Hirsutism: Diagnosis & Treatment

Whether you care to understand it or not, the majority of women develop some facial hair to some degree. And even though we always embrace our thick eyebrows & luscious lashes, as a society we are swift in admonishing the rest of the hair that sprouts on our face.

This condition is called hirsutism and is most often caused by a rise in male hormones called androgens, such as testosterone.

And having these hormones in excessive quantities can result in male-pattern hair growth on the face.

Diagnosis Of Hirsutism

A physical exam can easily determine the number of certain hormones in your blood, including testosterone or similar hormones, that are causing your hirsutism.

This test can also check for other issues that can give rise to hirsutism.

However, if women in your family have hirsutism and yours has come on gradually, it is possible that you may not even need any test for a diagnosis.

Treatment Of Hirsutism

Hirsutism poses no risk to health, and its treatment depends on personal preference. So for women who do need or seek treatment,

it may generally require treating any underlying disorder, or forming a self-care routine for unwanted hair, and trying different therapies and medications.

Procedures to remove or reduce unwanted hair include:

Shaving: Shaving is a method to remove hair with thin blades moved across the skin. However, the hair will start sprouting back right away, so shaving needs to be repeated frequently.

Depilatory Lotion: This is a type of hair removal procedure that is done with chemicals put on the skin. Basically, it softens the hair above the skin so it can be wiped away easily.

Medicated Cream: Topical creams like eflornithine cream can effectively help in slowing hair growth.

The results can show up within 6 to 8 weeks. However, the hair will grow back in a couple of weeks in case you stop using the cream.

Waxing: This method can be used to pull out the hairs from the root. This procedure may need to be done every 15-20 days.

Bleaching: This method involves bleaching which can lighten the color of the hair and make it less visible.

Electrolysis: This procedure of hair removal is done by the dermatologist. This technique disrupts hair growth by damaging the hair follicle. The method works by inserting an epilator device into the skin. It uses shortwave radio frequencies in hair follicles to stop the new hairs from sprouting.

However, you may still need multiple follow-up visits for the best results.

Laser Hair Removal: In this procedure, a special laser is pointed at the skin and the light from the laser is absorbed by the color in the hair and eliminates the hair growth.

This procedure can lessen and remove hair for months or even longer.

Is Hirsutism Preventable?

Hirsutism typically is not preventable, but losing weight in case you are overweight might help lessen hirsutism, especially if you have polycystic ovary syndrome.

And in some cases, hirsutism can be prevented by not taking a medicine that can cause this condition.