The growth of unwanted facial hair in medical terms is known as hirsutism. Unwanted facial hair is a condition of an abnormal growth of hair on a woman’s face, especially in the areas that generally do not have hair, for example, on the chin, upper lip, etc. These are not to be confused with the slight, thin, light-colored hair that is present on the face (commonly known as peach fuzz).
Unwanted facial hair is usually coarse, thick, and dark and follows the pattern of hair growth that is present among males. Although this condition is quite common, it can be a source of constant embarrassment, low self-esteem, and distress for some women and may often lead to depression and anxiety. Hirsutism is different from hypertrichosis, which is excessive hair growth anywhere on the body. Unwanted, thick facial hair usually grows on the upper lip, sides of the face and chin. But this condition can also result in hair growth among women on body parts where males usually have hair growth after puberty, like the chest, neck, lower back, thighs, abdomen, and buttocks.
Homeopathic medicine for unwanted facial hair offers a safe, long-lasting treatment that focuses on eradicating it from the root. Homeopathic medicines set right the hormonal imbalance that gradually reduces hair growth on the face. There are different treatments for hirsutism, including cosmetic and medical. Cosmetic treatments may include plucking, waxing, laser hair-removal techniques, electrolysis, etc., but they may irritate the skin if it is continued for a long time. Medications that are recommended in conventional mode for hirsutism are usually antiandrogens or contraceptive pills. These can put the patient at a higher risk of side effects. The best thing about homeopathy is that it is safe and free of side effects to treat facial hair.
Homeopathy sets right the hormonal imbalance
Since facial hair mostly are a result of hormonal imbalance, homeopathy helps correct the hormonal imbalance. Thereby, homeopathy provides excellent results in such cases by treating the core issue. Besides, homeopathy also manages associated problems such as menstrual irregularities, obesity, and hair loss from the head, if these problems are linked to hormonal imbalance.
Individualized medication after detail case analysis
Homeopathic prescription for unwanted facial hair is made after examining all the accompanying symptoms at the physical and emotional levels. Once the symptoms are analysed, proper medication is administered to resolve the condition. Homeopathy helps in treating this condition on a long-term basis. Unwanted facial hair reduces gradually after the onset of the treatment.
No harmful effects
Homeopathic medicines for facial hair never cause any harmful effects. This is due to the fact that the medicines used to treat facial hair are prepared from naturally obtained substances. These work safely and gently to assist in natural recovery.
Top 5 Homeopathic Medicines for Unwanted Facial Hair
The top medicines for treating cases of unwanted facial hair are Oleum Jecoris Aselli, Sepia, Natrum Muriaticum, Thuja Occidentalis and Calcarea Carbonica.
1. Oleum Jecoris Aselli – Best Remedy for Unwanted Facial Hair
Oleum Jecoris Aselli is a very effective remedy to treat abnormal growth of hair on the face of a woman, particularly on the chin and upper lips. The hair on the face is short, dark & thick. This remedy also acts in a potent manner on the female sexual organs. It is used to treat amenorrhoea (absence of periods during reproductive age) and oligomenorrhoea (scanty periods), both of which develop as a result of hormonal imbalance in a female’s body. There may be soreness of both ovaries along with dysmenorrhea (painful menses).
When to use Oleum Jecoris Aselli?
This remedy can be administered as the first line of treatment to treat facial hair on the chin and upper lip.
How to use Oleum Jecoris Aselli?
The use of this medicine is usually recommended in 1X to 3X potency that can be used two to three times a day as per the intensity of the symptom.
2. Sepia – For Unwanted Hair Along With Menstrual Disturbance
Sepia is used to treat unwanted facial hair accompanied by menstrual disturbance, which usually takes place due to hormonal imbalance. The hair growth is noticeable on the chin and upper lip. Usually, the menses are irregular, scanty, late, and painful. Cysts in the ovaries can also be present.
When to use Sepia?
This medicine can be prescribed when facial hair appears on the chin and upper lip along with irregular menstrual cycle.
How to use Sepia?
It works well in both low and high potency. To begin with, 30C potency is usually preferred to be administered once a day.
3. Natrum Muriaticum – For Unwanted Hair On Upper Lips
Natrum Mur is extensively prescribed to treat unwanted facial hair that grows on the upper lip. An accompanying factor is that the menses may be too early or too profuse, and the flow is usually observed at night. The patient may be anaemic and skinny, with an excessive dryness of the skin. This medicine is also used to treat infertility among females.
When to use Natrum Mur?
It is an excellent medicine for cases of unwanted facial hair on the upper lip with a tendency to early and heavy menses.
How to use Natrum Mur?
This medicine is usually administered in 6X potency. Natrum Mur 6X can be used two or three times a day.
4. Thuja Occidentalis – For Hair Growth On Face With Excessively Greasy Face
Thuja is another wonderful medicine to treat facial hair. This medicine is administered for cases of hair growth on the face along with very oily, greasy facial skin. There can also be light brown spots on the face. Heated sensation is felt on the face.
When to use Thuja?
Thuja is a wonderful medicine to treat facial hair in oily/greasy skin on the face. There is also a sensation of heat and accompanying brownish spots.
How to use Thuja?
Thuja can be used once a day in 30C potency.
5. Calcarea Carbonica – For Unwanted Hair In Obese Women
Calcarea Carbonica is administered to treat unwanted facial hair among females who tend to grow fat/obese. Usually, the patients who need this medicine have a slow metabolism, resulting in the deposition of fat over the body. This can result in hormonal irregularities leading to facial hair and menstrual disturbances. The onset of menses is too early, and it could be profuse. They also last for a longer duration.
When to use Calcarea Carbonica?
This medicine is suited to females who have a tendency to be fat/obese and have growth of hair on their face.
How to use Calcarea Carbonica?
It is advised to use Calcarea Carbonica 30C once a day.
Causes of Unwanted Facial Hair Growth
Genetics plays an important role in the distribution of hair found on every individual’s body. The color, texture and density of hair differ according to the inheritance & ethnic backgrounds.
Usually, hirsutism arises from an underlying endocrine imbalance, which can be adrenal, ovarian or central. Male hormones called androgens, like testosterone, are produced in both male and female bodies. Among women, compared to males, the androgens are lower. When the level of androgens in women rises too much, it leads to the growth of unwanted facial hair.
Factors that lead to Increased Production of Androgens
1. Hormonal Imbalance: When a girl reaches puberty, her ovaries begin to produce both male and female sex hormones. This leads to a growth of hair in the armpits and pubic areas. Hirsutism occurs if the ratio of the hormones becomes imbalanced and an excessive amount of male sex hormones is produced. Hair growth on the face due to hormonal imbalance is one of the most common side effects of androgens.
2. PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome): This is the most common condition caused by the imbalance of sex hormones resulting in dark and thick unwanted facial hair, irregular periods, multiple cysts in the ovaries, obesity and infertility.
3. Sensitivity of Hair Follicles to Androgens: Male hormones (like testosterone) stimulate hair growth, cause an increase in the size of the hair and intensify its growth and pigmentation. If the hair follicles become sensitive to androgens, it may result in the growth of thick, dark hair on the body of a female, in places where hair usually does not grow.
4. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: This condition is usually inherited. Typically, there is dysfunction of the adrenal gland (gland above the kidney which produces hormones). This dysfunction elevates the stress hormone levels, including cortisol and androgens. As a result, a hormonal imbalance may occur, which results in the growth of unwanted facial hair.
5. Tumors: If there is any androgen-secreting tumor in the ovaries or the adrenal glands, it can cause overproduction of androgens. As a result of the androgen imbalance, facial hair may grow. Though it’s a rare condition, it causes a severe effect.
6. Cushing’s Syndrome: It is primarily a disease of the adrenalin gland and affects the body if one has been exposed to high levels of cortisol hormones, which in turn hinders the functioning of the adrenalin gland. There can be an imbalance in the ratio of the male and female hormones. The condition causes bloating and sudden weight gain around the face, neck, and abdominal area. People having Cushing’s syndrome will usually have thicker & visible body & facial hair.
7. Side-effects of Certain Medications: Certain medications may cause hirsutism, particularly a side effect of androgen therapy.
8. High Levels of Insulin: High insulin levels can stimulate ovarian cells to produce more androgens and lead to unwanted facial hair growth.
If nothing is detected, the condition is called idiopathic hirsutism.
Contributing Factors
There can be different factors that could cause unwanted facial hair, like:
Family history: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia and polycystic ovarian syndrome may run in families. A positive family history must be ruled out during the diagnosis, as this could be a reason for unwanted facial hair.
Obesity: There is an increased production of androgens among obese women, which may lead to the growth of unwanted facial hair. It can also worsen the problem.
Ancestry: Although no cause has been verified for this, usually, women of Middle Eastern and South Asian descent are at a greater risk of developing unwanted facial hair.
Attending Signs And Symptoms
Several symptoms may arise along with unwanted facial hair. These are usually linked to increased production of androgens. These include irregular menstrual cycle, oligomenorrhea ( scanty menses ), amenorrhoea ( absence of menstruation), deepening of the voice, acne ( usually on cheeks, chin & nose), obesity around the mid-abdomen, loss of hair from the head, a decrease in breast size, an increased muscle mass and enlargement of the clitoris.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is unwanted facial hair always related to hormones?
Not always. While hormonal imbalance is a common cause, genetics and familial tendency can also play a major role.
2. Does shaving make facial hair thicker or darker?
No. Shaving does not increase hair thickness or growth rate. Hair may feel coarser initially because it grows back with a blunt edge.
3. Can stress increase facial hair growth?
Yes. Chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance, which may contribute to increased facial hair growth in some individuals.
4. Which body parts are commonly affected by hirsutism?
The face (upper lip, chin, sideburns), chest, lower abdomen, back, and inner thighs are commonly affected areas.
5. Is hirsutism different from normal body hair?
Yes. Hirsutism refers to hair growth in women, similar to that in men, whereas normal body hair is usually fine and light.
Does unwanted hair growth affect fertility?
The hair growth itself does not affect fertility, but underlying conditions like PCOS may influence reproductive health.
7. Can lifestyle changes help reduce hirsutism?
Yes. Weight management, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress reduction can help improve hormonal balance.
8. Are homeopathic medicines safe for long-term management of unwanted hair?
When prescribed by a qualified homeopath, medicines are generally safe and non-habit forming.
9. How does homeopathy work in cases of unwanted hair growth?
Homoeopathy works by correcting internal imbalances such as hormonal, metabolic, or constitutional disturbances that contribute to excessive hair growth.
10. Does homeopathy also improve associated symptoms like acne or irregular periods?
Yes. Since homoeopathy has a holistic effect, it addresses the underlying hormonal and metabolic imbalances, often leading to improvement in associated symptoms such as menstrual irregularities, skin health, acne, and overall hormonal balance, rather than treating each symptom in isolation.