Unwanted Hair Growth In Women

Most women expect to remove unwanted hair on a regular basis, but some women experience excessive or abnormal hair growth. Excessive hair growth has many causes. Most of the time, genetics are to blame, and the growth is nothing more than a nuisance that must be taken care of through regular cosmetic maintenance and hair removal. For about 10 percent of women, however, the cause of unwanted hair is due to a condition called hirsutism.

Hirsutism

According to MayoClinic.com, hirsutism is the presence of unwanted, male-pattern hair growth. The hair typically grows in places considered undesirable for females such as the upper lip, chin, face, chest, back and stomach. Unlike the fine, downy growth that all women have in these places, the hair growth in hirsutism is dark and coarse.

Causes

Polycystic ovarian syndrome causes most cases of hirsutism. Hormonal imbalances created by this condition lead to unwanted hair growth, weight gain, menstrual troubles, a deep voice and acne. Other causes of hirsutism include tumors and cancer of the adrenal glands or ovaries, Cushing's disease, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperthecosis and certain medications.
Sometimes, the cause for unwanted hair growth cannot be diagnosed. In such cases, the cause for the growth is believed to be connected to genetics and ethnicity.

Complications

Although considered harmless, unwanted hair growth burdens women with psychological and behavioral baggage. A study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research and conducted by Lipton M.G., Sherr L., et al., in 2006 documented the burden carried by 88 women who suffered from polycystic ovarian syndrome. The study showed that women with unwanted facial hair growth were acutely self conscious of the growth, and checked continuously to see if others could see the growth. Forty percent reported that they were uncomfortable in social settings, and 75 percent reported anxiety over their condition. Thirty percent suffered from depression as a result of their condition.

Treatment

Once hair has begun growing, it cannot be stopped by any medical means. For this reason, treatment options focus on preventing new growth and slowing present growth. Popular treatment options include oral contraceptives, which inhibit the production of male hormones in the body. Anti-androgen medications work similarly by preventing the body from using male hormones or androgens. Although relatively new, prescription creams have shown that new hair growth can be slowed or prevented with continued use. Unfortunately, hair growth returns to pre-treatment levels once use of the product is discontinued.

Removal

The most common way to deal with unwanted hair growth is to remove it temporarily or permanently through cosmetic means. Popular temporary methods of removal include shaving, waxing, tweezing and dissolving. Permanent methods include laser and electrolysis.