The normal amount of
body hair varies widely among women. Usually, a woman will only grow fine hair
on her lips, chin, chest, abdomen, or back. When women grow coarse, dark hairs
in these areas, the condition is called Hirsutism. This pattern of hair growth
is more typical of men.
Causes of HirsutismExcess Androgens- All women normally produce low levels of male hormones (androgens). Unwanted hair growth in women may occur when the body makes too much male hormones.
Polycystic Ovarian
Syndrome - A common cause is polycystic ovarian
syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS and other hormone conditions that cause
unwanted hair growth may also have acne, problems with menstrual periods,
trouble losing weight, a deeper voice similar to that of men, and diabetes. If
these symptoms start suddenly, there may be a tumour that releases male
hormones.
Other Causes
-The following other causes of unwanted hair growth are rare:
• Tumour or cancer of the adrenal gland
• Tumour or cancer of the ovary
• Cushing's syndrome
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• Hyperthecosis (a condition in which the ovaries produce too much male hormones)
• Medications (testosterone, danazol, anabolic steroids, glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, minoxidil, phenytoin)
• Tumour or cancer of the adrenal gland
• Tumour or cancer of the ovary
• Cushing's syndrome
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• Hyperthecosis (a condition in which the ovaries produce too much male hormones)
• Medications (testosterone, danazol, anabolic steroids, glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, minoxidil, phenytoin)
Treating Excess Hair
Excess hair is generally a long-term problem. There are a number of ways to remove or treat unwanted hair. Some treatment effects last longer than others.
1. Weight loss in overweight women can reduce hair growth.
2. Bleaching or lightening hair may make it less noticeable.
3. Temporary hair removal options include:
• Shaving does not cause more hair to grow, but the hair may look thicker.
• Plucking and waxing are fairly safe and are not expensive. However, they can be painful and there is a risk for scarring, swelling, and skin darkening.
• Chemicals may be used, but most have a bad odour.
4. Laser hair removal (electrolysis) uses electrical current to permanently damage individual hair follicles so they do not grow back.
Excess hair is generally a long-term problem. There are a number of ways to remove or treat unwanted hair. Some treatment effects last longer than others.
1. Weight loss in overweight women can reduce hair growth.
2. Bleaching or lightening hair may make it less noticeable.
3. Temporary hair removal options include:
• Shaving does not cause more hair to grow, but the hair may look thicker.
• Plucking and waxing are fairly safe and are not expensive. However, they can be painful and there is a risk for scarring, swelling, and skin darkening.
• Chemicals may be used, but most have a bad odour.
4. Laser hair removal (electrolysis) uses electrical current to permanently damage individual hair follicles so they do not grow back.
When to Contact a
Medical Professional
Call your doctor if:
• The hair grows rapidly.
• The hair growth is associated with male features such as acne, deepening voice, increased muscle mass, and decreased breast size.
• You are concerned that medication may be worsening unwanted hair growth.
Call your doctor if:
• The hair grows rapidly.
• The hair growth is associated with male features such as acne, deepening voice, increased muscle mass, and decreased breast size.
• You are concerned that medication may be worsening unwanted hair growth.
Natural Remedies for
Excessive Hair
• Certain herbal remedies can potentially counteract the increased androgen hormone production that usually causes hirsutism. You can take medicinal herbs such as saw palmetto, black cohosh, agnus castus or spearmint tea for their anti-androgenic effects. .
• If you have hirsutism due to PCOS, you could take cinnamon, chromium or green tea to help reduce your symptoms.
• Other options involve trying acupuncture or eating a healthy diet that's rich in antioxidant foods to reduce your hair growth
• Certain herbal remedies can potentially counteract the increased androgen hormone production that usually causes hirsutism. You can take medicinal herbs such as saw palmetto, black cohosh, agnus castus or spearmint tea for their anti-androgenic effects. .
• If you have hirsutism due to PCOS, you could take cinnamon, chromium or green tea to help reduce your symptoms.
• Other options involve trying acupuncture or eating a healthy diet that's rich in antioxidant foods to reduce your hair growth
Remember
Because many herbal remedies for hirsutism can affect your hormone levels, don't take them without first consulting your GP especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant or taking other medications that affect your hormones.
Because many herbal remedies for hirsutism can affect your hormone levels, don't take them without first consulting your GP especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant or taking other medications that affect your hormones.
Also
Before you try any treatment for excessive facial hair growth, see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis of the cause. Unless the cause is undetermined, you'll likely need treatment for the underlying medical condition.
Before you try any treatment for excessive facial hair growth, see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis of the cause. Unless the cause is undetermined, you'll likely need treatment for the underlying medical condition.
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