What causes Excessive Hair Growth?

Developing facial and body hair is common for a woman. However, there are certain circumstances where women tend to develop excessive hair on the face or body.  This can sometimes be diagnosed as “Hirsutism” - a medical condition where women are prone to get too much facial or body hair on their face or body for various reasons. This means that a woman’s body is more sensitive to male hormones. Excessive hair growth is most commonly experienced by women and those Assigned female at Birth (AFAB). This unwanted hair growth can be due to many underlying conditions.

Most women who have this condition can notice rapid hair growth which looks coarse and dark. Sometimes, this can be a bothersome factor for some women, affecting their self-consciousness and appearance, nevertheless, there are many treatment options to manage Hirsutism.

Now, Is It Possible To Get Rid Of Hirsutism Permanently?

Firstly, it should be understood that no amount of home remedies like hair removal creams, shaving or waxing can assist with getting rid of this excessive hair growth. It is always best to consult with the doctor to find out the root cause of the issue first and then move towards treating them. Permanently getting rid of this condition can depend from person to person based on the reason of occurrence. The most sought-after treatment technique is the Laser Hair Removal Procedure which is often combined with certain medications to reduce hair growth. With most patients, the results will begin to show within an average of 3 sessions upon undergoing cosmetic procedures recommended to them and there will be almost no excessive hair growth after surgery at all. However, it is important to maintain the results with appropriate protocols suggested by the doctor.

Getting To Know The Process of Normal Hair Growth

To understand Hirsutism better, it's best to know about the process of normal hair growth. Every hair grows out from a follicle deep under the skin's surface. Unless and until this follicle is not fully destroyed, the hair will keep growing even if the shaft (the part of the hair that is visible above the skin) is plucked out or removed using a razor or wax. With that being said, ethnic groups can also have an impact on how hair follicles grow. Those with Mediterranean, Asian and American Indian backgrounds are more prone to developing thick and coarse hair.

What Triggers Excessive Hair Growth?

The predominant reason behind this excessive hair growth is mostly due to the androgen hormones that usually trigger a man’s sexual and physical development. In general, women usually have low levels of androgen hormones, but sometimes these levels may fluctuate and become high for a number of reasons.

Causes And General Symptoms of Hirsutism

The symptoms of this condition are usually over-abundant growth of hair on the face or the parts of the body which often look very dark, thick and coarse. The following are the causes of developing unwanted hair –

Excessive hair growth in females can occur due to;

• Higher levels of male hormones known as androgens
• PCOS, otherwise known as, polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Intake of certain medications that trigger unwanted hair growth
• Underlying disorders or diseases, such as adrenal gland disorders
• High insulin levels
• Obesity
• Changes in hormones occurring during pregnancy or menopause

Excessive body hair growth in males can occur due to;

• Usage of steroids for bodybuilding purposes
• Genetic conditions
• High levels of cholesterol or insulin
• Increased sensitivity to the male hormones

However, excessive hair growth can also occur for people who do not have any of the above-given conditions and the reason is still unknown.

Where does it generally occur?

Women who suffer from mild hirsutism may notice excessive growth of hair usually on the chin area, sideburn region, upper lip, lower abdomen or even the and around the nipples. However, the most advanced form of hirsutism usually begins to develop during puberty and will trigger hair growth on the chest, shoulders and back.

How to reduce the risk of excessive hair growth after treatments?

If PCOS was the root cause of the condition being triggered, then the individual must hop onto long-term solutions that include –

• Losing weight and maintaining a healthy diet
• Control the hormonal levels with medications prescribed by the doctor

In other cases, your doctor will come up with the right treatment plan that is personalised based on the diagnosis. Following the after-care protocols will not only give you a safe and smooth recovery process but also help you avoid the risk of recurring hair growth. Book your appointment now to experience Tamira’s exclusive treatment plans for your excessive hair growth.