Hirsutism is characterized as the development of excessive or unwanted hair growth in women, often taking on the appearance of male pattern hair growth. The cause of this condition isn't always identifiable, but roughly half of the cases are linked to hormonal imbalances, explains MayoClinic.com. When androgens become the prevalent hormone in the female body, women can begin to grow darker, coarser and thicker hair along the lip, chin, chest and back. One potential cause for the increase in androgens is cortisol. Both adrenal hyperplasia and Cushing's syndrome can stimulate an excess production of cortisol by the adrenal or pituitary glands.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor to determine the exact cause of hirsutism. Blood tests can be used to measure the amount of hormones in the bloodstream and identify whether or not excess testosterone as a result of cortisol is causing the excessive hair growth, advises MayoClinic.com.
Step 2
Reduce the dosage of corticosteroids gradually if you are taking these drugs for another medical condition, suggests MedlinePlus. The American Academy of Family Physicians explains that the increased production of cortisol is sometimes a result of prolonged corticosteroid use. By slowly tapering off the dosage, you can often control symptoms associated with excess cortisol, such as excessive hair growth. However, only do so under the care and supervision of your doctor.
Step 3
Undergo a surgical procedure to remove a tumor on your pituitary gland if needed. Tumors on the pituitary gland can stimulate the secretion adrenocorticotropin hormone, or ACTH. This hormone can encourage the adrenal gland to produce excess cortisol and thereby cause the excessive hair growth linked to Cushing's syndrome. Removing the tumor cuts the production of ACTH and subsequently cortisol, explains the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Step 4
Shrink the tumor with radiation therapy if indicated. This treatment is usually reserved for those people who can't undergo surgery or if surgery failed to improve the condition. Like a surgical procedure, radiation cuts the production of ACTH and subsequently cortisol.
Step 5
Take cortisol-inhibiting medications, such as ketoconazole, metyrapone or mitotane. By reducing the amount of cortisol in the body, you should see an improvement in hirsutism. Your doctor can determine which medication is right for you.
Tips and Warnings
- Tumors located in other areas of the body, such as the lungs or adrenal gland, can also stimulate the excess production of cortisol, notes the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Surgical procedures can help correct these problems. Oral contraceptives and spironolactone act as antiandrogens within the body, reducing testosterone levels and minimizing excessive hair growth. Apply eflornithine to any excessive facial hair, suggests the MayoClinic.com. This topical prescription inhibits the enzymes needed to produce hair, and thereby slows the rate of growth and reduces hirsutism. This can be used until other treatments provide results.
