Hormonal Hair Growth
We're not talking about peach fuzz here. We're talking about excessive dark, thick, coarse, hair growth in females, appearing in a male pattern. This condition is referred to as Hirsutism, and more women you know probably have it than you think. It can affect areas like the upper lip, chin, neck, cheeks, chest, lower abdomen, back, and inner thighs. Many women do a good job at hiding it by plucking, shaving, etc., because despite how common it is, it's still not "socially acceptable" to have it. If you can’t relate to this, we are sure you have at least had the occasional rouge black hair sprout up out of nowhere.
WHY DO I HAVE EXCESSIVE DARK FACIAL + BODY HAIR?
Facial hair in women is frequently hormonally driven—which can stem from a number of conditions. You may have one of the following: PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), a hormonal disorder affecting between 8 and 20% of women worldwide; Cushing's Syndrome, caused by high levels of a hormone called cortisol; Idiopathic Hyperandrogenemia, a condition where women have excessive levels of male hormones like testosterone; or something else to do with a hormonal imbalance. There is also a natural tendency to get hairier with age, especially post-menopausal. However, this is not to say that anything is "wrong" with you. In fact, "male pattern" facial hair in women is very common and natural, and many don't even meet the bench mark to be diagnosed with any of the above conditions.
Race also does play a role in the chances that a woman will have facial hair.
^Image Source: Allure
SOME QUICK STATS + FACTS
Hirsutism, excessive growth of dark or coarse hair on females in a male-like pattern—face, chest and back, is common (5–10% of women), but in varying degrees of seriousness.
“The most common cause of hirsutism is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which accounts for 72 to 82 percent of hirsutism cases.” —AAFP
“PCOS is defined by the presence of at least two of the following three signs: menstrual dysfunction, clinical or biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenemia, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasonography.” —AAFP
“On average, women with facial hair spend 104 minutes a week managing it, according to a 2006 British study. Two-thirds of the women in the study said they continually check their facial hair in mirrors and three-quarters said they continually check by touching it.” —Mona Chalabi, The Guardian
“A study found facial hair takes an emotional toll. 40% said they felt uncomfortable in social situations, 75% reported clinical levels of anxiety. Overall, they said that they had a good quality of life, but tended to give low scores when it came to their social lives and relationships. All of this pain despite the fact that, for the most part, women’s facial hair is entirely normal.” —Mona Chalabi, The Guardian
^ Img. Source: Mona Chalabi/The Guardian
THINGS you can do TO HELP CURB your SYMPTOMS
There are some simple things you can to help curb your symptoms of PCOS—including facial hair growth. Many women find that they’re able to manage their symptoms by controlling their diet and lifestyle choices.
Women with PCOS are often found to have higher than normal insulin levels. Insulin is a hormone that helps the cells in your body turn sugar into energy. Too-high of insulin levels can cause your ovaries to produce more androgens, such as testosterone. This might mean that you are insulin resistant, meaning you aren’t able to use the insulin you do produce effectively.
PCOS, like many disorders, responds positively to proactive lifestyle choices. This includes exercise and daily physical movement. Both can help to reduce insulin resistance, especially when coupled with a limited intake of unhealthy carbohydrates, sugar intake, and inflammatory foods.
Do: High-fiber vegetables (butternut squash), lean protein (chicken breast), anti-inflammatory foods and spices (turmeric), daily exercise.
Don’t: Sugary foods and drinks (candy), inflammatory foods (processed foods), foods high in refined carbohydrates (white bread).
TREATMENT
Many women who have unwanted facial hair result to shaving or plucking. While this is a temporary fix, it often causes ingrown hairs, redness, and pigmentation.
Laser Hair Removal is very effective in semi-permanently removing facial hair, as facial hair tends to sprout up more sporadically and in different areas than the rest of the body.
While we realize that we are presenting a solution to what should be a non-problem, as this occurrence is 100% natural and common, we also know that this treatment provides an immense amount of relief and confidence to our clients.
