Excessive hair growth on the face, chest and back is called hirsutism. This is a condition that affects women who have a higher-than-normal of male hormones in their bodies. Treatment to even out hormone imbalances can stop excessive hair growth in many people.
Step 1
Discuss your concerns about excessive hair growth with your doctor. Let her know what medications and dietary supplements you are taking. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, anabolic steroids prescribed to treat hormonal imbalances and medications to treat endometriosis might lead to unwanted hair growth. Treating the problem could be as simple as switching to different medications that do not carry this side effect.
Step 2
Ask your doctor to run blood tests that will measure your hormone levels. High levels of the male hormone testosterone can cause hirsutism in some people. If you are female, schedule a pelvic exam and ultrasound to check for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition in which cysts form on the ovaries. Symptoms of PCOS can include excessive hair growth. Knowing the cause of your problem will lead to appropriate treatment.
Step 3
Maintain a healthy weight if PCOS caused your hirsutism. The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that some women are able to control their PCOS, and therefore development of facial hair, by losing weight.
Step 4
Birth control pills could stop excessive hair growth. The pill is an effective way to conquer hormone imbalances that cause hirsutism, according to the Mayo Clinic. This is an option for women who are not actively trying to become pregnant. Oral contraceptives contain the female hormones estrogen and progesterone and can stop your ovaries from making the male androgen hormones.
Step 5
Stop excessive hair growth by taking an anti-androgen medication, such as spironolactone. Men who have unwanted body hair should discuss medical treatment with their doctors to avoid adverse reactions such as infertility and sexual side effects. Anti-androgen medications block androgen production, which might not be appropriate for men.
Step 6
Combat excessive hair growth with topical medications. Prescription creams applied to a woman's face can help slow down new hair growth, usually within eight weeks of the beginning of treatment. Topical medications of this kind will not remove hair that has already developed.
Tips and Warnings
- Treatment methods to stop new, unwanted hair growth do not usually take care of hair that has already sprouted as a result of hormone imbalances or other causes. The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests several management strategies to cope with already-existent hair, including electrolysis, shaving, bleaching and waxing.
Things You'll Need
- Medication
- Electrolysis
- Razor
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