Hirsutism is a condition that affects women and causes excess thick, dark hair to grow on the face, neck, chest, tummy, lower back, buttocks, or thighs. Hirsutism is a very common condition; it affects 5% - 10% of all women.
Unwanted hair growth on a woman's face, chest, and back is the main sign of hirsutism. Unlike the typical, thin "baby" hair on other regions of the body, this thick, dark hair is different. Other symptoms may include :
Acne
Abnormal menstrual periods
Deepening of the voice
Increased muscle mass
Decreased breast size
Visit a General Practice doctor (General Practitioner) if you suffer from excess dark and thick hair.
Hereditary
Increasing levels of male hormones called androgens. This is often related to other conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome.
Increasing hair follicle sensitivity to androgens
Medicines like hormonal therapy
Your doctor may request hormonal levels tests to detect any change that might cause the hirsutism.
Losing weight to control hormones levels
Medications :
Lowering the androgen levels by using the birth control pills
Blocking the process of androgen production by the body (spironolactone, finasteride, flutamide)
Slowing the hair growth with topical cream (eflornithine)
Hair removal options : these techniques help you get rid of unwanted hair for a longer period of time than home hair removal.
Electrolysis (where an electric current is used to stop your hair from growing)
Laser hair removal
Home hair removal:
Shaving
Waxing
Plucking
Hair removal creams
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