Milly Gaines
Hirsutism, or excess hair growth, is a common condition affecting many women. It is often caused by high levels of testosterone and cortisol, which can be triggered by dietary choices. A low-carbohydrate diet that excludes sugar, grains, and dairy can help manage hirsutism by reducing insulin and testosterone levels. This diet, when combined with adequate protein, healthy fats, and vegetables, can lead to weight loss and reduced hair growth. Additionally, specific vitamins and medications can further aid in treating hirsutism. While dietary changes may help, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and to explore other treatment options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet Type | Low Carbohydrate |
| Foods to Exclude | Sugar, Grains (wheat, rye, barley, oats, rice), Dairy |
| Foods to Include | Healthy Protein, Fats, Vegetables, Lean Meat, Produce, Small Amounts of Low-Glycemic Starches or Beans, Regular Small Amounts of Healthy Fats |
| Results | Reduced Hair Growth, Weight Loss, Improved Energy, Reduced Bloating, Improved Skin, Regulation of Periods |
| Other Treatments | Medication (e.g. Spironolactone, Cyproterone Acetate), Laser Hair Removal |
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What You'll Learn
Dairy and insulin
Hirsutism is a condition where women develop excessive body hair in androgen-dependent areas, including the lips, chin, chest, abdomen, back, and femoral region. The two most common causes of hirsutism are polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and idiopathic hirsutism (IH).
Insulin resistance is closely associated with PCOS, and insulin-sensitizing drugs can improve hirsutism in patients with PCOS. However, the link between insulin resistance and IH is less clear. While some studies have found that patients with IH have higher basal insulin levels and HOMA-IR scores than control groups, others have found no difference in insulin levels between patients with IH and control subjects. More studies are needed to investigate the role of insulin resistance in patients with IH.
Dairy intake has been found to have an impact on insulin resistance. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) found that a diet that includes low-fat dairy products can decrease HOMA-IR in individuals, potentially reducing the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The consumption of low-fat dairy foods has been linked to a decreased risk of DM, but the correlation is not yet fully understood.
In a case-control study conducted in Saudi Arabia, the association between insulin therapy and hirsutism in diabetic females was investigated. The study found no significant difference in hirsutism scores between patients on insulin therapy and those on non-insulin therapies, suggesting that insulin intake is not a risk factor for hirsutism in this population. However, it is important to note that the link between hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and hyperinsulinemia is well-established, and obese women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are likely to have a higher prevalence of hirsutism.
In summary, while the link between dairy and insulin resistance is not yet fully understood, current evidence suggests that a diet including low-fat dairy products may help reduce the risk of insulin resistance. Additionally, while the association between insulin resistance and IH is still being investigated, insulin resistance has been positively associated with hirsutism in women without PCOS, suggesting that it may contribute to the development of hirsutism. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex relationships between dairy, insulin resistance, and hirsutism.
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Weight loss and hirsutism
Some people with hirsutism have reported that a low-carbohydrate diet has helped manage their symptoms. One person reported that their mild hirsutism stopped growing when they stayed on a low-carb diet. Another person shared that a low-carbohydrate diet helped them lose weight, feel less bloated, and improved their body acne.
Additionally, dairy products, particularly whey, have been identified as a potent stimulator of insulin, which can increase testosterone levels and contribute to hirsutism. As such, cutting out dairy may also help reduce hirsutism, although the impact may take 3-6 months to become noticeable.
It is worth noting that some people have reported negative experiences with low-carb diets, including mood changes. It is always advisable to consult a medical professional or a dietician before making any significant dietary changes.
Supplements and medications can also help manage hirsutism. For example, Glicemic Balance capsules are formulated to help insulin work more efficiently and balance blood sugar levels, reducing cravings for sugar and carbohydrates. In addition, medications such as Aldactone (spironolactone) and Cyproterone acetate can help reduce facial hair in women with hirsutism by counteracting the effects of male hormones.
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Low-calorie diets and PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal condition that can cause abnormal hair growth, also known as hirsutism. Excess hair growth can be caused by excess testosterone levels, which are influenced by diet. A low-carbohydrate diet excludes sugar and grains such as wheat, rye, barley, oats and rice, and can lead to weight loss and reduced hair growth. However, there is no standard diet for PCOS, and individual foods are rarely the cause of the condition.
Diet, exercise and lifestyle choices can help keep PCOS symptoms under control. A clinical dietitian recommends an anti-inflammatory diet to address the inflammation associated with PCOS. The Mediterranean diet, which eliminates saturated fats, processed meats and refined sugar, is one such example. Other well-balanced plans that emphasise non-starchy vegetables, fruits, lean protein, healthy carbohydrates and low-fat dairy can also help people with PCOS improve their health and prevent complications.
Low-glycemic carbohydrates, such as fibre-rich whole grains and non-starchy vegetables, can be particularly helpful for people with PCOS as they keep blood sugar stable and avoid big dips and spikes. Smaller, more frequent meals combined with balanced snacks are recommended. Intermittent fasting, on the other hand, may not be the best option for people with PCOS as it may lead to excessive calorie consumption during non-fasting periods.
In addition to diet, regular physical activity is important for managing PCOS symptoms. Walking for 100 minutes per day, for example, can help lower the risk of chronic back pain. Behavioural strategies can also assist in reaching weight management goals, which can, in turn, help manage PCOS.
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Spearmint tea and testosterone
Excess facial hair in women, known as hirsutism, can be caused by high testosterone levels. A low-carbohydrate diet that excludes sugar and grains can help with weight loss and reduce hair growth. However, it is important to note that a low-carb diet may not work for everyone and can sometimes lead to a "low-carb crash," affecting one's mood.
Spearmint tea has garnered attention for its potential health benefits, particularly its ability to balance hormones and alleviate symptoms associated with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Spearmint has anti-androgenic properties and can help manage symptoms of high testosterone, such as hirsutism, acne, and irregular menstrual cycles.
Several studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of spearmint tea on androgen levels. One randomized controlled trial involving 150 participants with and without PCOS found that consuming spearmint tea twice daily for 12 weeks resulted in a significant reduction in androgen levels, including testosterone. Testosterone levels decreased by 15% in the PCOS group and 12% in the non-PCOS group. Another study of 42 women with PCOS who consumed spearmint tea twice daily for one month also showed a significant decrease in testosterone levels and hirsutism.
The positive effects of spearmint tea on testosterone levels are attributed to its health-promoting antioxidants and compounds, such as menthol, rosmarinic acid, and flavonoids. These compounds contribute to gut health, immune defense, and digestive health. Additionally, spearmint may inhibit enzymes responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), thereby reducing overall androgen levels.
In summary, a low-carbohydrate diet may help reduce hair growth by promoting weight loss, while spearmint tea has been shown to effectively lower testosterone levels and manage symptoms of high testosterone, such as hirsutism. Spearmint tea's ability to balance hormones and improve overall hormonal health makes it a promising complementary approach for managing androgen excess.
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Birth control pills and androgens
A low-carbohydrate diet can help with hirsutism, as it can reduce testosterone levels. Male hormones, known as androgens, stimulate the growth of hair follicles on the face and body. Androgenic disorders can cause a number of negative physical effects, including oily skin, acne, hirsutism, android obesity, and androgenic alopecia.
Birth control pills, or oral contraceptives, can also affect androgen levels in the body. All hormonal methods of contraception contain progestins, which are synthetic forms of the hormone progesterone. Some birth control pills are “combined” methods, containing both progestin and oestrogen.
Due to their similarity to testosterone, some progestins can bind with androgen receptors in the body's cells and either block or activate them. Historically, birth control pills containing androgenic progestins have been associated with negative side effects, including oily skin, acne, hirsutism, android obesity, and androgenic alopecia. However, newer formulations of oral contraceptives contain less androgenic progestins, such as norgestimate, desogestrel, and gestodene, which have been shown to reduce androgen-related side effects. These newer progestins have also been found to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, which can improve user compliance.
It is important to note that the effects of birth control pills on androgen levels and the potential side effects can be complex. If you are concerned about the possible androgenic effects of your birth control or are experiencing symptoms such as acne, hair growth, or hair loss, it is recommended to speak to a healthcare professional.
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Frequently asked questions
Hirsutism is a condition that causes excessive hair growth in women, particularly on the face, chest, back, and buttocks. It is often a symptom of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
Diet and Hirsutism are closely linked. A diet high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and potatoes can lead to increased insulin levels, which is associated with higher androgen and insulin-like growth factors, contributing to Hirsutism.
A low-carbohydrate diet can help manage Hirsutism by reducing insulin spikes. This diet excludes sugar, grains like wheat, rye, barley, oats, and rice. It focuses on healthy proteins, fats, and vegetables, aiding weight loss and reducing hair growth.
Yes, B vitamins, especially B2, B3, B5, and B6, are beneficial. Vitamin B2 aids in energy conversion, B3 maintains blood sugar levels, B5 controls fat metabolism, and B6 maintains hormonal balance and zinc absorption. Additionally, chromium and magnesium supplements may be helpful.
Yes, there are medical treatments available. Medications like natural bio-identical progesterone, spironolactone, and cyproterone acetate can reduce facial hair. Laser hair removal and electrolysis are also options, but they are more effective when combined with dietary and hormonal therapies.
