What is Hirsutism?
Hirsutism is the unwanted hair growth in females especially in areas such as face, chest and back. Increase in male hormones in females results in hirsutism.1 in ten women suffers from this problem. Androgens are male sex hormones, including testosterone, which are responsible for masculin characteristics such as facial hair and coarse body hair.
What causes hirsutism in females?
The main cause of hirsutism is the rise in the level of male hormones including testosterone in females body. Although , all females produce androgen but the levels typically remains low. Certain medications are responsible for male like characteristics in females like facial hair and heavy voice.
Other causes of hirsutism are:
- PCOD:
Polycystic ovarian disease or PCOD is the most common cause of hirsutism in females. Nearly all the females who suffer from hirsutism have PCOS. Benign cysts that form on ovaries can affect hormone production, leading to irregular menstrual cycle and decreased fertility. Additional symptoms include mild to severe acne, increased body weight, pelvic pain, irritability and sleep problems.
2. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia:
This inherited condition is characterized by abnormal production of steroid hormones including cortisol, androgens by adrenal glands.
3. Cushing syndrome:
A condition of increased level of cortisol in body.
4. Certain hormonal conditions like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, anorexia nervosa.
5. Certain medications like minoxidil( used for scalp hair regrowth) and other anabolic steroid causes unwanted hair growth as a side effect.
Treatment for hirsutism:
1.Anti androgen medicines which helps to reduce the production of anrogens.
2. Women who have a high boidy mass index might find that with weight loss program they can reduce their weight and therefore the symptoms of hirsutism.
3. Contraceptive pills: the pills which have both estrogen and progesterone may help shrink the cysts on ovaries.
Treatments for unwanted hair:
Electrolysis:
Electrolysis is a process in which an electric current is used to destroy hairbulb individually. This process require multiple sessions to slow down hair growth density and hair texture.
Laser Treatment:
Laser treatment is the most effective treatment for unwanted superficial hair growth. The process is also known as Selective Photothermolysis. This term clearly defines the process as the laser emits light energy which selectively targets melanin( black pigment) in hair roots which then is converted to thermal( heat) energy.( there is a physics law which applies here which states that whenever light energy strikes some dark pigme it changes to heat energy ). This intense thermal energy then destroy the hair follicles. This treatment require multiple sessions.
Guys feel free to consultant me ,your friend ( Aarti ) if you suffer from hirsutism
Best wishes
Aarti Kaushik Jaitly
(Licensed Cosmetologist & Laser Safety Officer).