Understanding Hirsutism

Hirsutism is the technical term given to describe excessive hair growth in humans. Both men and women can be affected by hirsutism, but it is normally only considered a problem with females. Often, this condition presents itself as early as infancy or early childhood and may become increasingly more pronounced. It may also develop suddenly without warning - most often during adolescence or in early adulthood.

Hirsutism can be caused by abnormally high levels of androgens or male hormones and it causes dark, thick hair to develop on an individuals face, chest, back and abdomen. This is not to be confused with the natural hair that some women have on their upper lip, as well as other areas of the body and it is a fact that women from various racial and ethnic groups have a varying amount of body and facial hair.

High levels of male hormones can cause conditions in females such as an abnormal deepening of the voice, increased muscle mass, acne and irregular or absent menstrual periods. There are conditions and diseases that may occur which can increase the amount of androgens being produced including tumors in the ovaries or adrenal gland, and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Often, doctors do not know the exact cause of hirsutism and have even found some medications, such as birth control pills and anabolic steroids, to contribute to and cause hirsutism. There may be a genetic component, as well, as the condition seems to appear to run in families.

Upon diagnosis, doctors can prescribe anti-androgen medication to help control the production of male hormones that cause hirsutism. These medications normally take up to 6 months to work and while they will have an affect on decreasing the amount of new hair growth, they will not change the amount of hair already present.

Individuals with excess hair can use several methods to try to remove or get rid of the hair. Shaving is one option, and while it is safe and effective, it requires almost daily shaving to keep the appearance of new hair, or stubble, at bay. Depilatories are creams that remove hair - these work well and do not need to be used as often as shaving, but they may irritate sensitive skin. Some people prefer more permanent options such as electrolysis and laxer hair removal. Plucking and waxing are techniques not recommended for women with hirsutism as they may actually make the hair grow faster in unwanted places by increasing the blood supply to the hair follicles. Finally, bleaching may be an option, but it may also be a skin irritant.

There is no cure for hirsutism, but for those who are concerned, a doctor can help develop a plan for treating and dealing with the condition. And, a doctor should be seen to rule out any of the other medical conditions that may be causing hirsutism.