Hirsutism in Women: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

What Is Hirsutism?

Hirsutism [1] is a common condition in women that causes excessive hair growth on specific areas of the body, such as the face, arms, chest, back and stomach. The hair grown in these areas is typically dark and coarse, much like that of men.

Symptoms And Signs Of Hirsutism

Hirsutism in women is an underlying sign that you have an endocrine disorder, preferably PCOS [2] (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). Apart from excess hair growth, there are other symptoms that could help you identify if you have hirsutism or not.

• Deep or masculine voice
• Receding hairline
• Female Pattern Baldness
• Acne
• Oily Skin
• Increased Sex Drive
• Irregular Menstrual Periods
• Decreased Breast Size
• Increased Muscle Mass
• Enlarged Clitoris

Common Causes Of Hirsutism In Women

There is no single obvious cause to name for hirsutism in women. Although this condition is linked to abnormal levels of male hormones called androgens, several other factors contribute to it. Here are some possible triggers for hirsutism in women:
PCOS

• Cushing’s Syndrome
• Medications
• High Insulin Levels
• Post Menopause
• Adrenal Gland Disorders
• Anabolic Steroids

How Is Hirsutism Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a condition in its early stages makes it easier to treat and manage. Whenever you notice unwanted excess hair growth on your body and any other changes that we discussed in the above section, visit a dermatologist. They will assess your concern to determine if you have hirsutism or not. To diagnose [3] hirsutism in women, they will conduct many medical tests that include:

• Blood tests to check for any hormonal imbalance
• Ultrasound to examine if you have PCOS
• X-rays to check your adrenal glands
• MRI scan to examine your brain

When To Consult A Dermatologist?

Conditions like hirsutism in women need medical treatment. It is crucial to see a doctor when you see the following changes:

• Rapid hair growth on your body or face that is coarse
• Signs of viritilisation
• Irregular periods or changes in the menstrual cycle
• Change in the size of the breasts
• Development of new acne
• Sudden weight gain

Treatment Options For Hirsutism In Women

Identifying the exact cause of hirsutism helps your doctor in recommending an appropriate and effective treatment.
For instance, if high insulin levels are a trigger, they will treat to reduce these levels, which, in turn, helps reduce hirsutism in women. Similarly, for women with high BMI (obesity), they may ask you to join a weight loss program that helps balance the androgen levels, thereby minimising the symptoms of hirsutism. If you have PCOS or an adrenal disorder that is contributing to excess hair growth, doctors may suggest some medications to help correct your hormonal levels and topical medications to slow down new hair.
There are many options to treat mild hirsutism in women that causes excess hair growth. These include:

• Shaving
• Plucking
• Waxing
• Depilatory Creams

Advanced Aesthetic Dermatology Treatments At Oliva

Using conventional methods to remove unwanted hair will only provide temporary results. You need advanced treatments like laser hair removal that are safe, effective and give long-lasting results. At Oliva, we follow a holistic approach to treating hirsutism at the root, addressing the underlying cause while simultaneously reducing hair growth permanently. Here is what you can expect when you choose treatment at Oliva for hirsutism in women:

Pre-Treatment:

• This is the first and most crucial step in the treatment, known as the V-Discover Protocol.
• This 5-step process includes a Dermascan, Trichoscan, Body Composition Analysis (BCA), and a one-on-one consultation with a dermatologist and a nutritionist.
• During these steps, the dermatologist will diagnose whether you really have hirsutism and identify the root cause before suggesting any treatment.
• Based on the detailed diagnosis, they will craft a customised treatment plan to address the underlying cause of your hirsutism (hormonal therapy for PCOS) and LHR treatment to reduce your excess hair growth simultaneously.
• The doctors will discuss with you the pre-care instructions to follow and the minimum number of sessions you may need to achieve the optimal results.

During Treatment:

• On the day of the LHR session, the trained therapists prepare your skin for the procedure by gently cleansing the target area, shaving it and marking grids on it.
• Our specialised dermatologist will customise the laser settings as per your skin and hair needs.
• They will now perform the LHR procedure by moving the handheld laser device across the target area.
• The precision technology enables the laser to target and destroy melanin in the hair follicles without harming the surrounding skin. This process results in the permanent reduction of hair growth.

Post-Treatment:

• At the end of each session, you will receive post-care guidelines for long-lasting results.
• They will schedule your next appointment to track the reduction in hair growth.
• You must complete the recommended sessions and attend the maintenance sessions, if required, to sustain the results.

Why Choose Oliva Skin & Hair Clinic?

If you are looking for the best clinic to treat hirsutism in women, Oliva is all you need. Here are a few compelling reasons why Oliva is the right choice:

1. Expert Dermatologists: Oliva has experienced dermatologists who specialise in treating excess hair growth related to hirsutism in women.
2. US FDA-Approved: The laser technology and equipment used at Oliva are US FDA-approved, ensuring our clients receive utmost safety and optimal results.
3. Customised Treatments: At Oliva, our dermatologists recognise that the causes of hirsutism in women are numerous, although the symptoms remain the same. Hence, they curate a customised treatment plan based on the individual’s needs.
4. Trusted Clients: Oliva has earned the trust of thousands across India, with a solid base of over 7.5 lakh customers and a 95% client satisfaction rate.

Natural Ways to Reduce Unwanted Hair (Hirsutism)

Here are some home remedies you can try to deal with hirsutism. However, the efficacy of these methods remains unproven and requires further scientific studies. These include:

• Turmeric Pack:

Mix turmeric powder in milk or water to form a paste. Apply this paste to the target areas and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse it off with water.

• Fenugreek Seeds:

These small, yellow seeds may help correct your hormonal levels. All you have to do is soak 2 tablespoons of these seeds in water overnight. Consume them on an empty stomach in the morning.

• Green Tea:

Drinking green tea 2-3 times daily helps control testosterone conversion to DHT that may contribute to hirsutism.

• Aloe Vera:

This natural star ingredient has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce hair growth. Take fresh aloe vera gel and apply it to your skin. After 20-30 minutes, wash it off.

• Lemon and Honey Mask:

Take equal parts of lemon juice and honey and mix them together to form a paste. Apply this mixture to the areas with excess hair growth.

• Papaya and Turmeric Scrub:

Blend papaya and turmeric together to form a paste. Apply this to the areas with excess hair growth and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse it off with water.

• Lavender Oil:

Applying lavender oil to the target areas helps balance hormones.

• Spearmint Oil:

When diluted with a carrier oil and applied to areas of excessive hair growth, spearmint [4] oil helps regulate hair growth.
Here are some common myths associated with hirsutism in women:

Hirsutism Myths vs. Facts: What You Really Need to Know

Myth 1: Hirsutism in women is only a cosmetic issue.
Fact: Hirsutism in women could be a symptom of an underlying issue like PCOS that causes a hormonal imbalance. It affects a person’s physical and mental health.

Myth 2: All women with PCOS have hirsutism.
Fact: It is true that hirsutism is a common symptom of PCOS. However, that does not validate the statement that all women with PCOS experience hirsutism.

Myth 3: Overweight women have hirsutism.
Fact: While being overweight can be a sign of hirsutism, not all women who are obese have this condition. Hirsutism in women can affect people of all sizes, including lean women.

Takeaway

Hirsutism in women, often manifested as excessive hair growth on different areas of the body, is a common condition. It has many symptoms associated with it and is treatable. With a proper diagnosis and an appropriate treatment, hirsutism can be effectively treated. Oliva Clinics offers customised treatment plans to deal with excess hair growth related to hirsutism by following a holistic approach. Book your consultation with our expert dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis of your condition, followed by a personalised solution. Schedule an appointment today!