Ever noticed some women who are hairy? Not just hairy, but to the extent of looking like men? Well dear readers, that is a condition known as hirsutism. This condition is caused by excess production of the androgen hormones, resulting in excessive amount of hair.
It affects five to ten percent of women of child-bearing potential. Instead of fine hair, women often develop coarse, dark hair in areas such as the upper lip, chin, chest and abdomen.
Why do women grow excessive hair?
Women develop excessive body hair due to higher-than-normal levels of androgens, including testosterone. Ladies produce androgens, but the levels typically remain low.
Secondly, polycystic ovarian syndrome is one common cause of hirsutism. It is a hormonal condition that causes a woman to produce too many androgens.
Also, excessive body hair growth result from taking certain medications such as;
1. danazol, to treat women with endometriosis
2. testosterone, which is taking in case of a testosterone deficiency.
Lastly, the hormonal changes of menopause lead to increased facial hair.
Symptoms of hirsutism
Besides excessive hair growth, a woman with hirsutism may also experience other symptoms, such as:
1. oily skin
2. acne
3. hair loss, known as alopecia
4. a receding hairline
5. an enlarged clitoris
6. a deeper voice
How is hirsutism treated?
Treatment requirement include the use of cosmetics such as;
1. hair-removing (depilatory) creams,
2. shaving, waxing, electrolysis and laser hair removal.
Also, the use of medications to reduce the body’s effective testosterone, such as the contraceptive pill.
Generally, this condition is not preventable. However, for overweight ladies, shedding some of the weight might help in reducing hirsutism, particularly when one has polycystic ovary syndrome.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14523-excessive-hair-growth-hirsutism
REFERENCES
1. Mayo Clinic, (2019). Hirsutism. Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org
2. Erica R, (2019). Excessive or unwanted hair in women. Available at https://www.healthline.com
