Hirsutism Treatment

Hirsutism is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal growth of excessive hair in specific body areas. This condition predominantly impacts women and individuals assigned females at birth. While the exact cause of hirsutism remains unidentified, it is often associated with various underlying conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome. Treatment methods encompass weight management, pharmacological interventions, and hair removal techniques.

What Are the Symptoms of Hirsutism?

Hirsutism refers to the presence of coarse or dark hair on areas of the body where women typically do not exhibit hair growth, such as the face, chest, lower abdomen, inner thighs, and back. There is considerable variation in perceptions regarding what constitutes excessive hair growth.

When elevated androgen levels lead to hirsutism, additional symptoms may manifest over time, a phenomenon known as virilization. Indicators of virilization can include:

• A deeper voice
• Hair loss
• Acne
• Reduction in breast size
• Increased muscle development
• Enlargement of the clitoris.

What Are Some of the Reasons That Cause Hirsutism?

Hirsutism predominantly impacts women and individuals assigned female at birth. While it can also occur in men and those assigned male at birth, distinguishing hirsutism from normal terminal hair growth, which is characterized by thick, dark, and long hair, can be challenging.

Hirsutism can arise from several underlying conditions:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent disorder that typically manifests during puberty, leading to an imbalance in sex hormones. Over time, PCOS may contribute to excessive hair growth, irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, infertility, and occasionally, the formation of multiple ovarian cysts.
• Cushing syndrome results from prolonged exposure to elevated levels of cortisol, which may stem from the adrenal glands producing excessive cortisol or from long-term use of medications such as prednisone.
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a genetic disorder marked by the abnormal synthesis of steroid hormones, including cortisol and androgens, by the adrenal glands.
• In rare instances, hirsutism may be triggered by tumors that secrete androgens, located in either the ovaries or adrenal glands.
• Certain medications can also lead to hirsutism. These include minoxidil (commonly known as Rogaine), danazol (used for treating endometriosis), testosterone (such as Androgel or Testim), and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Additionally, if a partner uses topical products containing androgens, there is a possibility of affecting you through direct skin contact.

How Is Hirsutism Diagnosed and Treated?

A physician will assess your hair growth and investigate for additional indicators of hirsutism, such as acne. They may eliminate other potential conditions through various tests, including:

• Blood tests to evaluate your hormone levels
• Ultrasound imaging to examine your ovaries and uterus
• X-ray or CT scan to inspect your adrenal glands
• MRI of the brain

Upon reaching a diagnosis, your physician may utilize the Ferriman-Gallwey scale. This instrument assists in gauging the severity of your condition by evaluating hair growth across nine specific areas of your body. The Ferriman-Gallwey score is calculated using a scale that ranges from 0 to 4 for each area assessed. A lower score signifies mild hirsutism, whereas a higher score reflects a more severe condition.

Treatment

The management of hirsutism in the absence of any endocrine disorder is generally not required. However, for women who desire treatment, it may include addressing any underlying conditions, establishing a self-care regimen for managing unwanted hair, and exploring different therapeutic options and medications.

Medications

If cosmetic or self-care hair removal techniques have proven ineffective, it is advisable to consult your physician regarding pharmacological treatments for hirsutism. Typically, it may take up to six months, which corresponds to the average life cycle of a hair follicle, to observe a notable change in hair growth with these medications. Available options include:

• Oral contraceptives
• Anti-androgens
• Topical cream
• Low-dose steroid medications
• Insulin-lowering medications
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists.

Procedures

Methods of hair removal that offer longer-lasting results compared to self-care techniques—and that can be used in conjunction with medical treatments—include:

• Laser therapy: This procedure involves the application of a concentrated light beam (laser) onto the skin, targeting hair follicles to inhibit future hair growth (photoepilation). Multiple sessions may be required for optimal results. For individuals with unwanted hair in shades of black, brown, or auburn, photo epilation is generally considered a more effective choice than electrolysis.

• Electrolysis: It is a procedure that entails the insertion of a fine needle into each individual hair follicle. This needle delivers a pulse of electric current, which serves to damage and ultimately eliminate the follicle. Multiple sessions may be required for optimal results. For individuals with naturally blonde or white hair, electrolysis is often considered a more effective alternative to laser therapy.

The Most Important Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What Is the Best Way to Cure Hirsutism?

A: A variety of methods are frequently used to treat hirsutism, such as oral contraceptives combined with or without an antiandrogen, like spironolactone, to reduce or inhibit the effects of androgen on hair follicles.

Q: Is There a Permanent Treatment for Hirsutism?

A: Treating hirsutism takes continuous care. While no treatment can fully remove hair, it can help your hair grow more slowly and reduce the volume of unwanted hair. Once they discover a treatment plan that works for them, the majority of people are satisfied with their outcomes.

Q: How Serious Is Hirsutism?

A: Unwanted hair causes self-consciousness in some women. A few people experience depression. Additionally, while hirsutism itself doesn’t result in health difficulties, a hormone imbalance at its root can. Infertility may be hampered by polycystic ovary syndrome, which is indicated by hirsutism and irregular periods.

Q: When Does Hirsutism Develop?

A: Mature hair will grow on the upper back, shoulders, chest, and upper abdomen due to more advanced hirsutism, which often starts during adolescence. Hormonal issues may be the cause of hirsutism, whether it develops before or after puberty. A physician should assess the symptoms.