Excessive hair growth in women, or hirsutism, can be an embarrassing and aggravating occurence. Several factors can cause excessive hair growth in women including family history and medications. Hair removal methods are a constant worry, as well. Wondering if one method will eliminate unsightly hairs better than another method. No matter what the cause of hirsutism in women, it is a completely treatable condition and should not cause shame.
Excessive Hair Growth
Hair growth is most common in the genital region, under the arms, on upper and lower legs, midsection and nipples. Also considered normal are trace amounts of hair on the chin and corners of the upper lip. Excessive facial hair, arm hair and chest hair can be a sign of hirsutism in women. The hair texture and color can vary depending causes and the hair follicles. Some hairs are very light and fine. This is the same type of hair growth that we refer to as peach fuzz on a young man. The problem is that in time they will become darker and stiffer hairs. Other hairs are already stiff and dark, and can lead to increased risk of ingrown hairs, especially if the hairs are curly. Ingrown hairs cause follicle infection and can scar the skin if left untreated. Increases in hair growth should be reported to a doctor for further evaluation.
Causes
Reasons for excessive female hair growth vary and is based solely on the individual. Hormones have been noted to be a main contributing factor to hirsutism. Testosterone, a sex hormone produced by the androgen glands, is not only present in men but small amounts are present in women as well. These hormones are responsible for hair growth and the skin's oil production during puberty. When testosterone levels spike women during changes, such as pregnancy, menopause or during illness, then the hair follicles are stimulated all over the body. This can lead to abnormal hair growth anywhere on the body. Another cause of hirsutism can be found in certain medications. HRT, or hormone replacement therapy, can stimulate excessive hair growth. As mentioned previously, hormone changes will stimulate the hair follicle and that is exactly what HRT provides. Genetics also play a major role in female hirsutism. Asian women are at low risk for this condition, however African-Americans and Caucasian women are in a higher percentile. Skin pigmentation may play a role in this genetic hair growth pattern, however the exact reason is still undetermined.
Treatments
Hirsutism is treatable by medications or hair removal procedures. Temporary hair removal is the cheapest alternative, however the process should be repeated often to keep hair growth under control. Shaving, depilatory creams, bleaching and waxing are the main types of this method. Hair will grow back, however contrary to popular belief, it will not return faster or thicker than before. Permanent hair removal is a little more expensive and can be done by a licensed plastic surgeon or aesthetician. This method includes laser hair removal and electrolysis. Hair is permanently removed, however, several treatments are required in order to achieve permanent removal. There is also a slight possibility of inactive hair follicles becoming active due to the skin stimulation that electrolysis provides. Oral medications can be acquired through your physician. This method is used to treat hormone imbalances and illness that may be culprit to excessive hair growth. These medications suppress testosterone levels, inhibiting the stimulation of the hair follicles and decreasing abnormal hair growth until the problem has been eradicated.
Testing
In order to diagnose hirsutism, your doctor will need to take a blood sample. The blood sample will be analyzed to determine the levels of testosterone and other androgens in the body. Increased levels could indicate hirsutism, however blood tests to determine pituitary gland function and ovary problems will also be conducted as a way to rule out any other factors. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome has been shown to cause abnormal hair growth in women of every race, therefore these additional tests are required before generic treatments are ordered for hirsutism.
Self-Esteem
The important thing to remember when suffering from abnormal hair growth is that you are not alone. Many women suffer right alongside you and have the same anxieties and self-esteem issues that you experience. According to Dr. Geoffrey Redmond, M.D. celebrities are not as perfect as they seem and there are several actresses and singers that suffer, they simply hide the hair with make up, out of focus cameras, and retouching. If you become depressed or start to panic when the thought of going out into public crosses your mind, then you may need to seek professional help through a counselor or psychiatrist.
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