What is hirsutism or excess hair?
While everyone is different, if you feel that you have more hair than you should, we can investigate why. You may notice chin hairs, chest hairs, dark hairs below your navel, or hairy arms or legs.
What causes excess hair?
There are four possibilities here, although the assumption is generally that the problem is high levels of male hormones or androgens.
- High levels of male hormones, or androgens, are present. Androgens include testosterone, DHEAs, DHT, and androstenedione. Everyone produces these hormones, but males produce more than females. Since an excess of these is connected to insulin, a family history of diabetes may indicate where the problem lies.
- Low levels of the female hormones estradiol, estrone, or progesterone. Low female hormones will look like excessive male hormones since each of these hormones balances the others.
- Genetic or cultural tendency. Certain cultures have a greater tendency to have more body or facial hair. But there can also be genetic tendencies to produce too much testosterone or other androgens, so I would always want to rule that out.
- High prolactin. Prolactin can inhibit ovulation, leading to lower estrogen and progesterone levels. Lower estrogen or progesterone (lack of female hormones) can make it appear that there is an excess of male hormones or androgens.
What is the natural treatment for hirsutism or excess hair?
While naturopathic treatment can help slow or halt excessive facial or body hair growth, the existing excessive hair will continue to grow once stimulated. With naturopathic treatment, we can slow regrowth and prevent new hair from growing. I recommend my patients utilize laser hair removal after using naturopathic treatment to slow or prevent regrowth. Natural treatment is directed at moderating the above hormonal imbalances.
Blood tests that may be helpful for excessive hair:
DHEAs, testosterone, androstenedione, DHT, day 3 estradiol, LH, & FSH, progesterone (day 21 of a 28-day cycle), prolactin. Your family doctor can order these tests; if they won’t, I can order them for you. OHIP does not cover the cost of the DHT blood test regardless, but OHIP would cover the rest if your doctor would order them. If he/she does, I highly recommend obtaining a copy of the blood tests and taking it to someone like me for proper analysis. Just because you fall in the lab ranges doesn’t mean your hormones are perfectly healthy. Although your doctor will rely on them, lab ranges do NOT reflect optimal hormone levels.
For help with this or any other health problem, book an appointment here or call the clinic for more information at 416-481-0222.
by Dr. Pamela Frank, BSc(Hons), ND, updated April 3, 2025
Dr. Pamela has practiced as a naturopathic doctor in Toronto since 1999. She has received numerous “Best Naturopath in Toronto” awards. She is registered with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.
Dr. Pamela Frank uses a natural treatment approach that may include acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, diet, vitamins, supplements, and other natural remedies to restore balance and provide long-term resolution to almost any health problem.