Hirsutism in Women or Where is All this Hair Coming From?

Are you developing hairs on your chest or chin? It may be a sign of an underlying illness.

Hirsutism is the condition that causes a woman to develop excess hair on the body, especially in places where hairs are not normally found such as the chin, chest, abdomen and back. It results in women who have higher than normal levels of androgen.

The adrenal glands of a woman can produce male hormones (androgens) but to a level lower than in a man. When a woman’s androgen level is above normal, it stimulates the growth of thick hair. Excessive hair growth can cause mental and emotional concerns in a woman, possibly arising from a feeling of loss of her femininity.

Causes of Hirsutism

Often the cause of hirsutism is unknown and many women affected are normal. Known causes can be:

• Adrenal gland issues, such as tumors of the adrenal gland or enzyme deficiency
  
  
• Ovary causes such as polycystic ovarian syndrome
  
  
• Drugs like steroids, convulsion medications, thyroxine and drugs containing heavy metals.
  
  

When is Excessive Hair Growth Abnormal?

Excess hair growth is abnormal when it is present with any of the following symptoms:

• Deepening of the voice
  
  
• Loss of sexual desire
  
  
• Irregular menstrual cycles
  
  
• Receding front hair line
  
  
• Obesity
  
  
• Excessive oily skin and acne
  
  

How can Hirsutism be Managed?

If you notice hair growth with any abnormal symptom listed above, seek your doctor’s attention immediately. On the day of your appointment, take along a list of medications you are taking. Sometimes stopping a medication which may be a potential cause can reverse the problem. Make sure you inform your doctor if you want to have a baby soon because some medications used for treatment of hirsutism can harm an unborn baby.

Treatment of hirsutism involves:

• personal care, including waxing, plucking and shaving
  
  
• hair removal therapy using modern methods like laser treatment and electrolysis
  
  
• medications such as oral contraceptives, drugs that block male hormones and topical creams
  
  
• lifestyle modifications such as losing weight can lower androgen levels and decrease unwanted hair.
  
  

Controlling hirsutism usually requires a great deal of patience. Treatments may take about six months before you notice an improvement. This is because the life cycle of a hair follicle is approximately six months. Make sure to continue treatment consistently for a prolonged time to prevent hairs from growing back.

Resources:

Canadian Dermatology Association
www.dermatology.ca

Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hirsutism/basics/definition/con-20028919

References:

• Canadian Dermatology Association, Hirsutism, Retrieved January 3, 2015 on www.dermatology.ca/skin-hair-nails/hair/hirsutism/
  
  
• Journal of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, Approach to the management of Idiopathic Hirsutism, Vol. 58, February, 2012
  
  
• Hirsutism: Strategies and Evidence, Retrieved January 10th on www.medscape.org/viewarticle/572621_4
  
  
• Up to date, Patient information: Hirsutism, Retrieved January 10th, 2015 on www.uptodate.com/contents/hirsutism-excess-hair-growth-in-women-beyond-the-basics
  
  
• What is Hirsutism (excessive Hairiness)? What Causes hirsutism?, Retrieved January 11, 2015 on www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/182659.php
  
  
• The North American Menopause Society, Menopause Practice, 5th Edition A clinician guide: Hirsutism,
  
  
• Information on Hirsutism and Hair Removal treatments, Retrieved February 4th, 2015 on www.hirsutism.com.
  
  

Improving Women's Lives Through Better Health in Mid-Life and Beyond

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