Excessive body hair especially on face, arms and legs is unpleasant and emotionally distressing for a woman and makes her unattractive. At times this condition may affect quality of life and may also lead to social complication. This condition is medically known as hirsutism, often seen in women of age group between 18 and 45 years.
It is very normal to have fine baby hair on upper lip, chin and sometimes little dark hair around the nipples and thighs. However, women with Hirsutism have dark thick, scraggly looking hair on face, chest, abdomen, back, upper thighs or upper arms, buttocks. The hair usually tends to grow in a masculine pattern.
| | In this condition apart from excessive hair growth there may be acne,irregular menstrual periods, deepening of the voice, increased musclemass; primarily shoulder girdle, loss of breast tissue, increasedlibido, infertility, male pattern obesity
| What are the reasons for hirsutism?
The most important and common causes of excessive hair include high levels of male hormones, ovarian tumors, certain medication, growth stimulating drugs, ovarian neoplasms, adrenal related health problems, hyperthyroidism, anorexia, Cushing syndrome and porphyria. But in many cases, Hirsutism is caused due to abnormally high levels of male hormones namely androgens, produced by either the ovaries or the adrenal glands.
| | How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor will perform a physical examination and if required will ask you to take up certain tests, that include pelvic ultrasound, abdominal ultrasound, etc. Your doctor will treat you depending upon the cause of Hirsutism.
| | So, what is the treatment?
The treatment forexcessive hair is not preferred if no abnormal aetiology are diagnosed.If you are overweight, healthy weight loss can reduce the levels ofhormones in your body leading to reduced hair growth.
|
Topical cosmetic therapies- Shaving is the easiest way to get rid of hair, but the regrowth produces rough stubble. Frequent shaving may lead to skin irritation
- Chemical Depilation or creams can be used to remove unwanted hairs and they generally leave no stubble. However, these creams may cause skin irritation, so you may need to do a skin sensitivity test before using it. Consult your doctor to select the right depilatory for your skin type.
- Bleaching creams may also be used but use it only after getting a sensitivity test done on your skin.
- Plucking can be used to remove unwanted hair. However, this may give rise to irritation and may also damage hair follicles.
- Waxing is generally preferred by many women. It is painful but repeated Waxing may reduce the hair permanently.
- Epilating devices remove hair by rotation or friction.
| |
Permanent epilation - Electrolysis and thermolysis can be used in the permanent removal of hair and can be used on all skin types, but requires multiple treatments.
- Laser hair removal uses laser light may damage hair follicles leading to hair fall and also prevents regrowth of hair. Side effects include scarring, darkening or lightening of skin, etc.
Drug therapy
Some cases of Hirsutism can be treated with medications. Consult your doctor for the right treatment option. |
|