Facial hair, often makes one feel uncomfortable or embarassed about their appearance. But there’s another name to it—-hirsutism. To undersand the condition in detail and to know its causes, the pioneer connects with experts to bring a lowdown on the same.
SHIKHA DUGGAL
Unwanted facial hair—not something that one would be eager to have, as a substitute, something that is quite natural amongst the many of us. But once again, many think of this as a curse. Well, if you sense so, then you are no longer alone!
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, around 40% of women have facial hair. And this is a world where women’s facial hair steals the limelight. The most recent example could be the genius who performed second fiddle in all this controversy! Prachi Nigam, who grew to become the face of a razor company’s advertisement, sparked outrage for allegedly mocking her appearance and facial hair.
It is necessary to realise that little facial hair is ordinary for anybody, including women. This consists of a mild shade and a skinny texture referred to as ‘peach fuzz’. However, some girls experience immoderate facial hair growth, which makes it noticeable; this is termed hirsutism in medical terminology. And, according to more than one study, one in fourteen women suffers from hirsutism, a disease characterised by “excessive” hair developing in a male sample over the body. However, a massive number of girls experience severe pain in relation to their physique and hair.
Dr. Geeta Grewal, a renowned celebrity cosmetologist, tells us, “Excessive facial hair boom in women, known as hirsutism, can be brought on by hormonal imbalances, genetics, positive medications, or medical stipulations such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). One common situation that can cause an increase in immoderate facial hair in women is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a hormonal disease characterised by imbalances in reproductive hormones around puberty and perimenopause, which can lead to signs such as irregular periods, infertility, weight gain, and an expanded facial hair boom (hirsutism). Other clinical prerequisites or hormonal imbalances can additionally make contributions to facial hair growth.”
Excessive facial hair in women, which can be precipitated by various factors such as fluctuations in hormone levels and specially extended tiers of androgens (male hormones), can stimulate hair growth in areas generally related to male-pattern hair growth, such as the face. Some women may additionally inherit genes that predispose them to having thicker or darker facial hair. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and certain adrenal or ovarian tumors can cause hormonal imbalances leading to hirsutism. Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, anabolic steroids, and some hormonal medications, can contribute to an immoderate facial hair boom as a facet effect. Women of certain ethnic backgrounds, such as those of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or South Asian descent, may additionally naturally have greater facial hair.
On the other hand, Dr. Swapna Priya, a consultant in dermatology at CARE Hospitals Hitech City, Hyderabad, suggested, “Facial hair increase can frequently be seen around the chin or top lips. Although this does not pose any life-threatening risk, it can cause a remarkable deal of misery to a woman. Some stipulations that can cause a facial hair boom in girls consist Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a sickness that impacts the adrenal glands and causes overproduction of androgens. Thyroidism can be a contributor to disturbed hormonal stages, which may also cause an increase in facial hair in women. Tumours that have an effect on the ovaries might also result in hirsutism. Cushing’s syndrome is brought about with the aid of cortisol at excessive levels over an extended period of time. This leads to improved manufacturing of androgens, which is the main cause of facial hair growth.”
Shaving, waxing, plucking, bleaching, using hair removal products, and other temporary methods are among them. But hirsutism typically requires a long-term strategy, such as laser therapy or electrolysis. Face treatments such as eflornithine or medications may help slow down the growth of facial hair. It’s also advised to make dietary and lifestyle adjustments to halt the growth of facial hair because internal causes are also very important! Rather, Dr. Swapna recommended, “More facial hair development may also result from the use of some medications that influence hormones, such as oral contraceptives, minoxidil, corticosteroids, and others. Reproductive hormones can be altered by age-related changes in a woman’s menstrual cycle, such as the onset of puberty or menopause.”
Internationally recognised dermatologist Dr. Nishita Ranka states, “In my profession as a dermatologist, I often treat hirsutism, or excessive facial hair growth. It is critical to acknowledge that this problem has substantial psychosocial effects in addition to physiological ramifications, requiring an all-encompassing approach to care and support.” She supports this with a case study, saying, “In my practice, there is a specific instance that sticks out. The patient was a 29-year-old female who had been diagnosed with PCOS, which was the underlying reason for her hirsutism. She had experienced problems with her self-esteem because of noticeable hair growth on her chin and upper lip. After assessing her situation, we chose a combination treatment plan that includes laser hair removal sessions to control the growth of hair and hormone medication to treat her PCOS.” Dr. Nishita continues, “A dermatologist can accurately detect any underlying issues and create a customised treatment plan by performing a thorough evaluation that may include hormone tests and imaging studies. Visible, undesired facial hair can cause severe emotional anguish, which frequently results in anxiety, sadness, and social disengagement. In order to provide holistic care, dermatologists can work in conjunction with counselors or therapists to incorporate psychological support into treatment programs. An important part of the emotional support system for people with hirsutism is made up of friends and family. They can support the patient by providing emotional support, advocating for medical attention from a professional, learning about the illness, and fostering a good body image. Their compassion and comprehension can greatly lessen the emotional strain brought on by this illness. In my capacity as a dermatologist, I treat hirsutism patients with a combination of compassionate care that attends to their emotional and physical needs as well as their physical symptoms. For women dealing with this difficult disease, a comprehensive strategy bolstered by expert medical advice and a robust support system improves quality of life.”
Methods to control facial hair boom in women, as advised by Dr. Geeta:
Hair elimination techniques: Options encompass shaving, waxing, threading, and the use of depilatory creams. These techniques have brief consequences and might also want to be repeated regularly. These traditional techniques are nerve-racking to pores, skin, and hair, therefore elevating the danger of contamination in hair roots and pigmentation in pores and skin.
Prescription medications: Some medications, such as oral contraceptives or anti-androgen medications, can help adjust hormone ranges and limit hormone stimulation to facial hair growth, especially in instances of hormonal imbalances like PCOS.
Laser hair removal: This process makes use of targeted mild beams to target and ruin hair follicles, leading to a long-term discount in hair growth. In comparison to traditional strategies, this superior scientific cure is properly researched and documented to provide advantages to sufferers with immoderate hair growth, irrespective of hormonal changes. Patients with hormonal imbalances may require greater classes in contrast to those with ordinary hormonal levels. Laser hair discount offers everlasting, lengthy-term results. Gentle and stimulating to pores and skin motives cause no harm or adverse outcomes when finished by properly skilled clinical personnel who are familiar with pores and skin and laser interactions. Post-care for lasers is typically easy, and it’s recommended to use moisturizer regularly.
Electrolysis: This approach entails the use of a tiny needle to apply an electric current to every hair follicle, destroying the follicle and stopping future growth. It’s an everlasting hair elimination choice, but it can be time-consuming and may additionally require more than one session.
Hormonal therapy: In instances where hormonal imbalances are the underlying reason for immoderate facial hair growth, hormone remedies prescribed by a healthcare expert can help modify hormone ranges and decrease hair growth.
