Dealing With Unwanted Hair
Everyone grows hair on their bodies, but if you are a woman who grows excessive amounts of coarse pigmented hair in areas that normally only men grow hair in you likely suffer from a condition called hirsutism. Hirsutism is simply defined as unwanted male-pattern hair growth found in women. Hirsutism can be caused by an increased level of testosterone a male hormone or it can be due to a genetics. It is known that over 10 percent of the female population in the United States have some degree of hirsutism.
Some signs of hirsutism are: obscene, pigmented body hair, a deepening voice, baldness, acne a decreased breast size, enlargement of clitoris, and increased muscle mass. Women of certain ethnicities such as Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Asian descent are likely too suffer from idiopathic hirsutism-which means there is no identifiable cause for the disorder.
It is suggested that you consult a physician if you notice:
Rapidly growing hair on the upper lip, chin, or back, mid-chest, or inner thigh
Irregular periods and the growth of hair in unwanted places
Undesired hair growth that seems to become worse when treated with medication
Characteristics common to males such as a deepening voice, baldness, increased muscle mass
If you are a female approaching or within the early stages of menopause you may experience some stray hair growth, this not to be confused with hirsutism. If you are women considering pregnancy you will want to consult your physician before you become pregnant. If you experience excessive hair growth and its accompanied by irregular periods you may have a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome. This syndrome is known to cause a decrease in fertility. You will want to disgust your plans concerning having children with your doctor as you both settle what treatment avenue for the hirsutism is best.
When you meet with your doctor amongst discussing your plans for pregnancy, have any other symptoms and concerns written down so that they can be discussed. Even things that seem unassociated may provide some helpful information to your doctor.
Hair removal therapies include electrolysis and laser therapy. Electrolysis can be painful but it is permanent. Dark spots and scarring can result in the areas treated. Laser therapy is not permanent in nature but can be effective for long periods of time. Laser therapy is expensive.
Medical therapies include oral contraceptives, anti-androgens (aldactrone), and topical creams. Medication prescribed for hirsutism will have to be used consistently for at least a months time before significant results can be seen.
source: mayoclinic.com
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Filed under Laser Therapy by on Nov 15th, 2011. 
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