Excessive facial hair
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What you should know about excessive facial or hirsuitism?
Hirsutism is a condition where women experience excessive hair growth in areas where men typically grow hair, such as the face, chest, and back. It is relatively common, affecting about 5-10% of women of reproductive age.
Excessive hair growth is usually caused by an imbalance of hormones, particularly an excess of androgens (male hormones). Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), certain medications, and genetics can contribute to this condition.
Yes, hirsutism can be managed through various treatments, including hair removal methods (shaving, waxing, laser hair removal), medications like oral contraceptives, anti-androgen drugs, and topical creams such as Vaniqa (eflornithine).
Vaniqa (eflornithine) is a topical cream that slows facial hair growth by inhibiting an enzyme involved in hair production. It is applied twice daily and typically takes 4 to 8 weeks to show results. It can significantly reduce the rate of hair growth but may not remove hair completely.
Not always. While hirsutism can indicate underlying conditions like PCOS or Cushing’s syndrome, it can also occur due to genetics or certain medications. If the hair growth is sudden or accompanied by other symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical advice.
Yes, maintaining a healthy weight, following a balanced diet, and regular exercise can help manage hormone levels, particularly in women with PCOS, which may reduce excessive hair growth.
Sudden or severe hair growth should be evaluated by a healthcare provider, as it could indicate an underlying condition such as a hormone-secreting tumor or a new medication causing the change.
For sensitive skin, options like laser hair removal and electrolysis are often recommended because they provide long-lasting results and reduce the need for frequent hair removal, which can irritate the skin. It’s important to consult a dermatologist to choose the best method for your skin type.
Additional information
What is Excessive Hair in Women?
Excessive hair growth in women, known as hirsutism, is a condition where unwanted, thick hair appears in areas typically associated with male-pattern growth, such as the face, chest, and back. This hair is usually darker, coarser, and more visible than the fine hair normally present. Hirsutism can be upsetting and may affect a woman’s confidence and self-esteem.
What Causes Excessive Hair in Women?
Hirsutism is most often linked to an imbalance in hormones, particularly too many androgens (male hormones). Several factors can contribute to this condition:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): The most frequent cause, where PCOS leads to increased androgen production and extra hair growth.
- Genetics: A family history of hirsutism can raise the risk of developing the condition.
- Medications: Some drugs, such as steroids or hormone treatments, may trigger increased hair growth.
- Cushing’s Syndrome: This condition causes an excess of cortisol, which can result in hirsutism.
- Androgen-secreting tumors: Rarely, tumors in the ovaries or adrenal glands can produce too many male hormones, leading to hirsutism.
What Are the Symptoms of Excessive Hair in Women?
The main sign of hirsutism is the growth of coarse, dark hair in areas where women typically have light or no hair. This can include:
- Face: Upper lip, chin, and sideburn areas
- Chest: Between the breasts and around the nipples
- Back: Particularly the lower back
- Abdomen: Especially the lower belly area
- Arms and legs: These areas might be affected in some cases
Women with hirsutism may also notice other symptoms depending on the underlying cause, such as irregular menstrual cycles, acne, or a deepening of the voice.
How to Treat Excessive Hair in Women
Managing hirsutism usually involves a mix of hair removal methods and medical treatments.
Hair removal techniques include:
- Shaving – Quick and simple, but requires frequent upkeep.
- Waxing – Offers longer-lasting results, though it can be uncomfortable.
- Depilatory creams – These dissolve hair chemically, though they might irritate the skin.
- Electrolysis – A permanent method that uses electric currents to destroy hair follicles.
- Laser Hair Removal – Uses laser technology over several sessions to reduce hair growth.
Medical treatments may include:
- Oral Contraceptives – Birth control pills can help balance hormones and lower androgen levels.
- Anti-androgen Medications – These block the effects of male hormones on hair growth.
- Topical Creams – Vaniqa (eflornithine) is a cream that slows facial hair growth by blocking an enzyme needed for hair production. It is applied twice daily and usually shows results within 4 to 8 weeks.
Vaniqa for Excessive Hair Growth in Women
Vaniqa (eflornithine hydrochloride) is a topical cream designed to slow down unwanted facial hair growth in women. It offers a non-invasive option for managing hirsutism effectively.
How Vaniqa Works
Vaniqa works by blocking the enzyme ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), which is essential for producing polyamines that support cell division and hair growth. By reducing the activity of this enzyme, Vaniqa slows down the rate of hair growth, helping to reduce the appearance of unwanted hair over time.
What to Expect When Using Vaniqa
Vaniqa does not remove existing hair but slows the growth of new hair. It is important to note that results are not immediate; consistent use twice daily typically leads to noticeable improvements within 4 to 8 weeks.
How to Prevent Excessive Hair in Women
Although complete prevention of hirsutism might not be possible, you can manage its effects by:
- Maintaining a Healthy Weight – Extra weight can increase androgen levels, so staying fit may help.
- Following a Balanced Diet – Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins while limiting refined sugars supports hormonal balance.
- Exercising Regularly – Physical activity helps regulate hormones and improve insulin sensitivity, especially for women with PCOS.
- Avoiding Triggers – If certain medications worsen hair growth, discuss alternatives with your healthcare provider.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If you experience sudden or severe hair growth, or if hirsutism is accompanied by other symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, or a deepening voice, it is important to seek medical advice. These signs might indicate an underlying condition, like PCOS or a hormone-secreting tumor, that needs treatment.
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At courierpharmacy.co.uk, we offer a variety of treatments to help you manage excessive hair growth. Whether you need effective hair removal solutions or medications to balance your hormones, our online pharmacy provides options tailored to your needs. All our products are approved by UK-qualified prescribers, ensuring you receive safe and effective treatments. You can purchase online from courierpharmacy.co.uk after completing our online consultation form for discreet delivery and expert advice to help you regain your confidence.
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Superintendant Pharmacist, Independent Prescriber
BSc Pharmacy
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