Hirsutism causes excessive facial or body hair growth among women. Women do have hair on the face but it is faintly visible. However, when you are suffering from this condition, it causes a male pattern of hair growth. This means that just like men, women also tend to have hair on the upper lip (moustache), on the chin (beard) and also other places such as chest, etc. It is also seen in women with hormonal problems such as polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). So if you have hair growth in unusual places which makes your feel like a man, then you might suffering from hirsutism.  

Hirsutism is caused due to an excessive production of androgens (male hormones) in the female body. Androgens are naturally present in the female body but within a meager level. But if suffering from hirsutism, there is excessive secretion of the hormones, which lead to unwanted facial growth in women

The symptoms of hirsutism may be a genetic in nature or could be due to an underlying medical condition or problem. An excessive hair growth in areas like face, upper lip, chin chest, upper back, shoulders, sternum, and lower abdomen is one of the common symptoms of hirsutism. Other symptoms like a change in voice, acne, irregular menstrual cycle, thinning of scalp hair, obesity and/or diabetes also need to be evaluated by a doctor.

In most cases, the family history and medical history of the woman is evaluated to know about any health conditions that may increase the risk of this condition. Also, if you are on any medications, then it is wise to let your doctor know about it as in some cases, even steroids and hormonal pills can lead to this condition. You should consult a dermatologist if there is an increased growth of facial hair over a short period of time, say six to 12 months.

Hirsutism can be treated if the exact cause of the disease is known. For example, if high levels of insulin are the cause, the treatment procedure aims at lowering the insulin levels. Similarly, if a woman is suffering from hirsutism and is obese, then the first line of treatment involves weight reduction which goes a long way to balance the hormonal imbalance of the body. If there is an excess of androgens in the body, then drugs such as oral contraceptives, steroids and anti-androgenic drugs might be recommended to keep your hormonal levels in control.

Treatment of excessive facial hair is often with a combination of approaches which include oral contraceptive pills and anti androgen medications to lower the level or block the action of androgen on hair follicles.

Weight reduction, dietary modification, and exercise is advised for women who are obese or have PCOS.  In cases where there is an underlying hormonal disorder, the treatment of the underlying disease is required. Prescription creams are also available in the market, which when applied directly to the affected area can help slow new hair growth.

Medical treatment inhibits hair growth without removing hair. Therefore, it can be combined with mechanical methods of hair reduction like lasers or electrolysis. Some women use shaving, waxing, bleaching, depilatory creams to reduce the appearance of facial hair but the risk and benefit of all the modalities need to be carefully considered. 

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Regards

Anabell Rose

Editorial Assistant

Hair Therapy & Transplantation