Hair Growth on Women

Most women produce low amounts of androgen, a group of male hormones. When the production of androgen increases, the hair begins to grow more than normal, according to MedlinePlus. Although it is the most likely cause, androgen is not always to blame. If you are not able to control the excessive hair growth with self-care measures, you should consult your doctor to develop a treatment plan and determine the exact reason that the hair is growing at an increased rate.

Significance

Hair growth can affect a woman's appearance, especially if the additional growth is occurring on the forearms, face or any other part of the body that is visible. Some women who have excessive hair growth experience reduced confidence and low self-esteem resulting from their appearance.

Causes

The most common cause of additional hair growth is that the female body is producing male hormones. Some causes of the increased production of male hormones include congenital adrenal hyperplasis, hyperthecosis, Cushing's syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, adrenal gland tumors and ovarian tumors. Male hormone production is not the only cause of excess hair growth. Prescription drugs such as phenytoin, danazol, minoxidil, glucocorticoids and anabolic steroids have been known to cause hair growth while they are treating other conditions. The decreased levels of estrogen in the body that occur just before and after menopause can also cause an increased amount of hair growth.

Self-care

Women who experience excessive hair growth can attempt to get the problem under control on their own. According to "American Family Physician," if you are over your ideal weight, starting a weight-loss routine can aid in reducing how much male hormone the ovaries are producing, which will result in less hair growth. Using a razor to shave can temporarily reduce the amount of hair that is visible. According to MedlinePlus, shaving may cause the hair to appear thicker and darker when it begins to grow back. Waxing and plucking the hair will provide a short-term solution. It is important to note that these methods of hair removal put you at an increased risk for scarring and swelling and may cause pain if you have sensitive skin.

Medical Diagnosis

If your hair growth is accompanied by other changes in the body (such as a deeper voice, decreased breast size or increased muscle mass) or occurs at a rapid pace, you should seek medical attention. You doctor will ask specific question and perform an exam in an attempt to find the cause. He will also ask questions to find specific information pertaining to your family medical history, prescription medications, pregnancy status and menstrual cycle. Your doctor may also perform lab tests to aid in identifying any underlying causes. Some of these tests may include lutenizing hormones, testosterone, DHEA-S, follicle stimulating hormone and prolactin tests.

Treatment

Surgery, laser hair removal, anti-androgen drugs and oral contraceptives are some of the treatments your doctor may prescribe to combat your hair growth. Laser hair removal prevents the hair from growing back by damaging the hair follicles. Anti-androgen drugs include finasteride, flutamide and spironolactone. These drugs effectively block the effects that male hormones have on the body. Each drug has its own set of potential side effects. Potential side effects of spironolactone include gas, stomach pain, skin rash, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and headache. Flutamide side effects include increased sensitivity to sunlight, blood in the urine, skin rash, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, enlarged breasts, loss of sex drive and hot flashes. Finasteride can cause breast tenderness, rash and breast enlargement. According to an article on the Women's Health Resource website written by Dr. Frederick Jelovsek, oral contraceptives not only prevent ovulation but also significantly reduce the amount of male hormones that are being produced inside the ovaries. Oral contraceptives have potential side effects, such as dizziness, irregular menstrual bleeding, headaches, changes in mood, tenderness in the breasts and nausea. These drugs also put you at an increased risk of developing blood clots, especially if you are over 35 years of age.