctor for more information.
Also read: PCOS hair loss signs and treatment
References
(2012) ABNORMAL UTERINE BLEEDING (American Society for Reproductive Medicine)
Dr. Divya Rani, Dr. Anjaly. M. (2018) Effect of Combination of Certain Indigenous Drugs in Hirsutism (International Journal of Health Sciences and Research)
