What Is Hirsutism?

Hirsutism is a medical condition that results in excessive hair growth on the face or body. The condition has been observed in both sexes, although it is much more common in females. Women who suffer from hirsutism will usually exhibit dark and thick hair on their face, chest, stomach, and back.

There are several known causes of hirsutism including excessive levels of male hormones (androgens). In addition to hirsutism, other symptoms of excessive male hormones may include acne, irregular menstruation, deepness of the voice, and increased muscle mass. Besides excessive quantities of male hormones, some cases of hirsutism are caused by hair follicles that over-react to the minute quantities of male hormones which naturally occur in women.

There are also some medications, notably birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, and anabolic steroids, which can cause temporary hirsutism symptoms to appear. The symptoms usually disappear when you stop taking the medications that are causing it.

There is some evidence to indicate that hirsutism may be hereditary as symptoms have been observed appearing in multiple generations of females. Hirsutism should not be confused with Hypertrichosis which is a condition where excessive hair growth occurs in areas of the body where visible hair is not normally present.

Hirsutism Treatments

Being overweight can trigger the release of excessive male hormones. If you are overweight then see your doctor for a diet and exercise plan. Your hormone levels will usually drop as your weight goes down. Shaving the affected areas is also a solution, but those areas must be shaved regularly if you want to avoid the appearance of 'stubble'.

Depilatories, or hair removal creams are another good solution. Be sure to test your skin's reaction to these chemicals by applying a small dab to the inside of your wrist and waiting for at least 24 hours to see if you have an allergic skin reaction.

Some people prefer to use a bleaching product which makes the hair fairly invisible. Like depilatories, you could experience a reaction, so apply a small amount as a test and wait 24 hours.

Avoid plucking or waxing the affected areas as this can actually stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow which is the exact opposite of what you want.

Some people opt for either electrolysis, which works by killing the hair follicle with a small charge of electricity, or laser hair removal methods which use a tiny laser beam to destroy the follicles causing the hair to fall out. Both of these methods can be expensive and side effects may include rash, skin discoloration, and scaring. Home electrolysis kits are generally ineffective.

Medical remedies include having your doctor prescribe an anti-androgen medication which reduce male hormone levels and, eventually, slow down the growth of new hair.

If you decide that laser treatments are your procedure of choice, it pays to learn about laser hair removal and how it works to remove unwanted hair.  Remember - Hirsutism can be treated and you don't have to live with the embarrassment of excessive hair growth.  Don't wait - help is available now.