Guide to Hirsutism & Nutrition

Natural remedies for hirsutism are abundant, ranging from magnesium and B vitamins to crimini mushrooms and licorice root. Many of these hirsutism cures have not only stood the test of time, but their effectiveness has also been backed by scientific studies. Here we've put together a handy online guide with the goal of giving women tips on how to cure hirsutism naturally through diet.

All women have body hair, and the amount is largely determined by our genetic makeup. However, if you have developed excessive amounts of coarse, dark hair on body areas where men typically have lots of hair but women don't (e.g. face, chest, upper pubic diamond), you may have a condition called hirsutism. Such male pattern body hair growth is a cause of cosmetic and psychological concern to many women. Up to 10 percent of women living in the US are estimated to suffer from some degree of hirsutism.

Hirsutism is usually caused by an increased level of androgens (male hormones), such as testosterone. Androgens boost male pattern hair growth and intensify the pigmentation of body hair. They may also cause hair loss on the scalp or even baldness.

Hirsutism has also been strongly associated with being overweight or obese, and with problems related to blood sugar balance such as insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body does not respond to normal levels of insulin, and as a result, the body secretes more insulin into the bloodstream in an effort to reduce blood glucose levels. Some researchers believe that high levels of insulin might in fact be the cause increased androgen production. They speculate that insulin in high concentrations stimulates women's ovaries to produce androgens. Hirsutism may also be a symptom of such conditions as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Cushing's disease, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, tumors in the ovaries or adrenal gland, or stromal hyperthecosis.

Interest in the nutritional approach to treating and curing hirsutism has been increasing in recent years. This online Guide to Fighting Hirsutism is dedicated to providing nutrition and diet related information for hirsute women. It covers the optimal diet and the best foods for hirsute women, and it hosts an extensive collection of recipes featuring some of the best anti-hirsutism foods:

Hirsutism: Diet for Treating Excessive Hair Growth in Women

In this section of HealWithFood.org's Guide to Curing Hirsutism Naturally, you will learn how certain dietary habits – such as stepping up your vitamin B intake or opting for low glycemic foods – can help prevent and fight hirsutism.

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12 Best Food Remedies for Hirsutism: From Spearmint to Green Tea

Learn how certain foods and herbs – such as cinnamon, licorice root, crimini mushrooms and spearmint – can help reduce male pattern hair growth in women. The best thing about these natural food remedies for hirsutism is that they are available at your local supermarket.

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Recipes and Meal Ideas for Treating Hirsutism in Women

How about a bowl of apple and onion soup packed with chromium, a mineral that fights insulin resistance associated with hirsutism? Or perhaps a hearty helping of mouthwatering salmon salad that provides an abundance of anti-hirsutism vitamins? Check out the recipe section of this guide if you need meal ideas and recipes for hirsute women.

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