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Excessive facial hair growth can occur in different subsets of the female population. A main subset is the approximately 10% of North American Women who have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
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While we all have different genetic predispositions to developing different diseases, Women who have a family medical history of diabetes, temporal balding, men with early onset Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) are at an increased risk of developing PCOS.
The presence of androgens, such as, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT - an active and potent form of testosterone) is normal in Women. However, their levels in Women with PCOS can increase to physiologic levels much higher than the average female without PCOS. This increase in androgens speeds up the rhythm of the hypothalamus and tells the pituitary gland to make an imbalanced proportion of LH (stimulates the ovaries to make more androgens) to FSH (helps stimulate folliculogenesis and the production of estrogen in the ovaries), and these confusing signals to the ovary upset their balanced hormone production.
Herbal Balancers
Spearmint Tea: scientific studies and clinical experience have demonstrated that drinking 2-3 cups of high quality of spearmint tea a day for about 3 months can help reduce excessive facial hair growth in some Women. However, when the tea is discontinued the hair growth slowly resumes.
Topical Lavendar and Fennel Oil over the skin area where the hair growth is occurring can decrease the conversion of Testosterone to DHT in the skin. DHT is the most active form of Testosterone and is the main hormone responsible for hair growth. Reducing the conversion will decrease levels of DHT in the skin and therefore slow down hair growth as well.
This article is in no way a replacement for medical advice or medical care, it is advised that anyone concerned about PCOS should speak with their Family Physician and/or Naturopathic Doctor.