Hi! I am an 18 year old female. I have extremely bad hirsutism (male-pattern hair growth) on all parts of my body especially my face, chest, legs and arms. I have to remove hair from these areas almost daily, and it grows back very thick and coarse. I have seen doctors and endocrinologists, and they have diagnosed me with late-onset adrenal hyperplasia. Basically, my body is producing TOO much of the male hormones, especially the hormone DHEAS which showed up as extremely high on my blood tests. My menstrual cycle, and all my other hormones are at normal levels though. This started at puberty, and has gotten worse since.

I do not know what caused it, and there is no family history of such a disorder in my family either. I do not have a single female relative with this problem. Weather or any external conditions do not affect it at all...it is always the same, very fast hair growth. I am not "slim", but I am not overweight either...however, I have to exercise a lot to maintain my weight - my metabolism is not that great.

Mentally/psychologically, I am fine...although the hair removal gets very frustrating sometimes. I eat relatively healthy food...just usual Indian food almost every day. My energy levels are good, and I am generally not tired (although I used to have mild anemia a few years ago).

Upon the diagnosis of adrenal hyperplasia, doctors are suggesting that I start taking the drug 'Dexamethasone'. It is basically a steriod drug that is like the hormone cortisol. However, I am hesitant because it is a steriod, and it has some scary side effects...so I wanted to know if there were any homeopathic alternatives. Anything that can increase cortisol levels, and decrease androgen (DHEAS) levels. I've tried thuja and sepia before, but they didn't help. Any advice would be VERY much appreciated!!

Thanks, Nina.