Excessive hair growth is known as hirsutism.  If you are a hairy person, the correct term would be that you are hirsute.  Being hairy or hirsute can be very stressful and embarrassing, especially for a female.  Today styles with low cut tops, low riding jeans, thong underwear and teeny bikinis for a woman who is hirsute, de-hairing excessive hair growth can be time consuming and depressing.

One thing everyone should know is that all women have facial and body hair.  This normal hair growth is usually very fine and light in color and is termed as vellus hair.  Babies have vellus hair!  The problem is when the vellus hair becomes terminal hair.

The difference of between vellus hair and terminal hair is the texture and color. In most cases, excessive hair growth that grows on a woman’s face, arms, back, or chest is coarse and dark. The growth pattern of hirsutism is similar to that of normal hair growth in males and we refer to this as the “male pattern”.  Hirsutism often tends to run in families.  And… no matter whether you are hirsute or not, all women shave their legs, underarms and have to reduce the pubic area.  Doing laser or electrolysis on those areas are usually more of a cosmetic concern.  The real issue for females is needing to shave, pluck or wax their face, neck and chest on a regular basis.

Having excess body hair is not dangerous; however, the hormonal imbalance which is causing the hirsutism may be a health concern and need medical attention.

Here are some of the most common health concerns that cause Excessive Hair Growth in females:

• Cushings Syndrome is characterized by an over production of cortisone by the Adrenal Glands. Symptoms can include obesity of the face and body with a fat pad between the shoulders. Normal monthly periods stop.   The skin may be dull with a bluish tinge and bruises easily.  People with Cushings Syndrome have a higher incidence of diabetes and are prone to excessive hair growth.

• Adrenogenital Syndrome happens when there is a deficiency in cortisol production. This deficiency causes the pituitary gland to constantly stimulate the adrenals. This constant stimulation result in a continual production of androgens with the excess is being poured into the system.  Indications of Adrenogenital Syndrome is a broad male like body build, deeper voice, male pattern baldness and at the same time male pattern hair growth on the face, chest and body.   In some females the clitoris may be enlarged.

• Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease is also known as Stein-Leventhal Syndrome. Symptoms of Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease include non-ovulatory abnormal bleeding, belated breast development, weight gain and excessive hair growth.   Once diagnosis, the ovaries are usually found to have multiple cysts which interfere with normal ovulation.

• Turner’s Syndrome is the defective development of the ovaries or testes.  Turner’s Syndrome, also known as gonadal dysgenesis, has symptoms that include bone abnormalities, shortness, low back of neck hairline and excess facial hair.  Turner’s syndrome is also associated with the possible absence of the second female sex chromosome and the possibility of infertility in some women.

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome happens when the female ovaries are plagued with small cysts that interfere with ovulation and hormone production. Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome produce high amounts of androgens preventing the ovaries from producing enough of the female hormone progesterone.   The lack of progesterone results in irregular ovulation and irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne and weight gain.    Infertility may also be a problem due to irregular ovulation.

Excessive hair growth, acne and irregular periods affect many females from puberty to pre-menopause.   Medical intervention in the form of anti-androgen medications and birth control pills can help balance hormone levels.  The combination of laser and electrolysis treatments and anti-androgen therapy has proven to be very successful.   The drug therapy suppresses any new hair growth, controls acne and allows normal periods which help to bring the female body back in balance.  Bringing the body into balance means you will still need treatments for permanent hair removal long term but less often.  You can throw your face razors away!

Finding an experienced and honest electrologist who has embraced laser hair removal as part of her practice will be your best option for permanent hair removal

By Joyce M. Palmer

Palmer Laser and Electrolysis

905.773.0350

Laser hair removal, electrolysis, spider vein removal, skin care, permanent cosmetics

Newmarket, Aurora, Oak Ridges, Richmond Hill, Barrie, King City, Maple, Stouffville, Toronto