Struggling With Unwanted Hairs?

BY Dr. Mrunalini Valasani MD Published on March 24, 2022

As a person ages sexually, they will begin to develop hair on their body. Body hair is a feature shared by all females, and conversely, it may be more apparent in other people and involve facial development.

Excessive hair growth is known as hypertrichosis. During puberty, the female body's hormones induce hair to grow in regions where it usually only succeeds in men.

The underlying causes of Hirsutism in women include a wide range of medical disorders. There may be no specific reason in certain circumstances. If a woman does not want to undergo treatment, removal of hair through cosmetics like waxing is always an option. 

Definition: Hirsutism

Hirsutism is a condition in which a woman's dark and coarse hair grows excessively in places of the body where it shouldn't, such as the face and back. Approximately one in ten women are impacted.

Hirsutism is often an indication of a more serious underlying disease than a separate medical illness. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of unwanted hair in females. Consult your physician if you have concerns about your body hair, either quantity or distribution. 

What is the reason for Hirsutism?

Some of the potential reasons for female Hirsutism include:

  • Side effects of some drugs can cause hair to grow in places you don't want it to, like an androgen-secreting tumor on the ovary or an adrenal gland that makes androgens.
  • High levels of the stress hormone cortisol are characteristic of Cushing's syndrome, a general name for a group of hormonal illnesses.
  • Adrenal hyperplasia is a collection of illnesses in which the adrenal gland hormones (including androgens) are generated at unacceptable levels.
  • Many women with Hirsutism have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
  • Hyperinsulinemia is the overproduction of insulin, which is generally related to diabetes.
  • Exceptional high levels of prolactin, the hormone linked with breastfeeding.
  • Anorexia nervosa, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland), and acromegaly are rare conditions.

How will doctors diagnose Hirsutism?

In addition to examining the Ferriman-Gallwey scale, a physician will diagnose Hirsutism in women by screening out any other possible reasons for excessive hair growth, which is frequently the case. If a person's first checkup indicates that they have unwanted hair growth, a doctor must investigate the source of the problem.

  • Full-body inspection
  • Blood tests to check on how well the thyroid gland is working
  • Any medical history
  • Concerning questions will be asked, for example, whether hairiness began gradually or abruptly
  • Grading method for measuring the density of one's body hair
  • Testosterone levels are measured by blood testing
  • Hormone testing and an ultrasound of the ovaries are used to diagnose PCOS
  • Different scans to look for an androgen-secreting tumor

Treatment of Hirsutism in women

Treatment is a matter of personal choice; however, the doctor's recommendations must be considered. 

Removing unwanted hair: Hair growth is not harmful to the body, and hair removal or hair reduction is a personal choice. Hair removal and reduction methods include an anti-wrinkle cream, shaving, waxing, electrolysis, bleaching, cream that contains an anti-inflammatory agent, or removal of hair using a laser.

By taking medicine, it's possible to suppress hair growth by using other drugs. Results from these medications might take up to six months or more. Some of the medicines that may impact hair growth by altering hormone levels include:

Pills for contraception: pregnancy prevention hormone tablets come in various forms, and they can lower your body's level of androgens.

Medications that reduce the effects of testosterone: You may lower your androgen levels by taking this drug. Prescribed medicines may help protect hair follicles from the effects of androgens if they are used.

There are a number of other variables that may reduce excessive hair growth as well:

  • To stop hair from growing too quickly, problems with the pituitary, adrenals, or thyroid glands may need to be fixed.
  • Weight reduction
  • Testosterone levels in women beyond the age of 30 begin to decline. Slower hair growth is possible with time.


Discuss any therapy's risks, benefits, and potential side effects with your healthcare professional if none of the causes of unwanted hair in females gets cured well.


Hirsutism self-care

You may take care of yourself by doing the following:

When you are experiencing adverse effects while taking your medicine. Weight gain, depression, and exertion can be adverse effects of anti-androgen medications. The doctor may change your dose or suggest an alternative.

You can use some lotions or creams suggested by your healthcare expert to slow down hair regrowth if you are concerned. Keep in mind that benefits may not be seen for up to two months following daily use of the cream. About two-thirds of women don't like the cream.

Hirsutism may be alleviated by losing weight if linked to PCOS because weight reduction may naturally lower the amount of testosterone your body generates.

Due to the fact that medical therapies do not trigger unwanted hair to fall out, you must remove the hair using your desired decorative approach, such as waxing, depilatory creams, laser, or electrolysis.

Patience is critical throughout therapy. Getting the best outcomes might take a year or even four years if you want to get the best outcomes. For further information on Hirsutism in women, see your doctor.

Where to get help?

Hair growth on the body and face that is unwelcome, excessive, or both may be problematic over the long run. When there is no doubt about the existence of a hormone imbalance, it is sufficient to indicate that they seek therapy.

Treatments provided by a second consult not only provide beneficial effects but also serve to monitor your situation until your condition is thoroughly addressed.

During the consultation, you will get a complete evaluation and a detailed report, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Author

Dr. Mrunalini Valasani MD

Dermatology (Skin specialist)

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