Hirsutism is a kind of condition which long and course hairs are grown on the face and body. It is cosmetically distressing most especially for women. These can also a sign of some hormonal imbalance. In a normal hair growth, each hair grows in the follicle inside the skin. The hair will continuously grow as long as the follicle is healthy. There are two types of hair, the vellus and the terminal type. The vellus type of hair is the one that is fine, soft, does not have color, and usually shorter. Vellus type of hair is the most common type of hair that grows in women. Terminal hair is the longer one usually coarser, darker in color, and sometimes curly. This kind of hair is grown on the armpit, scalp, and pubic area.

One of the main causes of hirsutism is the hormone called androgen. This hormone is commonly found in men. This hormone is present for both men and women, but the higher level of this type of hormone are found in men. This particular hormone is the one being responsible to turn vellus hair to terminal type. Once the vellus hair transformed to terminal hair, it typically does not change back to vellus form. Androgens may trigger the terminal hair to a little faster and thicker than the normal.

The part of the body that produces these androgens is the ovary and the adrenals. To some certain circumstances the female hormone estrogen and progesterone avert the effect of androgens. Many circumstances may trigger the production of these androgens and some of which are genetic, ovarian tumors, and adrenal disorders.

Hirsutism can be treated by correcting the abnormality inside the body. If the problem of hirsutism is due to a rare disease called polycystic ovarian syndrome, the goal of the treatment is focus on inducing ovulation. Lower doses of dexamethasone, which is a kind of steroid, may also be given to prevent over activity of the adrenal gland. This medicine is taken at night to hold back the production of the hormone ACTH. This hormone arouses the adrenal gland.

Hormonal treatment may prevent the production of new terminal hair. It will take several years before the growth of excess hair takes place. A significant reduction of hair growth cannot be seen for at least 6 months of hormonal treatment. Once the hormonal treatment is effective for you, the doctor may continue the treatment indefinitely. Terminal hair that was already grown will not fall out and should be removed by using other treatment.

Cosmetic therapy may also be one of the most considerable treatments for hirsutism. A temporary hair removal such as plucking is a good idea for mild hirsutism. Another alternative means is waxing, it is similar as plucking. There are some chemical agents that can be used to dissolve unwanted hair all over the body but this chemical may cause some irritations. Latest and the most convenient way of hair removal today is by the used of laser treatment. These laser procedures will kill the hair follicles inside the skin thus, preventing the growth of another hair.

Mark Perry

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