Contents
What is Hirsutism?
Hirsutism refers to the growth of thick dark hair in areas where women typically grow fine hair or no hair at all above the lip and on the chin, chest, abdomen, and back. This excess hair growth occurs due to increased level of male hormones (androgens). Although all women produce androgens, increased levels of androgens can lead to hirsutism.After the menopause, the change in the balance of hormones can make excess hair more common. Hirsutism in post-menopausal women is also known as ovarian hyperthecosis.
Hirsutism is not a disease and it is rarely caused by a serious illness.
Recovery Time
Hair follicles have a life cycle of about six months. Improvement may be seen after 6months to 12months with proper treatment. In the meantime, the existing hair can be mechanically removed by many other techniques.Diagnosis
Blood tests can be done to check the levels of male and female hormone levels. An ultrasound of the ovaries and CT scan the adrenal glands may also be necessary in some patients.FAQs prepared by doctor
Q1. What is hirsutism?Hirsutism refers to the growth of thick dark hair in areas where women typically grow fine hair or no hair at all above the lip and on the chin, chest, abdomen, and back. This excess hair growth occurs due to increased level of male hormones (androgens). Although all women produce androgens, increased levels of androgens can lead to hirsutism. Hirsutism is not a disease and it is rarely caused by a serious illness.
Q2. By how much time one can see the difference after taking medications for hirsutism?
Hair follicles have a life cycle of about six months. Improvement may be seen after 6months to 12months with proper treatment. In the meantime, the existing hair can be mechanically removed by many other techniques.
Q3. Which foods are suitable for consuming for hirsutism?
Excess insulin in the bloodstream can lead to a sharp increase in circulating androgen and insulin-like growth factor, which have been associated with hirsutism in women. One should have fibrous food which has less glucose content. Foods rich in vit B6 and vit E consumed. Avoid refined foods, alcohol and tobacco.
Q4. When to consult a doctor?
Consult a doctor if you experience difficulty in controlling body or facial hair by cosmetic methods or any symptoms of hirsutism.
Q5. What are Hirsutism and Hypertrichosis?
Hirsutism is excessive growth of hair in androgen (testosterone) -dependent areas of a woman’s body where terminal hair is not normally found, including the face, neck, chest or medial thighs. Hypertrichosis is excessive growth of hair in non-androgen dependent parts of the body (i.e. Areas other than the face, neck, chest and medial thighs).