Hirsutism - Treatment, Causes and Cure

Definition

Hirsutism has come from Latin language word hirsutus which means shaggy or hairy. It can be as excessive and increased hair growth in women in locations where the occurrence of terminal hair normally is minimal or absent. Such male-pattern growth of terminal body hair usually occurs in androgen-stimulated locations, such as the face, chest, and areolae. In most cases, hirsutism is a benign condition and primarily is of cosmetic concern. However, when hirsutism in women is accompanied by masculinizing signs or symptoms, particularly when these arise well after puberty, hirsutism may be a manifestation of a more serious underlying disorder such as an ovarian or adrenal neoplasm. Fortunately, these disorders are rare.

Causes

1. Hirsutism can be caused by abnormally high levels of male hormones called androgens in females. Androgens are present in both men and women, but men have much higher levels.
2. The skin disorder acne may also be the cause of hirsutism.
3. Irregular menstrual periods may also lead to this disease.
4. There are very obvious family and racial differences in hirsutism patients. If your mother or grandmother experienced the disorder, then you are at a greater risk of developing it.
5. In some women, the skin is very sensitive to even low levels of androgens and their follicles produce primarily terminal hairs.
6. Tumor or cancer of the adrenal gland may also be the reason.
7. Some disease may also cause this problem such as polycystic ovary syndrome or Cushing's disease etc.

Symptoms

1. A lack of period or Periods that are too heavy
2. Acne.
3. There may present dark hair on your neck, chin, breasts, lower abdomen or other areas where the hairs are not present normally.
4. Possible thyroid problems, but this is not confirmed.
5. Cushing's syndrome: A condition marked by obesity high blood pressure, diabetes, and thinning of the skin.

Treatment

1. Weight loss: If you are overweight then the problem may be due to this. So loss of weight by exercise or other methods will be a good idea.
2. Shaving: It is the easiest and safest method to remove hair. But problem with this method is that this should be done on a regular basis. It does not remove hairs permanently.
3. Bleaching paste may also be used. Use this product according to the directions on the label. Bleaching products may irritate your skin.
4. Plucking and waxing: This method can also be used. But it is not recommended to women because it increases the blood supply to the follicle and makes the hairs to grow faster.
5. Electrolysis: It is a good method to remove hair as far as women are concerned because it removes hair permanently. Electrolysis is expensive and time consuming. If you choose to have electrolysis, make sure the operator is qualified and licensed.
6. Hormone treatment: Hormone treatment may prevent new hairs from developing. However, it usually takes many years for the excess hair to develop, and a significant decrease in the rate of hair growth will not be seen for at least six months of hormone treatment.