Why unwanted hair

These hormones are found in both men and women, although men have a lot more of them. In women, androgens are produced by the ovaries or the adrenal glands. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS often have hirsutism, along with acne and irregular menstrual cycles. But some women with hirsutism don't have PCOS or any other cause that can be identified. Their hormone levels are normal, and so are their menstrual cycles. These women had a gradual increase in coarse hair growth.

It may be that they inherited hair follicles that are more sensitive to androgens. Hirsutism may also occur in some people who have diabetes or who are obese.

In rare cases, the ovaries or adrenal glands may have a problem that can cause this hair growth. Your doctor may want to do blood tests or other tests to find out if a medical problem is causing your extra hair growth. If the cause is not a medical problem, treating it is often a matter of choice. That's because hirsutism usually isn't a sign of a health problem. Treatments include:. Women who have PCOS and who are overweight may be able to reduce unwanted hair growth by reaching a healthy weight.

Some women prefer to use various home treatments for unwanted hair. These include shaving, waxing, and other methods to remove the hair. Roh MD - Dermatology. Electrolysis : Electrolysis is the removal of hair using an electric current. It treats each hair follicle individually, so the sessions can take longer.

Both laser hair removal and electrolysis can be expensive and require multiple sessions to achieve the desired results. Some patients find these treatments uncomfortable or slightly painful. Excessive or unwanted body and facial hair is a long-term challenge. Most women with diagnosed hormonal imbalances respond well to treatment, but the hair can grow back if your hormone levels become out of sync again.

If the condition makes you self-conscious, counseling and support from friends and family can help you to cope. Depending on the underlying cause and your choice of treatment, treating hirsutism may or may not be a lifelong commitment. Laser hair removal or electrolysis can provide more permanent results than shaving, waxing, or depilatories. Conditions that cause hirsutism, such as PCOS or adrenal gland disorders, may require lifelong treatment.

Laser hair removal is considered a long-term hair removal option, but is it really permanent? Here's what you need to know. When it comes to hair removal, you have options. Read on to learn the differences between two long-term options: laser hair removal and electrolysis. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Excessive or Unwanted Hair in Women. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. Causes Diagnosis Treatment Outlook We include products we think are useful for our readers. Why do women grow excessive or unwanted hair? Diagnosing hirsutism. Treatment for excessive or unwanted hair. Outlook for excessive or unwanted hair. Hirsutism is where women have thick, dark hair on their face, neck, chest, tummy, lower back, buttocks or thighs.

See a GP if it's a problem for you. It might be caused by a medical condition that can be treated. Most women get more hair on their face and body as they get older, particularly after the menopause. But this is finer hair and it's not the same as hirsutism. You may have a blood test to measure your hormone levels.