Hirsutism is a condition where women experience excessive dark, coarse hair growing on areas like the upper lip, chin, chest, back, stomach, and thighs, resembling male hair growth patterns. It is not about fine, soft body hair, but thick, visible hair. Hirsutism is common and may be a cosmetic concern, but it can also indicate underlying health issues. About 5% of women experience it before menopause.
Symptoms
With hirsutism, dark, coarse hairs appear on the upper lip, chin, neck, chest, stomach, back, and inner thighs, resembling male hair growth patterns.
Causes
The causes of hirsutism can include:
- Heredity: Often, other women in the family experience the same issue.
- Hormonal imbalance: An overproduction of testosterone, often seen in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Increased sensitivity to testosterone, particularly in individuals with excess weight.
- Medication side effects, such as ciclosporine, citalopram, and sodium valproate.
- Other diseases, such as eating disorders or thyroid conditions.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will diagnose hirsutism based on physical appearance. They may also ask questions and perform blood tests to identify possible causes. In some cases, further examination by a gynecologist or endocrinologist may be necessary.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause:
- Laser or flash lamp: Dark hairs can be removed with laser or flash lamp treatments, although women with darker skin are at higher risk for pigmentation changes.
- Contraceptive pill: Often helpful in regulating menstruation and reducing hair growth. However, it’s not recommended for smokers or those with a history of blood clots.
- Anti-androgens: Spironolactone is a drug that counteracts male hormones, but it can cause side effects like nausea and breast tenderness.
- Other treatments: Eflornithine (Vaniqa®) is a cream that slows facial hair growth. It is not covered by insurance.
Self-care tips
You can use various methods to remove unwanted hair, but these are temporary solutions:
- Bleaching
- Hair removal cream
- Shaving
- Tweezing (plucking hairs)
- Waxing
These techniques do not affect the thickness or growth of the hairs in the long term. Waxing or tweezing may increase the risk of pigmentation changes for women with darker skin. If you’re overweight, losing weight is advised.
Other
Hirsutism is often a chronic condition that worsens during hormonal changes, such as menopause or after childbirth. While treatments can help manage hair growth, the condition is unlikely to resolve completely.
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