Basically, hirsutism is when females grow unwanted hair in places like the face or chest where it is usually found in males. Hirsutism is more prevalent than you may imagine. The NCBI reports that “the prevalence of hirsutism in PCOS ranges from 70 to 80%, vs. 4% to 11% in women in the general population.”
Hirsutism affects a person’s social and psychological well-being in addition to their physical appearance. You know the sense of panic that arises when one or more bothersome pimples appear on your face right before an important event? Just imagine the stress that would ensue from having to deal with an unexpected abrupt beard. This article sheds light on hirsutism, covering everything from what it is to how it can affect someone beyond just the physical aspect. Let’s get started!
Causes of Hirsutism
Hirsutism occurs when your hormones become imbalanced, resulting in an excess of male hormones, particularly testosterone. There are several factors that can influence the growth of hirsutism. Let’s explore some of the causes of hirsutism.
Hormonal Imbalance
Did you know that testosterone is not only found in males? Females also have a decent amount of this hormone, which plays an important part in their overall health and wellbeing. Hirsutism is generally caused by an excess of male hormones, mainly testosterone.
Another hormonal issue, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), can disrupt the delicate hormonal balance, resulting in undesired hair growth. Prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels in Cushing’s syndrome can disrupt hormonal balance, causing hirsutism.
Finally, the genetic disorder CAH (congenital adrenal hyperplasia) can cause the adrenal glands to manufacture hormones in an incorrect manner, resulting in hirsutism.
Medications
Certain steroids can occasionally function as a trigger for excessive hair growth. Minoxidil can, in spite of its benefits for hair development, paradoxically promote undesirable hair growth in certain places. Additionally, birth control medications may be a factor in hormonal imbalances that exacerbate hirsutism.
Other factors influencing excessive hair growth in unwanted areas include:
- Genetics
- Ethnicity
- Obesity
Symptoms of Hirsutism
Hirsutism can manifest itself in a couple of ways such as:
- Excessive hair growth
- Coarse and dark hair
- Change in hair distribution
- Acne
- Irregular menstrual cycles
Diagnosis of Hirsutism
When you visit the hospital for a diagnosis, the doctor typically performs a comprehensive physical examination to determine the pattern, distribution, and characteristics of unwanted hair growth.
Then your hormone levels, particularly androgens such as testosterone, are examined via blood testing. Elevated levels may indicate hormonal imbalances that contribute to hirsutism. In some circumstances, imaging examinations such as ultrasonography may be recommended to evaluate the ovaries for diseases like PCOS.
Treatment of Hirsutism
If you suffer from hirsutism, there are several therapy options available to you. Let’s look at some of these therapy options.
Lifestyle Modifications
Weight control can be an important lifestyle change for obese people to address hormonal imbalances that cause hirsutism.
Limiting sugary drinks and refined carbs may also aid in the management of hormonal fluctuations, which can indirectly influence undesired hair growth.
Medications
Hormonal contraceptives are frequently used to reduce testosterone levels, therefore reducing the excessive hair growth seen in hirsutism. Anti-Androgen medications such as Spironolactone can help to counteract the effects of androgens, minimizing undesired hair growth. You can use eflornithine cream, which can be applied directly to the affected areas and slows the growth of undesired hair.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal employs concentrated light beams to target and damage hair follicles, preventing future growth. While it is effective in slowing hair growth, it is critical to understand its limitations and potential hazards. Laser hair removal is generally effective in decreasing and thinning hair over time.
For limitations, full removal may necessitate numerous sessions.
Furthermore, laser hair removal may not be appropriate for everyone, and outcomes may vary depending on skin type and hair color. Laser hair removal may cause the following adverse effects:
- Temporary redness and swelling in treated areas
- Skin pigmentation changes, particularly in individuals with darker skin
- Rarely, scarring or blistering may occur
