Excessive hair growth can occur to women at any point in their lives. Factors that lead to excessive hair growth are primarily hereditary or hormonal. Androgens, a group of hormones, are produced by both men and women. Overproduction in women can cause unwanted hair. A common medical condition that is related to an overproduction of androgens in women, is known as polycystic ovary syndrome.
Types of Hair
The body consists of two types of hair; vellus and terminal. Vellus hair is found throughout the body and appears short, fine and light. Terminal hair is much darker, coarser and longer than vellus hair. Androgens are responsible for the production of terminal hair and they also change vellus hair on certain parts of the body, into terminal hair.
Hirsutism
Hirsutism is a condition which causes male-patterned terminal hair growth in women; unwanted terminal hair growth may occur on the face, back and chest. The increased hair growth may arise from hereditary factors, or from an increase in production of androgens.
Causes
One condition that often leads to hirsutism is polycystic ovary syndrome. During a woman's menstrual cycle, hormones such as estrogen and progesterone help regulate and maintain normal development of eggs in the ovaries, according to Medline Plus, A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. When too many androgens are produced, an imbalance of hormones results and women may develop PCOS. This condition leads to small cysts forming on the ovaries, irregular menstrual cycle, increased hair growth and often infertility.
Treatment
There are many different treatment options for those experiencing hirsutism. Anti-androgen medication helps block androgen production in the body and can normally take 3 to 6 months to effect a change. According to Family Doctor, those who have PCOS are encouraged to take birth control pills which have certain ingredients that help with the symptoms of PCOS and decrease androgen production in the body.
Considerations
Increased hair growth can be very bothersome and detrimental to one's lifestyle. If you are experiencing excessive hair growth in places that you normally don't produce a large amount of hair, contact your doctor. An assessment of your family history, medical history and testing may uncover the source of the hair growth.
Member Comments