Unwanted Hair

Unwanted Hair

Women usually produce low levels of male hormones. But if your body makes too much of this hormone, you may have unwanted hair growth which can lead to an enormous amount of discomfort and self dis-respect.
In the majority of the cases that we've seen, the exact cause is never identified. It tends to run in families especially if the genes are from the grandma. In general, hirsutism is a harmless condition. But many women find it bothersome, or even embarrassing.
A common cause of hirsutism is (PCOS). Women with PCOS and other hormone conditions that cause unwanted hair growth may also have acne, problems with menstrual periods, trouble losing weight, and diabetes. If these symptoms start suddenly, you may have a tumor that releases male hormones.
Other, rare causes of unwanted hair growth may include:

• Tumor or cancer of the adrenal gland
• Tumor or cancer of the ovary
• Hyperthecosis (a condition in which the ovaries produce too much male hormones)
• Use of certain medicines, including testosterone, danazol, anabolic steroids, glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, minoxidil, and phenytoin

Rarely a woman with hirsutism will have normal levels of male hormones, and the specific cause of the unwanted hair growth cannot be identified.

Care in the Home:

Hirsutism is generally a long-term problem. There are a number of ways to remove or treat unwanted hair. Some treatment effects last longer than others.

• Weight loss in overweight women can reduce hair growth.
• Bleaching or lightening hair may make it less noticeable.

Temporary hair removal options include:

• Shaving does not cause more hair to grow, but the hair may look thicker.
• Plucking and waxing are fairly safe and are not expensive. However, they can be painful and there is a risk for scarring, swelling, and skin darkening.
• Chemicals may be used, but most have a bad odor.

Permanent hair removal options include;
Electolysis uses electrical current to permanently damage individual hair follicles so they do not grow back. This method is expensive and multiple treatments are needed. Swelling, scarring, and redness of the skin may occur.
Laser hair removal uses laser aimed at the dark color (melanin) in the hairs. This method is best if a very large area needs to be treated, and only if the hair is particularly dark (does not work on blond or red hair).

Contact a Medical Professional:

Call your health care provider if:

• The hair grows really fast
• You also have male features such as acne, deepening voice, increased muscle mass, and decreased breast size