What is Hirsutism and How is it Treated?

Hirsutism is an excessive growth of hair that is sometimes seen in women. Usually the hair is dark and course, and grows in abundance on the abdomen, face, back and chest. It is obviously very distressing for women.

It is generally caused by a hormonal imbalance resulting where androgens (male hormones) are present in above average quantities, which produces a more masculine hair growth in some parts of the body.

Sometimes hirsutism is caused by an underlying disorder such as an adrenal tumour or polycystic ovary syndrome or Cushing’s disease. However, those that suffer from these conditions show a wide variation in the increased hair growth.

Treating Hirsutism / Hair Growth

It can be treated in several ways:

• Hormonal balance therapy – anti-androgens to reduce the male hormones
• Waxing – effective but does not solve the root cause
• Bleaching – helps to disguise the hair, but only effective in fair skinned people.
• Shaving – only effective with daily shaving, otherwise the hair will become stubbly
• Botox – a more extreme measure, but botox can stop hair growth
• Electrolysis – expensive and effective, with longer lasting results than waxing
• Laser hair removal – another expensive hair removal option