Hirsutism – Excess Hair Growth
In the 1800s, the bearded lady was a staple of many circus shows. Today, although medical professionals know that hirsutism is a serious problem, social stigma still affects women suffering from this condition.
What is hirsutism?
Hirsutism is a condition in which women suffer from excess hair – in some cases, as much hair on the face and body as men. Generally, it refers to hair growth that mimics hair growth normal in men. This means, women with hirsutism may grow hair on their chest, face, and even back as well as on their legs and arms. In some cases, hirsutism is caused by other diseases, but in most cases the condition is caused by hormones or genetics.
How is it diagnosed?
If you suspect you may suffer from hirsutism, you need to a see doctor to determine whether there are any underlying reasons for the condition. You will likely be asked about family health history (especially about the hair growth on your relatives) and you will be given a blood test. You will be asked about your own medical history and you will be asked what medications you are currently taking. This is because some medications and medical conditions produce additional hair growth. In most cases, doctors will also check to see how much of the male hormone testosterone you are producing.
Why do some people suffer from it?
In most cases, it is simply an inherited trait. Even though it begins at puberty, women may find that the problem gets worse with time, leading them to believe they are developing a new problem. Inherited hirsutism is not really a dangerous medical condition, but doctors have become aware that it can be a serious issue that can affect a woman’s life adversely.
Does it have any other effects?
Yes, some women who suffer from hirsutism may develop poor self-esteem and may feel very shy in social situations. Since the condition mimics male hair growth, some women with this condition may feel (wrongly) that they are somehow less womanly or sexy. If left unresolved, excessive hair growth may make some women unhappy, depressed, and even isolated from others. Because of this, any good doctor will talk to you about the ways hirsutism affects your life and will offer possible solutions. If the first doctor you talk to is dismissive, look for another one. There is no reason anyone needs to deal with excessive body hair when so many options are available.
What are the best management strategies?
In most cases, the condition itself is not treated. Rather, women are encouraged to find mechanical means of getting rid of hair. Waxing, electrolysis, and other long-term methods are often very useful. Since it is now accepted as a medical condition, some women may find that their health coverage covers some or all of their hair removal treatments, which can allow women to get permanent hair removal and thus resolve the problem. Many women have also been very happy with the results they achieve with Vaniqa, a new prescription drug that inhibits hair growth.
Are there any over the counter treatments available?
Kalo Hair Growth Inhibitor contains a proprietary formula which is not available in any other hair removal products. It is probably not quite as effective as Vaniqa, but it is a lot less harsh and you can get it without a prescription. All matters considered it seems to have proven to be an effective and reliable product, so give it a try to reduce hirsutism.
Related posts
Comments
42 ResponsesTrackbacks
Check out what others are saying about this post...[...] [...]
Please leave a comment
We'd love to hear your thoughts...Useful Links
hello, I’m 18 years old and very, very scared. I’ve had upper lip/stomach (above belly button) and heavy arm/leg hair since I was 12-13, and I bleached the lip and tummy. I started tweezing the upper lip hair two years ago, and it takes a while every morning, but I’m used to it.
1 year ago, overnight, 2 long chin hairs appeared. I tweezed them, they reappear every few weeks.
over the last couple of months, everything has gone from bad to terrible.
I now have long, dark hair above, below the bellybutton, on my knuckles, toes, all of stomach, lower back, upper arm/shoulders, buttcheeks, around nipples, on breasts, between breasts, inner things, on hands, etc. It seems to literally be getting worse by the day.
most of the hair isn’t super thick, but it’s immensely unsightly. I can’t go swimming, wear tank tops, change in front of people, or even try getting intimate with anyone, I hate it.
I’m a first year university student in canada, funds are sparse. I want to see if I have an imbalance, I’m not sure if I qualify for hirsutism? I have regular periods, high metabolism, (no weight issues) but I do have anxiety that I’ve had since I was 12-13.
if I do get tested, regardless of the results, where to next? I don’t think health care covers this stuff here, and it’s very expensive for laser/electrolysis.
I feel gross and like nobody will ever like me for me. unrelated, but I mostly swing towards women..do you think they’d be more lenient on this, or more critical? thank you if you can help.
Hi!
I am 25, and I have the same problem… I read about this today and will contact a doctor first thing tomorrow! You should do the same – you can get help and get back your self esteem.
Here are the different areas for hirsutism – you sound like you are qualified: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferriman-Gallwey_score
Together with my hairy body, I’m overweight, depressed, tired, have irregulair periods and get sweaty after doing almost nothing – I have alot of the symptoms for polystic ovary syndrom . Being intimate with somone is something I really miss, but wouldn’t dream of because of how I look and feel.
In my case I’m actally quite happy because of this – if I have hirsutism and/or polycistic ovary syndrom, I know there is a solution to my problem!
Wish you the best of luck!
Carina
Norway
now that you mention it, I actually have always had very clammy/sweaty hands and sometimes sweat more than usual..perhaps there is an underlying problem. (I brought that up with my doctor and he shrugged it off haha)
thank you! best wishes!
Hi, i’m jacob and i have the same problem.
I just wana know what methods are there for removing these hairs(permanent and short term)