Dealing with hair growth that comes along with PCOS? This is one of more annoying symptoms that PCOS cysters deal with… Anyone who is really close to me, mostly my family, knows that my unwanted hair growth is one of things I hate having to deal with. It’s always there…even when you deal with it through waxing, threading, shaving, it pops back up! Urgh… The best way I have found to really deal with slowing down the growth of unwanted body hair is to decrease testosterone internally. Below are some of the herbs used and studied in research shown to have an effect on decreasing testosterone in PCOS patients. I have tried them all and seen great improvement!
1. Spearmint tea – studies have shown 2 cups a day of spearmint tea for 30 days can significantly reduce free and total testosterone therefore, decrease hair growth! So, drink up! I have found it is best with adding a lemon to enhance the flavour!
2. Licorice – high doses of licorice has been shown to inhibit the conversion of androstenedione to testosterone. Less testosterone means less stimulation to the hair follicle and therefore less growth. This herb is often combined with peony root as it also has anti-androgenic effects!
3. Saw palmetto – this herb is traditionally used for BPH but also is great for women with excess androgens. This herb is potent but works! In my opinion, it’s kind of like the Buckley’s for PCOS…you can do it!
Always speak to your doctor before taking anything.
Looking for more support? Join Your PCOS Planner Here
References
Gilbert, Cyndi. The Essential Guide To Women’s Herbal Medicine. Print.
Godfrey, Anthony and Paul Richard Saunders. Principles & Practices Of Naturopathic Botanical Medicine. Toronto: Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine Press, 2010. Print.