I came off the oral contraceptive 10 years ago, since when I've put on weight and coarse hairs have grown on my chin. I tested negative for polycystic ovaries and my doctor tactfully suggested I go back on the pill to reduce my 'beard'. Are there any natural supplements I can take?

Your symptoms indicate sex hormone imbalance linked to thyroid and adrenal gland function, insulin and blood-sugar levels, and stress. The pill may control them, but it won't address the underlying imbalance. The protein sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), produced by the liver, binds hormones to limit their quantity in the blood. Overweight women produce more oestrogen and tend to have less SHBG. The resulting increase in testosterone gives rise to male features such as facial hair, while increased oestrogen encourages weight gain, which continues the cycle. Another factor may be insulin-resistance, where sugars from food make blood glucose levels high, but insulin secreted by the pancreas cannot store that glucose. This results in excess insulin in the blood, which in turn increases appetite and causes the ovaries to produce more testosterone. Inefficient glucose storage leads to blood-sugar highs and lows, which make adrenal glands produce more adrenaline and, with it, testosterone.

Stop the cycle with a diet of plentiful plant foods, including lots of phytoestrogens (soya, chick peas, lentils, garlic, celery, seeds, whole grains). These stimulate SHBG and so reduce excess hormones. They also balance oestrogen levels. To balance blood-sugar levels, avoid sugar, stimulants and refined carbohydrates, and try to eat a variety of foods, including quality protein, in smaller, more frequent meals. Supplements such as chromium picolinate control cravings and reduce hunger by making insulin more efficient. B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, co-enzyme Q10 and essential fatty acids are all very important, too. Herbs such as agnus castus, black cohosh, false unicorn root and white peony balance the hormones. Saw palmetto has been shown to bring down testosterone levels. Milk thistle and dandelion improve liver function, enabling it to break down excess hormones. For more advice, consult The Nutritional Health Handbook For Women (£16.99, Piatkus).

· Emma Mitchell is a natural health therapist. Before following Emma's recommendations, you should consult your GP about any medical problems or special health conditions. Send your questions to Wellbeing, Guardian Weekend, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER (ask.emma@theguardian.com).