Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 19 January 2022

Have you ever wondered why some women have grown unusual body hairs as most as other individuals of their gender don’t? All of us have body hair but it is more noticeable among men than women. This hair might sometimes be thicker and more visible among women due to certain conditions. Hirsutism is a condition in women in which hair growth becomes excessive. It usually grows in places where it usually does just for men. The hair appears often dark and coarse instead of fine, pale, faintly visible hair that covers most of the body. Hirsutism can occur due to several underlying medical conditions. Hirsutism is commonly linked to high levels of male hormones called androgens. About half of all people with hirsutism have an excess of androgens. These hormones usually trigger male physical and sexual development. Women normally have low androgen levels. However, an increase in the level of these hormones can cause hirsutism, acne, a deep voice, and small breasts.

Among individuals with hirsutism, extra hair may appear or grow on your face particularly on the upper lip and chin, chest, and lower stomach. More advanced hirsutism will cause mature hair to grow on the upper back, shoulders, chest and upper abdomen and usually begins during the puberty stage. Besides unwanted hair growth, a woman with hirsutism may also experience other symptoms such as acne, oily skin, hair loss, a receding hairline, and a deeper voice. Increased levels of androgens or oversensitivity of the hair follicles to androgens can cause hirsutism. Male hormones, such as testosterone, stimulate hair growth, increase body size, and intensify the growth and pigmentation of hair. Hirsutism can be an adverse effect of certain medications. Androgen therapy that includes testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), or the drug Danazol, may also contribute to hirsutism. Cushing’s syndrome and tumors of the adrenal glands, pituitary glands, and ovaries can also sometimes lead to hirsutism. A history of conditions that run in families and affect your hormones can cause hirsutism. Extra weight can also cause your body to make more male hormones, which can make hirsutism worse.

There are several ways to get rid of your unwanted hair growth. Women who are overweight or obese are recommended to lose weight to reduce androgen levels and therefore the symptoms of hirsutism. You may also try cosmetic approaches for mild hirsutism which include shaving with a razor, tweezing or threading, waxing to quickly remove the unwanted hair by the root, depilatory creams, electrolysis, and laser hair removal. Some medicines can also change the impact of androgens on the body and skin. A combination of birth control pills, which contain estrogen and progesterone can also decrease the production of testosterone in the ovaries. A nutritious, balanced diet and regular exercise can be helpful in reducing the levels of androgens in your body.

-PNFP Rowence F. Zorilla, RND

References:

1. Hirsutism

https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/hirsutism-hair-women#1-1