Excessive facial hair: Causes and removal methods

Table of Contents:

1. Causes of excessive facial hair
2. Effective hair removal methods
3. Summary

Excessive facial and body hair, is a common problem affecting many women. This applies in particular to areas that are more typical for men: the face (especially the mustache and beard area), chest, back and stomach. This problem is often caused by excessive levels of androgens, male hormones, which increased amounts can lead to more intensive hair growth. It often causes discomfort and affects self-confidence, prompting the search for effective hair removal methods. It is worthwhile to understand the causes (these can be complex and vary depending on the organism) of this phenomenon and learn about the available ways to deal with it.

Causes of excessive facial hair

As previously stated, hirsutism usually results from increased levels of androgens – male sex hormones also present in women organism, although in much smaller amounts. When these hormones increase, male-like hair develops, especially on the face, which can be caused by a variety of factors.

The causes of excessive hair growth can be divided into several categories:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which leads to excessive androgen production. Women with PCOS may also experience other symptoms, such as irregular periods, skin problems, and weight problems. Other causes include hormonal imbalances caused by tumors in the ovaries or adrenal glands, which also affect androgen levels in the body. This is the most common cause of excess hair in women.
• Adrenal hyperplasia – the adrenal glands produce hormones, including androgens. Disorders such as Cushing’s syndrome or adrenal hyperplasia can cause excess androgen production.
• Medications – some medications, such as anabolic steroids, cyclosporine, some hormonal medications, or corticosteroids, can increase androgen levels, which can lead to hirsutism.
• Genetic factors – if you have a family history of excess hair, you are at a higher risk of developing it. Hirsutism is more common in women of Mediterranean, South Asian, and Middle Eastern descent. Menopause is another factor that can contribute to excess facial hair. During this time of life, estrogen levels drop, resulting in hair growth on the face, especially on the chin and around the mouth.
• Other hormonal disorders – Some thyroid conditions and other hormonal disorders can affect androgen levels.
• Idiopathic hirsutism – Some women develop excess hair without a clear hormonal or medical cause.

Effective hair removal methods

A variety of hair removal methods are available to help achieve smooth skin and reduce the visibility of hair. Choosing the right technique depends on individual needs, hair type and preference:

1. Short term hair removal methods:

• Mechanical hair removal – shaving, plucking or using tweezers. Gives a quick effect but requires regularity.
• Hair removal creams – dissolve the hair structure, making it easy to remove. They are quick, painless and inexpensive, but can irritate the skin, especially on delicate facial skin. Therefore, it is worth doing an allergy test before using creams, as they can cause irritation.

2. Long-term methods):

• Waxing – an effective method, but can be painful and cause irritation. It involves applying warm wax to the skin and then quickly removing it along with the hair. The effect lasts for several weeks.
• Threading – involves precise hair removal using a twisted thread. It is particularly suitable for shaping eyebrows and removing hair from small areas of the face. It is popular in beauty salons, especially in the case of sensitive facial skin.

3. Permanent methods:

• Electrolysis – involves inserting a thin needle into the hair follicle and removing it using an electric current. This is one of the most effective methods of permanent hair removal, but it requires multiple sessions and can be painful.
• Laser hair removal is one of the most recommended methods. It involves destroying hair follicles using laser light, which allows for long-lasting effects, especially after several sessions. This method is especially effective for dark hair, because the laser works best on dark pigment. Although it is an expensive procedure, it offers long-lasting effects and only requires periodic reminder visits.
• IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal, which works on a similar principle to laser, but uses pulsed light. Although IPL requires several sessions, it allows for quick coverage of larger areas of the skin. IPL treatments can be performed both in a beauty salon and using home devices. Home devices are less intensive, but can also bring visible effects with regular use.

4. Drug treatment:

• Hormonal contraception – some oral contraceptive pills help regulate androgen levels, reducing hair growth.
• Anti-androgen drugs – e.g. spironolactone, flutamide. These drugs can reduce androgen production and inhibit excessive hair growth. They are often used in conjunction with birth control.
• Metformin – especially helpful for hirsutism associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, as it helps regulate blood sugar levels and can reduce androgen levels.

Summary

Hirsutism, while often troublesome, can be effectively controlled. A variety of methods are available to remove unwanted hair and make life more comfortable. The choice of the appropriate technique depends on the type of hirsutism, needs and preferences. As a preventive measure, people with a tendency to hirsutism should take care of a healthy diet, regular physical activity and avoid factors that may aggravate hormonal disorders. If excessive hair affects your well-being or is a sign of hormonal disorders, it is worth consulting an endocrinologist, dermatologist or gynecologist.