If you're a woman who has developed unwanted facial hair, you are not alone. The Mayo Clinic says up to 10 percent of women have at least a mild degree of a condition known as hirsutism. Hirsutism is male-patterned hair growth in women that is often related to hormonal imbalances. An assortment of self-care remedies, medical treatments and combination therapies is available to effectively combat hirsutism.
Considerations
Facial hair in women may occur when there is an oversupply of male hormones, called androgens, in the body. Approximately 50 percent of women with hirsutism have high androgen levels. Hirsutism can also be genetic in nature. When there is no apparent malady present, hormonal or otherwise, that is causing facial hair in females, it is referred to as idiopathic hirsutism.
Shaving
The easiest and most inexpensive facial hair removal method is simply old-fashioned shaving. The downside of this technique is that you must shave daily to avoid stubble. Shaving may also irritate your skin. A small amount of hydrocortisone cream should provide soothing effects.
Eflornithine
The American Academy of Family Physicians says a prescription cream called eflornithine (Vaniqa) has been developed to slow the growth facial hair. It may take up to eight weeks of regular application before it begins to work. Some people may find eflornithine irritating to the skin.
Oral Contraceptives & Anti-androgens
Birth control pills that contain the hormones estrogen and progestin can offset hirsutism by blocking the production of androgens. Anti-androgen drugs also block this male hormone from attaching to their receptors in your body.
Electrolysis & Laser Treatment
Unwanted facial hair can also be removed permanently in a procedure known as electrolysis. Electrolysis uses a tiny needle that's inserted into each hair follicle. A pulse of electric current is sent to destroy the follicle.
Laser therapy uses a beam of highly concentrated light that is moved across your skin to damage the follicles so that hair is no longer able to grow. Occasional touch-ups may be necessary to keep facial hair at bay.
Prevention
You may be able to prevent an excess of androgens and their potential for causing facial hair by eating a nutritious diet that includes proteins, fruits and vegetables, and by staying away from refined carbohydrates, like simple sugars, which signal the body to produce more insulin. According to Women to Women.com, your body reacts to high insulin levels by increasing its production of androgens.
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