Experiencing excessive or unwanted hair growth in women is typically referred to as hirsutism. This condition is marked by a distinctly male pattern of hair growth. Most women with hirsutism grow thicker and coarser hair along the face, chest and back. But the cause of the condition can vary greatly from woman to woman. For some, it's a result of genetics. Others may suffer hair growth similar to males from hormonal imbalances. Even medications can contribute to this condition.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor to determine the potential cause of unwanted hair growth. Certain medications and medical conditions can lead to excess or unwanted hair growth in women, which can dictate your treatment options.
Step 2
Ask your doctor to prescribe birth control pills. The Cleveland Clinic explains that this is the most common form of treatment for hirsutism in women, since it helps counter androgen dominance. By supplementing estrogen and progesterone, you reduce the production of testosterone and bring about a better balance of hormones to stop unwanted hair growth.
Step 3
Take spironolactone daily, suggests the American Academy of Family Physicians. This prescription medication acts like an antiandrogen in the body, reducing the dominance of testosterone and thereby stopping unwanted or excessive hair growth in women.
Step 4
Reduce the use of corticosteroid medications. According to MayoClinic.com, prolonged use of steroidal drugs can increase the amount of cortisol in the body, which influences testosterone levels and stimulates unwanted or excessive hair growth.
Step 5
Lose excess weight to help lower excess androgens in the body and slow the unwanted hair growth. If you're currently overweight or obese, the National Institutes of Health explains that weight loss may help to reduce the excessive or unwanted hair growth.
Step 6
Schedule an appointment for permanent hair removal. Both electrolysis and laser hair removal can provide hair-free skin for extended periods of time, ranging anywhere from 12 months to forever.
Tips and Warnings
- A topical prescription known as eflornithine can be used as a stopgap treatment until other treatments take effect. Eflornithine interferes with the enzymes needed to produce hair, which can slow the rate of excessive hair growth in women.
- Do not stop using corticosteroids without the consent of a medical professional. If these medications are causing your to grow excessive hair, slowly reducing the dosage may help to improve your condition.
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