TLDR No single treatment effectively cures hirsutism, and evidence for herbal remedies is weak.
The document reviewed the ancient Unani Medicine perspective on hirsutism, a condition of excessive terminal hair growth in females, and aimed to update current knowledge with new information. Despite various treatment options, no single remedy was found to be fully effective. The review highlighted that while herbs such as Pudina, Daarchini, Neem, Kalonji, Saunf, Soy, Nut grass, and Saw Palmetto might influence the endocrine and metabolic disturbances causing hirsutism through anti-androgenic, estrogenic, hypolipidaemic, hypoglycemic, and insulin-sensitizing properties, the evidence supporting their efficacy was weak.
26 citations
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July 2012 in “Journal of family planning and reproductive health care” The document says that hirsutism in women usually needs hair removal and hormone treatment to manage symptoms and improve well-being.
39 citations
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May 2011 in “European Journal of Clinical Investigation” Hirsutism can be caused by various conditions besides PCOS, and it's important to treat the underlying issue and manage symptoms with medication and cosmetic approaches.
90 citations
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July 2009 in “PTR. Phytotherapy research/Phytotherapy research” Spearmint tea may reduce testosterone and self-reported hair growth in women with PCOS.
288 citations
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June 2009 in “Human reproduction update” The modified Ferriman-Gallwey method is a useful tool for diagnosing hirsutism.
1540 citations
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October 2008 in “Fertility and Sterility” The report concludes that PCOS is mainly a condition of excess male hormones and its definition may change as new information is discovered.
56 citations
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August 2005 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings” Different women's hair and skin glands respond to hormones in varied ways, which can cause unwanted hair growth even with normal hormone levels, and more research is needed to treat this effectively.
195 citations
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May 2003 in “Obstetrics and gynecology (New York. 1953. Online)/Obstetrics and gynecology” Most women with excess hair growth have an underlying hormonal issue, often treated with medication and hair removal methods.
59 citations
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January 2003 in “Phytomedicine” Fennel extract cream can reduce hair thickness in people with excessive hair growth.
January 2026 in “International Journal of Unani and Integrative Medicine” Combining modern and Unani medicine may better manage PCOS symptoms.
12 citations
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May 2022 in “Plants” Nano-phytopharmaceuticals show promise but need more research for safe, effective use in treating certain disorders.
Hirsutism in women is linked to PCOS and can cause health issues if untreated.
January 2025 in “International Journal of Unani and Integrative Medicine” Combining modern and Unani treatments may offer better care for hirsutism in PCOS.
3 citations
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May 2018 in “Experimental Dermatology” Young HS patients often have other physical and mental health issues, and research on HS covers a wide range of topics including genetics, triggers, treatments, and the need for more data.
