Photo from olivaclinic.com
Hirsutism is a female disorder characterized by excessive growth of dark or coarse hair in a male-like pattern on the face, chest, and back.
Extra hair growth caused by excess male hormones (androgens), particularly testosterone, is common in hirsutism.
For women who want to treat hirsutism, self-care strategies and effective treatment choices are available.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HIRSUTISM?
Hirsutism is characterized by stiff or dark body hair that appears on areas of the body where women do not normally have hair, primarily the face, chest, lower belly, inner thighs, and back. Excessiveness is viewed differently by different people.
When excessive androgen levels produce hirsutism, other symptoms, known as virilization, may emerge over time. Virilization symptoms may include:
- Voice deepening
- Balding
- Acne
- Reduced breast size
- Muscle mass gain
- Clitoris enlargement
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF HIRSUTISM?
Hirsutism can be induced by any of the following factors:
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): This disorder, which frequently occurs during puberty, results in a sex hormone imbalance. Over time, PCOS can cause excessive hair growth, irregular periods, obesity, infertility, and, in some cases, numerous cysts on the ovaries.
- Cushing syndrome: When your body is exposed to excessive levels of the hormone cortisol, this happens. It can occur as a result of your adrenal glands producing too much cortisol or by taking drugs such as prednisone for an extended period of time.
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: This genetic disorder is characterized by your adrenal glands' abnormal synthesis of steroid hormones such as cortisol and androgen.
- Tumors: A rare cause of hirsutism is an androgen-secreting tumor in the ovaries or adrenal glands.
- Medications: Some drugs are known to cause hirsutism. These include minoxidil (Rogaine, Rogaine); danazol, which is used to treat endometriosis in women; testosterone (Androgel, Testim); and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) (DHEA). If your partner uses androgen-containing topical treatments, you may be affected by skin-to-skin contact.
Hirsutism is frequently caused by an unknown factor.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR HIRSUTISM?
A number of factors can increase your chances of having hirsutism, including:
- Family history: Several hirsutism-causing disorders, such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia and polycystic ovary syndrome, run in families.
- Ancestry: Women of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian origin are more likely than other women to have more body hair for no apparent reason.
- Obesity: Obesity increases testosterone production, which can aggravate hirsutism.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF HIRSUTISM?
Hirsutism can cause emotional anguish. Some ladies are self-conscious of their unwanted hair. Some people experience depression. Furthermore, while hirsutism alone does not create health difficulties, the underlying cause of a hormone imbalance can.
If you have hirsutism and irregular periods, you may have polycystic ovary syndrome, which can make it difficult to conceive. Women who take certain hirsutism treatments should avoid pregnancy due to the risk of birth abnormalities.
HOW IS HIRSUTISM DIAGNOSED?
Tests that detect the amount of certain hormones in your blood, such as testosterone or testosterone-like substances, may help determine whether your hirsutism is caused by excessive androgen levels.
Your doctor may also perform an abdominal and pelvic exam to search for lumps that could signal a tumor.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR HIRSUTISM?
There is no need to treat hirsutism if there are no signs of an endocrine issue. Women who require or seek therapy may be required to treat any underlying condition, adopt a self-care routine for unwanted hair, and experiment with various therapies and drugs.
Medications
If cosmetic or self-care hair removal procedures haven't worked for you, consult your doctor about hirsutism medications. It can take up to six months, the average life cycle of a hair follicle, for these drugs to make a substantial difference in hair growth. Among the options are:
- Oral contraceptives: Birth control tablets or other hormonal contraceptives containing estrogen and progestin are used to treat androgen-induced hirsutism. In women who do not want to become pregnant, oral contraceptives are a typical treatment for hirsutism. Nausea and headache are two possible adverse effects.
- Anti-androgens: These medications prevent androgens from binding to their receptors in your body. If the oral contraceptives aren't effective enough after six months, they're sometimes prescribed.
Spironolactone is the most often used anti-androgen for the treatment of hirsutism (Aldactone, CaroSpir). The results are modest and will take at least six months to become apparent. Menstrual irregularity is one of the possible negative effects. Because these medicines have the potential to cause birth abnormalities, it is critical to utilize contraception while taking them.
- Topical cream: Eflornithine (Vaniqa) is a prescription lotion designed specifically for women with abundant facial hair. It is administered twice daily to the affected area of your face. It slows new hair growth but does not remove existing hair. It can be combined with laser therapy to boost the response.
Procedures
Hair removal procedures that are more effective than self-care approaches and can be used with medical therapy include:
- Laser therapy: A highly concentrated light beam (laser) is passed over your skin, damaging hair follicles and preventing hair growth (photoepilation). You may require repeated treatments. Photoepilation is usually a better option than electrolysis for persons with undesirable black, brown, or reddish hair.
Discuss the dangers and benefits of the various lasers used for this hair removal treatment with your doctor. People with tanned or darkly pigmented skin are more likely to experience side effects from specific lasers, such as skin darkening or lightening, blistering, and inflammation.
- Electrolysis: A small needle is inserted into each hair follicle during this procedure. The needle delivers an electric current pulse that damages and finally destroys the follicle. You may require repeated treatments. Electrolysis is a better option than laser therapy for persons who have naturally blond or white hair.
Although electrolysis is effective, it can be uncomfortable. A numbing cream applied to your skin prior to treatment may alleviate discomfort.
HOME REMEDIES FOR HIRSUTISM
Self-care techniques such as the ones listed below can be used to temporarily remove or lessen the visibility of unsightly face and body hair. There is no evidence that self-hair removal causes thicker hair growth.
- Plucking: Plucking is an effective procedure for eliminating stray hairs, although it is ineffective for removing a wide area of hair. Plucked hair generally grows back. Tweezers, thin threads (threading), or other instruments designed for hair removal can be used for this approach.
- Waxing: Waxing is the process of applying warm wax to your skin where undesirable hair develops. To eliminate hair, you take the wax off your skin once it hardens. Waxing swiftly eliminates hair from a big area, but it can sting and cause skin irritation and redness.
- Shaving: Shaving is quick and cheap, but it must be done on a regular basis.
- Depilation: Chemical depilators are administered to the afflicted skin, causing hair to disintegrate. These products come in a variety of forms, including gel, cream, and lotion. They have the potential to irritate the skin and cause dermatitis. To keep the effect, you'll need to perform depilation on a regular basis.
- Bleaching: Bleaching lightens the color of the hair, making it less obvious on persons with fair complexion. Hair-bleaching products, which typically contain hydrogen peroxide, can irritate the skin. Any product you use should be tested on a tiny patch of skin first.
HOW CAN HIRSUTISM BE PREVENTED?
Hirsutism is not usually avoidable. However, if you are overweight, decreasing weight may help reduce hirsutism, especially if you have polycystic ovarian syndrome.