You have hair on your face and elsewhere and it is visible. You have often felt bad because of the hair and keep doing many things to conceal it. You are willing to get rid of them permanently and have been guided and misguided several times. It is distressing. Know about hirsutism and you may be able to find a solution and feel better.
About hirsutism
Hirsutism refers to the growth of dense, coarse, dark hair in areas where hair should be absent or very fine, soft hair should be present. The hair growth appears to follow the male pattern in terms of distribution and hair type. Hair growth is most common in women on their face, chest and back.
Hirsutism is most commonly observed during puberty when the sexual organs mature and sex hormones are produced in greater quantities. However, it can occur at any age. In menopausal women, it is possible to experience hair growth due to a decrease in female hormones and an increase in male pattern hormones. Additionally, hair growth may be increased during pregnancy, in which case it may resolve after the birth of the baby.
Causes
Hirsutism is a condition in which an excessive amount of male hormones, known as androgens, are produced. These hormones are typically produced in small amounts by the ovaries, sex glands, and the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys. If androgens become too high due to a lack of regulation, this can lead to the development of hirsutism, which may be inherited. Additionally, hirsutism can also be caused by the intake of certain medications, such as steroids, Danazol, and phenytoin.
Hirsutism causes an excess amount of androgen production in the female reproductive system. Polycystic Ovarian Disease, for example, is a condition in which fluid-filled cysts are present in the ovaries, increasing androgen production. Women who are overweight, have diabetes and experience menstrual irregularities and acne may also be at risk of developing hirsutism. Cushing’s syndrome, another medical condition, causes the adrenal glands to produce an excessive amount of a steroid known as cortisol.
Women with Cushing’s syndrome may be overweight and have other characteristics such as a round moon face, a fat belly, slender limbs, delicate skin with easily bruising, menstrual irregularities, and infertility.
Hirsutism can also be caused by certain cancers of the ovaries or adrenal glands. These cancers may produce excessive amounts of androgens, which are then broken down by the errant dividing cells. Although there is no definitive explanation for this condition, it is recommended that individuals seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as an increase in hair, irregular periods, and difficulty controlling their weight.
Getting rid of excess hair
It is possible to remove unwanted hair by shaving, depilating, waxing, or plucking. However, none of these methods is permanent and may need to be repeated at regular intervals as the hair grows back. If irritation or pricking sensation is experienced after any of these methods, a moisturizing or astringent can be applied. Hair removal creams can be used, and bleach can be used to camouflage the hair and match the skin colour. Before applying a hair removal cream, a small amount should be applied to the forearm and left for a few minutes. It is recommended to repeat this process every time, regardless of whether the cream or bleach is used. A day should be allowed to observe if any irritations or local or generalized reactions are experienced, and if not, the cream or bleach can be used safely.
It is possible to resort to permanent hair removal treatments such as electrolysis, which involves a small electric current being passed through a needle into the hair roots to destroy them. However, this procedure is costly, time-consuming, and requires expertise. It is not recommended to use any home electrolysis product without medical advice. Additionally, some women may opt for laser hair removal, which involves the use of a laser, a form of radiation, to destroy hair. This procedure should be performed by an expert, requires multiple sessions, and may not provide permanent results. Possible side effects include a change in skin colour and irritation. Additionally, it is recommended to lose excess weight, as it can lead to an imbalance of hormones. Exercise can also help to correct menstrual irregularities. Finally, it is important to investigate and treat any underlying medical conditions.
Medications
Medications for hirsutism may be prescribed to women who are not planning a pregnancy in the near future. Birth control pills may reduce the number of androgens in the body, and may be used to control hair growth. Anti-androgen drugs may be prescribed to counteract androgenic reactions. Common anti-anabolic drugs include finasteride and spironolactone. These drugs do not alter the growth of existing hair but rather reduce the production of new hair. It is recommended to consume these drugs for a minimum of three to six months before any effects are seen. These drugs may have adverse effects on the baby, so it is important to avoid pregnancy while on treatment. Some medicines may be applied to the face to control facial hair, such as creams containing the medicine eflornithine. These creams may need to be applied consistently for one to two months for noticeable results. Possible side effects of these creams include skin irritation and rash. So, it is advised to use them under medical guidance.
Coping with hirsutism
Unwanted hair on the face and other places, where it usually shouldn’t be can be embarrassing at times, especially if you are a woman. Hirsutism can cause psychological distress too. However, there are methods available to get rid of the excess hair, either temporary or permanent. Though most of the time, hirsutism is due to an unknown cause, it can be treated when it is due to a medical condition.
