subject: About hirusutism [print this page] About hirusutism About hirusutism
Hirsutism may cause possible scalp hair loss and hair thinning causes a woman to feel unattractive. Hirsutism is a condition where unwanted hair growth appears on the body which can be unsightly. Excessive hair growth can make a woman feel unfeminine if left unaddressed. It can be an extremly embarrassing condition however there is treatment available.
Hirsutism is a condition that shows up as excessive growth of dark, coarse body and facial hair in women. This type of hair growth is considered abnormal and can occur on the body where men typically grow hair consisting of the face, chest, and back. It is important to remember that some body and facial hair growth is normal however women with hirsutism tend to have elevated levels of male sex hormones called androgens from their ovaries and adrenal glands which is the catalyst for the excessive growth. Most cases of hirsutism are not severe and have no underlying cause.
If you are experiencing excessive hair growth you should seek medical treatment from a endocrinologist or dermatologist as they will be able to diagnose elevated levels of hormones by requesting blood tests.
There are numerous medications available on the market which assists with the treatment of hirsutism. These medications can mainly decrease the amount of body hair and stop the growth of new hair.
Anti-androgens are medications that decrease androgen production and eventually block the action of androgens on the hair follicle. The most commonly used anti-androgen is spironolactone. Spironolactone is often used in conjunction with the birth control pill to also assist in regulating the menstrual cycle. If you decide to take Spironolactone you can take a cheaper birth control pill as opposed to the more expensive one. Cyproterone acetate is another anti-androgen medication but is not available for sale in the United States. Cypterone acetate is contained in the birth control pill referred to as Diane and Diane-35 which is highly effective in treating this condition. Finasteride is another option in treating hirsutism however it is not approved for use in women in the United States.
Along with the medication many women with unwanted hair seek methods of hair removal to control the appearance of hirsutism. Waxing is a good option but you will need to do this at least every month. Laser hair removal is an effective option but is not immediate as it is normally performed over a number of visits. To decrease the hair growth you should try and wax at least each month. Try not to shave as this may leave stubble which can be unsightly and will grow back a lot quicker.
Due to elevated levels of male hormones circulating in the body this may cause hair loss due to it affecting the hair follicle. Hair thinning causes a woman to feel less attractive and it is beat to persevere with treatment to get the best result.
