Hair growth is a normal part of life for women. Heredity determines the amount of hair that you will grow. However, other conditions can cause a women to grow excessive body hair in places that women do not normally produce hair. Figuring out what is causing the extra hair, and finding a solution to the situation is very important to getting your life back on track.
Function
People are born with hair for certain physiological reasons. Hair provides the body with external senses, protects the skin, and helps regulate body temperature. Hair is grown long and thick on the head to protect the scalp from the sun. Hair on the arms, legs and stomach keeps the body warm. Hair on the face, such as the eyebrows and eyelashes, keeps sweat and particles from entering the eyes.
Types
There are two types of hair on the body: vellus and terminal. Vellus hair is found throughout the body and is sometimes referred to as "peach fuzz." This hair is short, light and very fine. Terminal hair is produced with the onset of puberty, at which time more testosterone is being produced in the body. Terminal hair contains melanin, which makes it darker; also, you will find that this hair is much more coarse and long than vellus hair.
Conditions
According to The American Academy of Dermatology, one in 20 women experiences a condition known as hirsutism. This condition is developed through genetics and/or when there is an imbalance of hormones being produced in the body. Androgen is a male sex hormone that both men and women produce. A higher than normal amount of this hormone will cause an increase in terminal body hair on women; the hair will grow in places where men normally produce hair, such as the chest, face and back.
Effects
One common condition known to trigger hirsutism is polycystic ovary syndrome. Other PCOS symptoms besides increased hair growth include irregular menstrual periods, acne, voice deepening, decreased breast size and increased muscle mass, according to MedlinePlus. The increased androgen production causes cysts to form on the ovaries. PCOS is hereditary and most who develop this condition have a female family member with the same disorder.
Treatment
If you notice an increase in body hair and it seems abnormal, it is best to seek medical attention. The doctor will discover what is causing the extra hair by conducting various tests and by reviewing your family and medical history. Treatment may include hormone therapy, medication to block the androgen being produced in the body, and birth control pills to help regulate PCOS and get the menstrual cycle back to normal. Laser hair removal and electrolysis are also methods of hair removal that are found to be effective.
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