What Is Hirsutism?
Hirsutism is a condition in which a woman’s facial or body hair grows excessively. Hirsutism is characterized by coarse, black hair on the face, chest, belly, back, upper arms, and upper legs. Hirsutism is a sign of medical conditions linked to androgen hormones. The most prevalent cause of hirsutism is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), in which the ovaries produce excessive levels of androgens. PCOS affects up to 10% of women. Hirsutism is a prevalent condition that responds well to medical treatment. It is critical to get medical help as soon as possible because postponing treatment makes it more difficult and may have long-term health repercussions.
What Causes Hirsutism?
Hirsutism is caused by a variety of factors which include:
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
An imbalance of sex hormones results from this disorder, which generally develops during puberty. It is a prevalent hormonal condition that affects 5%–10% of women. PCOS is diagnosed using a combination of clinical, ultrasound, and laboratory findings because of its variable nature. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance that causes the ovaries to produce too much androgen. It is one of the most common causes of hirsutism. Multiple tiny follicles form in the ovaries in women with PCOS, resulting in cysts, hence the term “polycystic.” These little cysts are immature ovarian follicles that haven’t matured enough to ovulate. It can also cause excessive hair growth, irregular periods, obesity, and infertility.
Cushing Syndrome
Cushing syndrome is a condition in which the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. Although hirsutism is a common symptom of Cushing syndrome, it is not the disorder’s major symptom. It is characterized by obesity, a flushed and rounder face, muscle weakness, diabetes, and irregular menses in women. Cushing syndrome symptoms can also be seen in women who are on long-term steroid medication. It is a dangerous yet uncommon condition. When compared to the other signs and symptoms of Cushing syndrome, hirsutism usually appears later.
Menopause
The ovaries stop generating estrogen around menopause but continue to create androgens. Reduced estrogen levels may allow androgens to exert a larger influence, resulting in an increase in the number of black terminal hairs, particularly on the face. As a result, many menopausal women experience new facial hair (mustache and whiskers) as well as mild baldness.
Ovarian Tumors
An androgen-producing tumor in the ovaries or adrenal glands can occur on rare occasions. This tumor may produce abnormally high quantities of androgen. Hirsutism symptoms, for example, frequently develop unexpectedly and progress swiftly. Male-like balding, voice deepening, and increased muscle mass can all be signs of high androgen levels. Fortunately, the majority of these tumors aren’t malignant.
Non-Classical Adrenal Hyperplasia (NCAH)
Non-classical adrenal hyperplasia (NCAH), an inherited condition that causes the adrenal glands to overproduce androgens, is the most prevalent abnormality of the adrenal glands that can cause hirsutism. NCAH causes irregular menstrual cycles, just like PCOS. NCAH is a rare genetic condition that affects Ashkenazi Jews, Eskimos, and French Canadians, and it is often distinguished by an increase in the hormone 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone.
Side Effects of Medications
Hirsutism can be caused by drugs that have androgen-like properties. Anabolic steroids are chemically related to androgens and are used to increase muscle mass in chronically unwell and debilitated patients, as well as by some bodybuilders. Danazol, phenytoin, minoxidil, and diazoxide are some of the other drugs linked to enhanced hair growth. Natural supplements such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and androstenedione can also cause hirsutism.
Symptoms of Hirsutism
The predominant sign of hirsutism is thick, coarse, black hair growing on areas of the body where fine, thin hair would ordinarily grow. Women’s hair, for example, may thicken and coarsen on their face, chest, back, lower abdomen, upper arms, and upper legs. When excessive androgen levels cause hirsutism, further symptoms, known as virilization, may appear over time. Virilization can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including:
Risk Factors of Hirsutism
There are a number of factors that can influence your chances of having hirsutism, including:
Obesity
Obesity increases testosterone production, which can exacerbate hirsutism.
Family History
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia and polycystic ovarian syndrome are two disorders that induce hirsutism and run in families.
Ancestry
Women of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian origin are more prone than other women to have excessive body hair for no apparent reason.
Treatment Options for Hirsutism
There is no need to treat hirsutism if there are no signs of an endocrine issue. Treatment options for women who require or want treatment include treating any underlying disorders, adopting a self-care routine for unwanted hair, and experimenting with various therapies and drugs. The first treatment option for hirsutism would be to lose weight. If you’re overweight, simply lowering 5% of your body weight can significantly reduce androgen levels. Mild hirsutism can also be treated using a variety of hair removal procedures. These methods simply address the excess hair, not the root of the problem.
Medications for Hirsutism
If cosmetic or self-care hair removal procedures haven’t worked for you, talk to your doctor about hirsutism medications. It can take up to six months for these treatments to make a noticeable change in hair growth, which is the average life cycle of a hair follicle. Among the options are:
Oral Contraceptives
Hormonal contraceptives that contain estrogen and progestin are used to treat hirsutism induced by androgen production. In women who don’t wish to get 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 the body. If oral contraceptives aren’t effective enough after six months, they’re sometimes given. Spironolactone (Aldactone, CaroSpir) is the most widely used anti-androgen for the treatment of hirsutism. The results are small, and it will take at least six months for them to become apparent. Menstrual irregularity is one of the possible negative effects. It’s critical to utilize contraception while taking these medicines because they can cause birth abnormalities.
Topical Cream
Eflornithine (Vaniqa) is a prescription lotion for women who have a lot of facial hair. It’s applied twice a day directly to the damaged area of your face. It helps to decrease new hair development while leaving existing hair alone. It can be combined with laser therapy to improve results.
Medical Procedures for Hirsutism
Hair removal treatments that are more effective than self-care and can be used in combination with medical therapy include:
Laser Therapy
This involves treatment that requires the use of light to damage hair follicles and limit hair growth by passing a beam of highly concentrated light (laser) across your skin. It’s possible that you’ll require more than one treatment. Photo epilation is often a better alternative than electrolysis for persons with undesired hair that is black, brown, or auburn.
Electrolysis
A small needle is inserted into each hair follicle during this procedure. The follicle is damaged and finally destroyed by a pulse of electric current emitted by the needle. It also requires multiple repeated treatments. Electrolysis is a better option than laser therapy for persons who have naturally blond or white hair.
Self-Care Treatments
Unwanted facial and body hair can be temporarily removed or reduced with self-care treatments like the ones listed below. There is no proof that removing one’s own hair causes hair to grow faster.
Plucking
Plucking is a fantastic way to get rid of a few stray hairs, but it’s not the best way to get rid of a huge amount of hair. Hair normally regrows after being plucked. Tweezers, thin threads (thread), or other instruments specifically intended for this purpose can be used to remove unwanted hair.
Waxing
Waxing is the process of applying warm wax to the area of your skin where undesirable hair grows. To eliminate hair, you take the wax from your skin once it has hardened. Waxing eliminates hair from a big area quickly, but it can sting and cause skin irritation and redness in some people.
Depilation
Chemical depilatories are used to dissolve hair on the afflicted skin. These products come in a number of formats, including gel, cream, and lotion. They have the potential to irritate the skin and cause dermatitis. To keep the effect, you’ll need to depilate on a regular basis.
Bleaching
Bleaching lightens the color of hair, making it less obvious on light-skinned persons. 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.
Shaving
Shaving is simple and inexpensive, but it must be done on a regular basis.
Now that you Know…
Hirsutism is a common condition that may typically be successfully managed with medications. Electrolysis or laser treatment can be used to permanently decrease or eradicate any remaining undesirable hair after medical treatment. If other female members of your family have had excessive hair growth, keep an eye out for early signs of hirsutism in yourself and your children, particularly throughout adolescence.
