Menu
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result

Home > Skin & Beauty > Skin Conditions > Unwanted Body Hair: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Unwanted Body Hair: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

September 29, 2021
7 min read
By Akanksha Shah Sanghvi, MD, Clinical Dermatology

In this article:

  • Factors Responsible for Unwanted Body Hair
  • Symptoms of Hirsutism (Unwanted Body Hair)
  • Treatment for Unwanted Body Hair
  • Diagnosing Hirsutism
  • When to See a Doctor
  • Final Word

Body hair on women or excessive growth of hair on body parts such as the face is medically known as hirsutism. Hirsutism is not so much a medical condition but a symptom of different underlying conditions, most of which affect the balance of hormones, especially androgens.

unwanted body hair causes

The most common cause of hirsutism is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), wherein the androgen production in women is increased. This condition is quite common, affecting up to 10% of women. (1)(2)

Hirsutism may also develop due to hereditary factors and is called familial hirsutism.

Factors Responsible for Unwanted Body Hair

causes behind unwanted body hair

In many cases, the cause of hirsutism cannot be pinpointed, but various underlying medical conditions can cause excessive unwanted body hair, including the following:

Advertisements
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is characterized by a hormonal imbalance in the body that can lead to irregular periods, infertility, obesity, cysts on the ovaries, and unwanted hair growth. This condition often begins in puberty. (1)(3)
  • Cushing syndrome. This condition is caused by an increased cortisol level in the body due to the overworking of the adrenal glands or prolonged use of medications such as prednisone. (3)
  • Obesity. Excess body weight can increase the production of male hormones in the body, causing the growth of body hair in women. (4)
  • Certain medications. Medications such as minoxidil, danazol, and phenytoin can cause unwanted hair growth. (3)
  • Tumors. Ovarian tumors can cause an increase in androgen production, therefore causing hirsutism. (5)
  • Other disorders. Problems in the thyroid gland, adrenal gland, pituitary gland, or ovaries can cause a sudden development of male characteristics such as a deep voice, acne, and hirsutism.

Symptoms of Hirsutism (Unwanted Body Hair)

Hirsutism is characterized by the development of coarse, thick, dark hair on the body in place of normally thin, fine hair. (2) These body parts include the upper arms, chest, back, face, lower abdomen, and upper legs.

Hirsutism may be accompanied by the following symptoms as well:

  • Weight gain
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • High prolactin level
  • Hair loss or androgenetic alopecia
  • Acne
  • Irregular menstrual periods
  • Deep voice
  • Acanthosis nigricans or the formation of warts in skin folds
  • Infertility
  • High insulin levels

Treatment for Unwanted Body Hair

treatment modalities for unwanted body hair (hirsutism)

Hirsutism can be effectively managed with oral and topical medications and in-office treatments. Multiple sessions may be needed as the condition cannot be completely cured.

Oral and topical medications

Oral and topical medications help control the hair growth. However, you may only see results after up to 6 months of the treatment, until the hair follicle life cycle is complete.

The different treatment options include:

  • Oral contraceptives. These are the most common form of treatment for hirsutism. Oral hormonal contraceptives or birth control pills contain progestin and estrogen that limit androgen production, therefore helping manage hirsutism. (1)
  • Anti-androgens. Anti-androgens block the action of androgens by attaching themselves to androgen receptors in the body. These medications are generally used if oral contraceptives fail even after 6 months of treatment. Common anti-androgen drugs used in the treatment of hirsutism include spironolactone (Aldactone, CaroSpir) and finasteride. (1)(6)
  • Inositol. Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol can also help in the treatment of hirsutism. It is suggested to take the medication half hour before meals and refrain from consuming caffeine for up to 2 hours before taking the medication. (7)
  • Topical creams. Eflornithine hydrochloride (Vaniqa®) cream is a topical medication that helps control hair growth. The treatment may take up to 8 weeks to show results and needs to be continued for some time. This cream is often used as an adjunct to other treatments. (1)(2)

In-Office treatments

in-office treatment options for hirsutism

In addition to medications, in-office treatments may be recommended by your doctor. These treatments remove the hair quickly, after which you can manage the hair growth with oral and topical medications.

Advertisements

Common in-office treatments include:

a. Electrolysis

Hair is removed from the root using a mild electric current. Repetitive treatment with electrolysis eventually limits and even stops hair growth in the treated area.

b. Intense pulsed light (IPL)

Broad-spectrum light is employed to remove unwanted hair. This treatment is mostly used if the skin color and hair color are vastly different, such as light skin and dark, black hair.

c. Photo epilation (laser) treatments

A concentrated beam of light removes hair by destroying the hair follicles. Also known as photo-epilation, laser treatments have a long-lasting effect after a few sessions. However, the treatment may be painful and expensive. (1)

Laser hair removal can be of different types depending on the laser used:

  1. Alexandrite laser hair removal: Generally suggested for people with light skin tones, alexandrite hair removal uses short wavelengths to remove hair. It is less painful than other treatments but may require more sessions in comparison to other laser treatments for permanent hair removal. Regardless, the effect of a single session of laser hair removal lasts longer than other methods such as shaving, waxing, and threading.
  2. Diode laser hair removal: Diode lasers use a longer wavelength of light that can travel deeper into the skin. These lasers are generally recommended for people with coarse hair and medium-dark skin.
  3. Nd:YAG laser: Useful in the treatment of ingrown hair, Nd:YAG laser is a highly effective hair removal treatment as it destroys the hair follicles by blocking blood supply, therefore preventing further hair growth.

Diagnosing Hirsutism

diagnosis of unwanted body hair (hirsutism)

Making a diagnosis of hirsutism and identifying its underlying cause primarily involve a medical history, physical exam, and analysis of symptoms. The healthcare provider will look at your hair growth and will check for associated symptoms such as acne.

Advertisements

In addition, the doctor may order the following tests to help detect the underlying cause:

  • Blood tests for hormone levels
  • Ultrasound to check the uterus and ovaries
  • X-ray of the adrenal glands

When to See a Doctor

It is best to consult a doctor as soon as you suspect hirsutism as delaying treatment may make it difficult to control the hair growth. Also, get yourself checked by a healthcare provider if you notice body hair along with irregular periods, deep voice, or other masculine characteristics.

However, if you have always had excess body hair, have other family members with excessive hair growth, and do not have any of the other above-mentioned problems, you may not need to consult your doctor.

What you may ask your doctor
  • What is the cause of my symptoms?
  • Can the condition be cured?
  • What can I do to prevent the hair growth?
What your doctor may ask you
  • When did you first notice the symptoms?
  • Have you noticed any changes in your menstrual cycle?
  • Have you gained any weight recently?

Final Word

Hirsutism is a common condition among women, which can have different underlying conditions but can often be managed with medical treatment. It is best to seek timely treatment as the underlying condition may worsen with time.

The treatment for hirsutism is generally ongoing, as it is difficult to remove the hair completely. Proper treatment and care can however control the growth of hair and decrease its density.

Continue Reading Continue Reading6 Ways to Remove Unwanted Body Hair at Home
References
  1. Agrawal NK. Management of hirsutism. Indian journal of endocrinology and metabolism. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3830374/. Published October 2013.
  2. Sachdeva S. Hirsutism: Evaluation and treatment. Indian journal of dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2856356/. Published 2010.
  3. Hafsi W. Hirsutism. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470417/. Published August 7, 2021.
  4. Fatemi Naeini F, Najafian J, Jazebi N. Hirsutism and body mass index in a representative sample of Iranian people. ARYA atherosclerosis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3448401/. Published 2012.
  5. Md; HARMFO. Hirsutism: Diagnosis and treatment. Arquivos brasileiros de endocrinologia e metabologia. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24830586/.
  6. DC; C. Use of spironolactone in treatment of hirsutism. Cleveland Clinic journal of medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2357784/.
  7. V; MMDAGU. Treatment of hirsutism with myo-inositol: A prospective clinical study. Reproductive biomedicine online. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18854115/.
  • Was this article helpful?
  • YES, THANKS!NOT REALLY
Spread the Love❤️
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements

Newsletter

Get our BEST updates delivered to your inbox:



This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Categories

  • Nutrition
  • Wellness
  • Oral Care
  • Eye Care
  • Heart Health
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Women’s Health
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Respiratory Health

Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Cookie Policy
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
eMediHealth

This site provides content for informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended for use as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In case of a medical concern or emergency, please consult your healthcare provider.

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation.

Our Network: Little Extra

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Nutrition
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Yoga & Meditation
  • Women’s Health
  • Heart Health
  • Allergy & Immunology
  • Bones & Joints
  • Child Health
  • Digestive
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Eye Care
  • Glands & Hormones
  • Health News
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mental Health
  • Nervous System
  • Oral Care
  • Pain Management
  • Respiratory Health
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Urological Health

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.