Expert: Holly Bellebuono - 12/28/2011

Question
Hi there, I am a 21 year old female. Literally over the last 6-7 days it seems like the hair on my arms are getting darker as well as the hair on my upper lip. I feel like this might have to do with hormonal stuff but I'm not sure. I've talked to a naturopathic doctor about a year ago and she said that I have candida over growth from taking accutane. I haven't fought off the candida yet so I know it's still in my system. Could this be causing it? I recently have been eating WAY more sugar than I'm used to what with the holidays and everything and that's sort of when my hair started growing darker and longer. Will it always be this way?? This has never happened to me before it's just so weird how it's happening all the sudden. I also get bloated really easily and do not eat gluten/dairy but I ate both those things in the last week. It's just kind of freaky because it happened very suddenly out of the blue. my period is regular ( a bit heavy sometimes but lasts the usual 4-5 days). I would just like to know if this is reversable and what is causing it. thanks :)

Answer
Dear Leah,

Thank you for getting in touch. Though I am not an expert in this particular category, I would like to comment in the hopes that I can steer you in the right direction. I am not a doctor but an herbalist (so I cannot claim to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease) but I work from a position of  using plant medicines to sustain and nourish the body, often bringing body systems back into balance.

BAsed on what you described in your question, I'd encourage you to look up this link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hirsutism
This describes the condition of hirsutism, which is an extreme version of what you described, though I imagine your condition is much less severe. Nevertheless, this website offers some valuable information about the causes of excessive male-pattern hair growth in women, and it might give you some ideas for reversing it.

For instance, hirsuitism, as it says in this website, has been demonstrated to respond to the birth control pill, which makes me think it would also respond to the herb Wild Yam, since Wild Yam is the source of the Pill. If it were me experiencing this abnormal growth of dark hair on my arms and upper lip, I would consider taking a tea, tincture or capsule of Wild Yam. Also, avoid Licorice, as this herb can increase levels of androgenic hormones in the body.

I doubt that it is related to the food you're eating, EXCEPT that there are theories that this condition might be made worse by insulin-dependent women, so if you have any suspicion that you might be hypoglycemic or diabetic, please talk with your doctor at once to determine if there is a link between the hair growth and your insulin needs.

Beyond that, there are a number of herbs that might prove helpful as tonics--these are strengthening herbs that all women will benefit from, and the ones I'm listing are particularly useful for women and balancing their hormones. If it were me, I would consider taking on a regular basis: stinging nettle, red clover, chaste-tree berry (Vitex agnus castis), and lemon balm. These are best taken as strong teas; buy them in bulk from your health food store, steep 1-2 teaspoons per cup of boiling water, and drink 3-4 cups daily (best to make a big pot in the morning and store in a thermos).

Best wishes to you and I personally believe that since this came on suddenly, it can very easily LEAVE as well, so yes it very well may be reversible. Talk with your doctor and study up on these herbs--wild yam and vitex in particular--and consider your sugar intake.

If you'd like more information on how to make herbal remedies or about women's health in general, please refer to my new book that comes out March 13: The Essential Herbal for Natural Health.

Thanks and take care,
HOlly Bellebuono
Vineyard Herbs
www.vineyardherbs.com, holly@vineyardherbs.com