Hirsutism and PCOS: Diet and Treatment Options

Ida Fanelli
Feb 12, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Jun 7, 2024

One thing I like about my job is the things I learn from other people. Sometimes, the things that I know are helpful for different clients; yesterday, I had a client with PCOS. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which the ovaries produce an abnormal number of androgens, male sex hormones that are usually present in women in small amounts. Polycystic ovary syndrome describes the numerous small ovarian cysts (fluid-filled sacs).

PCOS are absent or irregular periods, infertility, miscarriages, weight gain, fatigue and low energy.

Healthcare professionals advise medications or hormonal therapy to address the underlying hormonal imbalances. She was unhappy with her doctor's advice on how to balance her hormones. The birth control pill gave her lousy side effects, and the anti-androgen drugs didn't agree with her.

Hirsutism and PCOS: Diet and Treatment Options

I informed her that there was a diet that could balance her hormones and looked up names of books that explained how to achieve it. I also told her about fennel seeds' ability to help with hormonal problems for excessive hair growth. (Everything has pros and cons; make sure whatever treatment you try works for you.) Yes, this is something I learned from a client who successfully changed her diet and reduced her excessive hair production. By the way, your hormones change every seven years. It's essential to monitor and address any hormonal imbalances regularly. Ask your doctor to check your hormone levels if you have trouble with excessive hair growth.

Insulin resistance is a crucial factor in developing PCOS, and a diet that helps improve insulin sensitivity can be an effective way to manage the condition.

Consume foods that help to regulate blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and promote weight loss. Here are some tips for creating an insulin-resistant diet for PCOS:

Emphasize low-glycemic index foods: Choose foods with a low glycemic index (GI) value, which means they slowly release sugar into the bloodstream. Low-GI foods include whole grains, legumes, and non-starchy vegetables. Do not be fooled by agave nectar. It is a high-fructose option. Turmeric reduces insulin resistance as well.
Limit processed and high-sugar foods: Processed and high-sugar foods tend to cause spikes in blood sugar levels, so it's best to avoid or limit these foods.
Incorporate healthy fats: Consume healthy fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation.
Add fibre: Fibre can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Include fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
Consuming meat and dairy products in moderation is essential, and opt for organic and hormone-free options where possible. Meat and dairy products are often high in hormones and growth factors, disrupting the delicate balance of hormones in the body—various health issues result, including hormonal imbalances. Consuming protein with each meal can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Protein sources include lean meat, poultry, fish, tofu, and legumes. A balanced diet consisting of various nutrient-dense foods from all food groups can help maintain hormone balance and support overall health.
Vitamin K2 and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – an overproduction of certain steroids, such as testosterone and DHEA sulphate, characterizes female fertility Polycystic ovary syndrome. Vitamin K2 and Vitamin D and their role in hormone production could prevent and help treat polycystic ovary syndrome.
Inositol: A sugar that helps build cell membranes and regulates insulin levels. It may benefit people with conditions like metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Green Coffee like matcha contains- Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a novel insulin sensitizer that potentiates insulin action similar to the therapeutic action of metformin.
Yerba Mate, also contains chlorogenic acid (GCA)

It's important to note that everyone's dietary needs are different, and it's best to work with a registered dietitian to develop an insulin-resistant diet that works for you. Additionally, it's essential to make lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity, stress management, and getting adequate sleep, to help improve insulin sensitivity and manage PCOS.

Hirsutism is a condition in women that results in excessive dark or coarse hair growth in a male-like pattern — face, chest and back. With hirsutism, extra hair growth often arises from excess male hormones (androgens), primarily testosterone. It is usually a symptom of PCOS.

Hormonal imbalances can be complex and cannot be resolved through IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments, as IPL treatments are typically used for cosmetic purposes to remove unwanted hair.

PCOS diet for hair loss