Hirsutism, or unwanted hair treatment, is the development of dark hair on the face and body of a woman. It occurs due to excessive male hormones called androgens in the female body. The condition affects 5–10% of women and can cause a lot of stress for the patient. However, it can be fully treated.
In this blog, the experts at Magna Centre have discussed what hirsutism is and its causes in detail. They are also known for offering the best hirsutism treatment in Hyderabad.
What Causes Hirsutism?
The primary cause of hirsutism is a hormonal imbalance that results in an excess of androgens, the hormones that regulate male sexual development. Women normally have low androgen levels, but these levels might fluctuate depending on the individual. High levels of androgens stimulate hair follicles, resulting in increased hair growth.
1. Polycystic ovary syndrome: Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal disorder in females that occurs in their reproductive years. The exact cause of the condition is unknown, but women with PCOS tend to develop small fluid-filled sacs in their ovaries. PCOS can cause irregular menstrual periods, weight gain, acne, oily skin, pelvic pain, and infertility, in addition to excessive hair growth. PCOS is more common in overweight women and increases the risk of metabolic syndrome, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The disease has no cure, although it can be managed with the help of regular exercise, nutrition, and medicine.
2. Cushing’s Syndrome: Cushing’s syndrome occurs when the body has a high level of cortisol for longer periods of time. Cushing’s syndrome can be caused by an excessive amount of oral corticosteroids or when the body produces too much cortisol. It can also be caused by a pituitary gland tumor or a gland disease. The symptoms of the condition include acne, excessive weight gain, thicker facial hair, severe fatigue, anxiety, muscle weakness, acne, etc. Excess cortisol raises the chances of high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. The main course of treatment is prescription medication, but it is dependent on the underlying cause.
3. Medications: There are several medications that have been known to cause excessive hair growth in women. These include anabolic steroids, testosterone treatments, glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, minoxidil, danazol, and phenytoin. When medications are the cause of hirsutism, the doctor will prescribe alternate medications or treat the excessive hair growth as a separate condition.
4. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a genetic disorder that affects the adrenal glands. The symptoms of the condition depend on the specific genetic disorder but could include enlarged genitals and excessive hair growth.
How is Hirsutism Treated at Magna Centre?
Hirsutism is performed to rule out androgen producing tumors or cushing’s syndrome. While lifestyle changes help regularize cycles and induce ovulation, they are not effective in reducing hirsutism. The doctor offers patients with hormonal therapy, which is both safe and effective. Oral contraceptive pills as well as spironolactone are considered effective for treating hirsutism.
To learn more about unwanted hair treatment in Hyderabad, book a consultation with the experts at Magna Centre today. Book an appointment.