Contents
Role
of balanced diet to reduce hirsutism
Highlights
High fiber low caloric diet is
shown to reduce the levels of androgen and body mass index.
Oral contraceptives,
anti-androgens and topical ointments are used as pharmacological treatment for
hirsutism.
Epilation, electrolysis and
photo-epilation are used as non-pharmacological treatment for hirsutism.
Hirsutism
is a condition that involves the excessive growth of dark hair in male like
pattern in females. Diet, polycystic ovary syndrome, increased androgen
production, adrenal hyperplasia, thyroid hormone imbalance and certain
medications contribute to the etiology of hirsutism.
Treatment options available to
manage hirsutism include pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. In
addition, variation in lifestyle could also reduce the risk of hirsutism.
Role of balanced diet to
reduce hirsutism
High fiber low caloric diet is
shown to reduce the levels of androgen and body mass index (1).
Moreover, it has been studied
that modifications in lifestyle such as 30 min walk or exercise and consumption
of low calorie diet (1000-1500 calories per day) for 6 months could lower the
incidence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), low density lipoprotein and
total cholesterol levels. However, surprisingly, occurrence of hirsutism was
not significantly affected by this regimen (2).
These results may indicate that hirsutism was not caused by PCOS in this study
group. However, the link between hirsutism, life style and diet suggests that
balanced diet and exercise could modify the symptoms of hirsutism.
Medicines to treat hirsutism
Oral
contraceptives: These medications are the first line
treatment for hirsutism caused by excessive production of androgen. Headache and
nausea are the probable side effects of oral contraceptives. This treatment
option is not recommended for the females who are trying to conceive (3).
Anti-androgens:
These drugs compete with androgen and inhibit its binding with the specific receptors
therefore, reduce the action of androgen. These medications are used when oral
contraceptives are not working efficiently. The effect of anti-androgens is slow
and may take 6 months to treat hirsutism. These drugs can induce birth defects
therefore, are not recommended during pregnancy (3).
Topical ointments:
Eflornithine (Vaniqa) is a widely prescribed medication for excessive facial
hair in females. It slows down the growth of new hair but does not work well
with existing ones. It is generally recommended after laser therapy (3).
Other treatment options for hirsutism
Epilation
through mechanical devices and waxing is cost effective method to manage
hirsutism however, it can be painful and produces short term effects. It must
be done regularly to get rid of excessive hair.
Chemical methods
are also available but can cause skin irritation and dermatitis
(skin inflammation).
Electrolysis
provides long lasting effects but could be time taking and painful. In this
method, electric current is passed through the skin via tiny needle to damage
hair follicles. It is not much effective for large hair patches and darker hair
however, good for white or blonde hair (4).
Photo-epilation
is a better option for permanent treatment of darker hair. It uses heat to
damage the hair follicles and require more than one treatment episodes. Photo-epilation
is shown to be 40 to 80% effective. The effectiveness depends upon the number
of time treatment is done and laser type. It may cause skin inflammation and
blistering (4).
Conclusion
Pharmacological and non-pharmacological
treatment options for hirsutism are available and each method has its own pros
and cons. Therefore, a careful consideration regarding hair type, skin sensitivity
and cost effectiveness is required before opting any of the treatment option.
Life style and dietary
modifications are highly recommended as these methods are not associated with
any harmful consequences.
References
1.https://www.jcdr.net/articles/PDF/11686/30133_CE[Ra1]_F(SHU)_PF1(MLS_AP)_PN(AP).pdf
3.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hirsutism/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354941
4.https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2019/0801/p168.html#afp20190801p168-b6
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