Excess hair growth. Why there is increased hairiness in a girl, effective methods of getting rid of the problem. Forms of adrenal hyperandrogenism

Lush, shiny and thick hair is not only the pride of every woman, but also one of the indicators of her health.

However, in this case we are talking about the scalp. But there are situations when hair begins to grow in other parts of the body, which is not normal for the female constitution. On the contrary, such a deviation can indicate very serious anomalies occurring in the body, which the woman herself may not even be aware of.

In addition, excess vegetation on the body is a very unaesthetic phenomenon, which often leads to complexes and other psychological problems. But if such a problem has already arisen, there is no need to despair and panic - you must act immediately, because such a deviation may indicate the development of various diseases.

Let's try to find out what this anomaly is talking about, what caused it, and what methods can be used to defeat it.

The difference between hirsutism and hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth)

Hirsutism and hypertrichosis are concepts that are absolutely not similar to each other, so you need to learn how to distinguish between them.

So, with hypertrichosis, the process of excessive growth of vellus hair occurs. However, it is not associated with an excessive amount of male sex hormones androgens in the blood of women, and may be due to:

endocrine diseases (for example,);
taking certain groups of medications (minoxidil, etc.);
heredity;
constitutional features of the female body.

With idiopathic hirsutism, there is no connection with the hormonal balance in the woman's body. In addition, the presence of a small amount of hair above the upper lip, around the nipples, in the gap between the pubis and the navel occurs even in girls who do not have problems with endocrine system disorders.

Note. Hirsutism is almost never a separate disease - in most cases it is a symptom of other pathologies. In particular, hyperandrogenism.

Hyperandrogenism - an increase in the concentration of androgens in female body. It is with this phenomenon that the development of hirsutism is associated, which is its main difference from hypertrichosis. Hyperandrogenism is the result of a violation of the sexual sphere in women, while the following are involved in the pathological process:

hypothalamic-pituitary system;
ovaries;
adrenals.

Each of these pathologies has its own causes, having understood which, you can successfully get rid of an unpleasant problem. a

The main causes of facial hair growth in women

Even experts cannot always answer the question of why facial hair grows in women. Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is a violation of the hormonal balance in the body. As you know, hormones affect the functioning of the whole organism, therefore, with their increased or, conversely, reduced concentration in the blood, not only internal organs, but also epidermal integuments can react sharply.

Before determining the cause of increased facial hair, a woman should not self-diagnose herself, and even more so begin treatment. First you need to contact a gynecologist, endocrinologist, neuropathologist and go through all the necessary procedures aimed at identifying abnormalities in the work of internal organs, glands and systems. And only then the doctor will tell you what measures need to be taken to get rid of an unpleasant problem.

The appearance of facial hair in women is closely related to their health status. With an imbalance of the internal organs, the hair follicles react extremely sharply, which affects their functioning. The main causes of facial hair are:

Increased concentration of the male sex hormone androgen. Normally, it is present in the female body, but in limited quantities, and affects the reproductive function. In addition to the appearance of facial hair, a high level of testosterone in the blood in women can lead to the development of serious pathologies, so it is necessary to contact an endocrinologist in a timely manner and start therapy.
genetic predisposition. If women in the family, whether it be mother, grandmother or aunt, had problems with excess facial hair, then it is likely that other female generations will have a similar anomaly. In this case, no specific treatment is required - you can contact a cosmetologist for help for hardware removal of facial hair.
Estrogen production disorder. Estrogen is a female sex hormone that affects the menstrual cycle and the entire reproductive system of a woman. After 35 years, the synthesis of this hormone slows down significantly, therefore, the body does not receive the required amount. As a result, hormonal changes occur. Also, with a decrease in estrogen production, a woman's body becomes more vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections. One of the dangerous diseases is viral hepatitis. With its development, a woman develops black coarse hair on her chin. Such a deviation cannot be ignored, since viral hepatitis is a disease that can be fatal.
may also be accompanied by the appearance of facial hair. This is due to the fact that the ovaries cease to function fully, and the level of sex hormones is significantly reduced. There is an increased production of male sex hormones androgens, which replace female estrogens. This anomaly does not require specific treatment, and extra hairs can be completely removed using cosmetic or instrumental procedures.
Hormonal imbalance during puberty in girls, as well as during pregnancy and lactation. As a rule, after the end of all the processes that affect the hormonal background of a woman, the level of hormones returns to normal on its own.
Taking hormonal drugs or prolonged use of hormonal contraceptives. It's hard to imagine, but even hormonal creams can cause unwanted facial hair in women. In this case, vellus hairs, or even white facial hair, may appear. After stopping the use of the agent that caused the sharp reaction of the body, the vegetation should pass by itself.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of hirsutism are:

the appearance of hair on the face, inner thighs, buttocks, abdominal region, back, around the nipples, mammary glands;
intense hair loss on the head, in particular, in the frontal area;
change in skin and hair type from normal, dry or combination to oily;
failure in the menstrual cycle;
amenorrhea (prolonged absence of menstruation);
the appearance of acne;
inability to conceive a child.

Since the situation is caused by a hormonal failure, this deviation must be eliminated immediately. Otherwise, the so-called virilization may occur, which is characterized by:

hair loss at the temples;
a decrease in the tone of the voice when it becomes rough, masculine;
reduction of the mammary glands due to atrophy of the glandular tissue;
accumulation of fat cells in the tissues of the arms, legs, shoulders, chest;
an increase in muscle tissue in the shoulder area (but can also be observed in other parts of the body);
increased libido;
reduction of the labia in size;
enlargement of the clitoris;
decreased production of vaginal lubrication.

How to stop facial hair growth

First of all, a woman needs to go to the hospital and undergo a comprehensive examination. Without knowing the causes of facial hair growth, getting rid of them will be extremely problematic. The patient will first need to visit the office of a gynecologist and an endocrinologist.

Sometimes women have to undergo treatment for ovarian pathologies, including enduring the removal of neoplasms localized on them. Sometimes increased facial hair indicates the formation of a tumor in the adrenal glands, which also requires surgical intervention.

With an excess of androgens, a doctor prescribes hormonal contraceptives or antiandrogenic drugs. If facial hair in women appeared during menopause, estrogen-based drugs are prescribed.

If you do not normalize the hormonal background, the fight against facial hairs will become a grueling task. Moreover, it is impossible to pluck them with tweezers or shave off - they will be replaced by new, thicker and bristly hair.

Treatment for excessive facial hair growth

If hirsutism is mild and the woman does not experience changes in the menstrual cycle, treatment is not carried out. However, this does not exclude the need to treat other diseases, since facial hair growth is only one of the symptoms of certain pathologies. In this case, the patient may undergo surgery to remove cysts or tumors in the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, or ovaries.

It is also possible to cancel the medication that caused hirsutism, as well as treatment aimed at eliminating Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome or acromegaly. talking in simple words By eliminating the root cause, you can also get rid of unwanted facial hair in women.

Drug treatment can be prescribed only after a thorough examination. It is also extremely important to exclude the presence of androgen-secreting neoplasms. The use of hormonal drugs continues for 3 months to six months. In some cases, the course of treatment must be repeated.

When taking hormones, it must be taken into account that they only prevent the growth of new hairs. Consequently, they do not have any effect on those that are already on the patient's face. Often use drugs aimed at eliminating:

Hyperandrogenism: Janine, Yarina,.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: Cortisone.
: Yarina, Jeanine, Clomiphene.
Tumors of various localization - ovarian, pituitary, adrenal. In this case, chemotherapy is used, as well as surgical removal of the neoplasm.

Contraindications to hormone therapy are:

the presence of benign or malignant tumors of various localization;
hypersensitivity to any components that make up the drug.

If hirsutism has caused weight gain, a low-carbohydrate diet should be followed. With manifestations of depression or neurosis, the patient may need the help of a psychologist or neurologist.

Cosmetic methods

With the help of modern cosmetics you can, if not completely get rid of facial hair (although this is possible), then at least significantly reduce their visibility. However, they do not affect the further growth of hairs. Therefore, they can be used as adjuvant therapy.

Here are the main cosmetic methods for getting rid of facial hair in women:

Lightening, which involves the use of products based on hydrogen peroxide and other substances, with the help of which the complete discoloration of facial hair occurs, leading to the loss of their natural pigmentation.
With a small lesion of the face with hair, you can use the plucking method with tweezers. After the end of the painful procedure, the skin must be treated with an antiseptic preparation. This will help avoid infection. However, this method should not be abused - it can lead to problems with the epidermis.
Shaving and waxing are also used to combat increased vegetation, but not on the face, but on the back, legs, armpits and groin. However, these methods cannot be used often, otherwise scars may form on the skin.

More expensive manipulations can be carried out:

Photoepilation is a method based on the action of high-pulse light rays on melanin, a pigment substance due to which the hair receives a natural color. Heat exposure destroys the hair follicle, which leads to the removal of hairs. The method is used for dark hair, and the effect of its use lasts about 5 months.
Laser hair removal based on the use of a laser beam. Removes only growing hairs, without any effect on dormant bulbs. For this reason, it is necessary to carry out several manipulations over 1-6 months. Laser hair removal is less effective than photoepilation.

Laser and photoepilation should not be performed if there are the following contraindications:

the presence of inflammatory processes in the problem area;
pregnancy;
prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays before the procedure;
the presence of a tattoo in the area of \u200b\u200bhair growth;
undergoing therapy with steroids or isotretinoin;
the presence of a pacemaker or insulin pump;
porphyria.

Since laser and photoepilation are expensive procedures, it is advisable to carry them out only to remove hair in open areas of the body. However, get ready for the fact that the manipulations will need to be repeated from time to time, since they do not affect further hair growth.

Folk ways to get rid of hair

Alternative methods can be used as auxiliary therapeutic procedures:

Dope decoction - medicinal plant containing poison, which negatively affects the structure of the hair follicle. Rinse 3-4 plants with roots and pour a liter of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat for an hour. Strain the finished decoction and use as a tonic for rubbing into the skin after depilation.
Squeeze half a lemon into a glass, add 1 tablespoon of sugar and put on a slow fire. Wait until half of the liquid has evaporated, then cool - and problem areas can be treated. After 2 minutes after treatment, rinse off the remnants of the product with warm water.
Squeeze as much juice as possible from the peel of a green walnut and apply it through cheesecloth to problem areas of the skin and hold for 5 minutes. With intensive hair growth, the product should be used twice a day. It can be applied to any part of the body.

The treatment of hirsutism is not limited to a symptomatic approach. In this case, it is necessary to understand the cause of the deviation and eliminate it, and only a doctor can do this.

Disease prognosis

The life cycle of a hair lasts six months, and it is during the same period of time that hirsutism therapy lasts. Even if it is not possible to completely get rid of the growth of unwanted hair in women, it is quite possible to significantly slow down this process and make the hairs lighter.

Often girls are faced with the problem of increased hair growth on their arms and legs, but, despite the apparent external unaesthetic, this is not a disease, but a predisposition. Hirsutism in women is considered a rather severe malfunction of the hormonal system and is one of the primary signs of virilization.

Symptoms of hirsutism

It should be noted right away that there are several types of hair on the human body. As many people know, the entire skin is dotted with the finest non-pigmented hairs or fluff. If, for some reason, instead of fluff, hard pigmented processes began to appear on the back and abdomen, this is a sure signal of an increase in testosterone in the body.

First of all, male-type hair appears in young girls in the form of thickets on the face. The temporal processes begin to lengthen, the line of antennae becomes more noticeable. It is noteworthy that these hairs are not "female": they are short and do not curl, have a dense structure and resemble regrown stubble.

Symptoms of the first signs of hirsutism:

Change in skin type. Excessive production of testosterone by the ovaries provokes hyperactivation of the sebaceous glands. They begin to secrete more fat and sweat, as a result of which blackheads and pimples can form;
Hair growth in the nipples, inner thighs, abdomen, back, buttocks;
Increase in hairline on the arms and shoulders.

Photo: a woman's hand with a lot of hair

Further, with the development of the disease, it is divided into types on a scale from 0 to 4. Accordingly, 1 is the primary signs (slight darkening of the hair, visible mustache line), and 4 are the main signs of androgen. After the fourth stage, symptoms of virilization in women may develop, which is a consequence of hirsutism.

Audible coarsening of the voice, the appearance of hoarseness;
Often - increase muscle mass, much less often - a decrease in fat. By the way, this is the main side effect many sports fat burners;
More distinct masculine characteristics may occur. This is a decrease in the visible labia and an increase in the clitoris, which in women is the "analogue" of the male genital organ. In the future, in the absence of treatment, attraction to the opposite sex stops, various neurotic conditions may occur.

For girls who have been diagnosed with this failure of hormone production, the big problem is getting pregnant and giving birth normally.

Causes of hirsutism in women

The causes of hirsutism in women can vary, from predisposition to the use of oral contraceptives or special medicines. The main factors for the appearance of this disease can be divided into external and internal.

External are influences. medicines. For example, oral contraceptives that affect the production of antiandrogenic hormones, "fire" contraceptives. This also includes various kinds of corticosteroids, fat burners, dietary supplements for building muscle mass;
Internal. Bodies responsible for normal amount androgens in the body are the adrenal glands. Accordingly, with any violation of their work, the hormonal background immediately changes. Similarly, if testosterone is not normal, then you need to check the ovaries. Their function is the production of hormones with antiandrogenic properties (estrogen and others).

There is another type of signs. This is an idiopathic syndrome. Signs of the manifestation of hirsutism of this kind are similar to the previous ones, but the causes have not been studied. But doctors believe that this type of disease is the most insidious. There are no primary noticeable symptoms: the cycle is not broken, there are no signs of virilization. Because of this, it is difficult to detect in the early stages and provide effective treatment.

Video: I am a woman and I shave - all about hirsutism

In medical practice, there is often a classification according to the clinical signs of the disease:

Dermatological (aka idiopathic, less often hereditary);
Exogenous. Dependent on medications, supplements, occasionally, malnutrition or bad habits. A little less often, a "hungry" diet can become the cause of the manifestation of the disease;
Neuroendocrine is hirsutism that occurs against the background of deviations in the normal functioning of the ovaries and adrenal glands.

It is very difficult to deal with such a disruption of the endocrine system, because the disease is little studied and is rare. Naturally. The first thing that patients do when they suspect excessive hair growth of this kind is to take tests to the doctor. According to their results, it is determined whether it is really hirsutism and virilization, or just hypertrichosis.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, the possible causes of the onset of the disease and its type are clarified. Based on the information received, the specialist can prescribe an effective treatment. At its core, this disease is not independent, but consequent, that is, arising against the background of some other. Therefore, it is very important to immediately consult a doctor if you have any of the described symptoms.
When female neuroendocrine hirsutism is detected, the adrenal glands and ovaries are the first to be examined. First, they begin to treat the causes of hormone failure. And then the body itself is rebuilt and the growth of hair follicles is normalized. In the event that the cause of increased hair growth lies in taking hormonal pills, then canceling their use is not enough.
These drugs have an effect on the body, similar to drug intoxication. They affect certain systems in the body of women, even after complete abolition. For example, birth control pills remain effective even after withdrawal for 3 to 6 months.
Here, treatment involves special antiandrogenic drugs for women from hirsutism. They can be taken only after consulting a doctor, because reviews claim that they have extremely severe consequences of taking them. In particular, this is the development of female genital organs in male fetuses, uncontrolled attraction, swelling and soreness in the mammary glands and labia.
If you are faced with the problem of idiopathic hirsutism, then you can try to treat it with homeopathy - it is the safest for women. For example, this is a regular intake of mint decoctions. She not only comforts nervous system and normalizes blood pressure, but also helps to reduce testosterone.
Two tablespoons of herbs are taken in a glass of boiling water. The plant is filled with water, after which it is infused for 40 minutes. You need to drink the remedy three times a day, 1/3 capacity for three months. Often folk methods also include the use poisonous plants, for example, dope. Recipes with such dangerous ingredients always insist on vodka.
To cure hirsutism with dope, you need to pour 100 grams of fresh grass with 0.5 vodka, moonshine or alcohol. Infuse for two weeks in a dark container and a cool room. Every day the tincture should be shaken. The resulting product should be smeared with acne, areas with increased hairiness.
Despite the fact that this plant is very effective, Datura should not be used for eye diseases. Analogues include horse chestnut, young Walnut and even a mixture of sugar and water.
Homeopathy will not help to significantly reduce excessive hair growth, but it contributes to the overall improvement of the body. In addition, please note that the effect cannot be achieved earlier than 3 months with herbal remedies. If you need to reduce body hair growth faster, then it is better to choose other methods.

Svetlana Markova

Beauty is like gem: the simpler it is, the more precious!

Content

The likeness of a mustache or beard for the fair sex does not look aesthetically pleasing and always makes you feel very complex. Facial hair in women appears on different reasons, but in most cases this problem is caused by hormonal disorders. At the present time, there are many ways to get rid of unwanted vegetation. The problem can be solved by cosmetic or medical means.

The scientific name for the occurrence of unwanted vegetation in the fairer sex is hirsutism. This disease is caused by an excess of male sex hormones in a woman's body, which can occur for various reasons. Hair on the cheeks of girls, above the upper lip or on the chin causes a lot of trouble. They differ from vellus, the growth of which on the face of the whole body of a woman is the norm, they have a different type of bulb and a hard core.

To understand what hirsutism is, you need to know basic information about hormones. Eat different types androgens. The best known is testosterone. This hormone in the body of men is necessary for the formation of sperm and the development of secondary sexual characteristics (roughness of voice, vegetation on the body, etc.). A woman's body should contain a small amount of testosterone. It affects the menstrual cycle, fertility, libido, reproductive function. If the amount of testosterone in the body exceeds the norm, changes in the male pattern occur.

With hirsutism in a woman, thin, non-pigmented vellus hair is reborn into terminal - dyed, very stiff, long. The main reason for this is hyperandrogenism - increased production of male sex hormones, which can occur due to:

polycystic ovary syndrome;
menopause;
disruption of the endocrine system;
the appearance of neoplasms in the ovaries;
pregnancy, lactation;
amenorrhea of the hypothalamic type;
ovarian hyperthecosis;
chronic anovulation.

Hyperandrogenism causes 90% of cases of hirsutism, but there are other conditions and diagnoses. Causes of hair growth on the chin in women:

Hypersensitivity to androgens. In this state, the normal hormonal background is preserved, but for some reason it affects the body more strongly.
Idiopathic hirsutism. The disease occurs for no apparent reason. Symptoms of idiopathic hirsutism are erased, hormonal abnormalities are insignificant.
Disorders of adrenal function. They develop with increased production of steroid hormones by the glands. The cause may be tumors of the adrenal glands, hyperplasia of their cortex, both congenital and acquired.
Taking corticosteroids, a number of antibiotics, anabolics, immunosuppressive drugs, androgens, progestins.
hereditary predisposition. Facial hair is caused by chromosomal and genetic characteristics, a number of diseases in history.
Pituitary dysfunction. Occurs with Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome, acromegaly, prolactinoma. The pituitary gland is affected, the adrenal glands are involved in the pathological process, as a result, an excess amount of cortisol and androgens is synthesized.

How to get rid of facial hair

All methods can be divided into two broad categories: salon and home. Laser, photo and electrolysis is best left to professionals. Sugaring and facial hair removal with wax can be done both in the salon and at home. Almost all other methods are allowed to be performed independently. General recommendations:

When choosing how to remove hair from your face, take into account their structure and quantity, localization, your skin type, and the level of pain threshold.
If unwanted facial hair is caused by hormonal disruptions, then you need to eliminate their cause, which will help solve the problem as a whole. It is necessary to undergo an examination of the body, identify diseases and undergo treatment under the supervision of a physician.
There are a number of medications that can stop facial hair growth. This method is effective only in a number of cases and requires prior consultation with a specialist.
Using products prepared according to folk recipes, make sure that you are not allergic to the components that make up their composition. Do a tolerance test first. Apply the prepared product to the area of the skin on the bend of the elbow and leave for a while. If no itching, irritation, burning sensation, rash discomfort, or other allergic reaction occurs during this period, you can try the product on the face.

Removal at home

There are many different ways to get rid of excess hair. They differ in a number of parameters: the duration of the effect, the degree of pain. If you're dealing with something as delicate as facial hair, try different methods to see what works best for you. You should choose according to the type and amount of hair to be removed, the area where they grow, the degree of skin sensitivity. Home treatment options:

shaving;
thread removal;
cream depilation;
clarification;
plucking;
sugaring;
waxing;
removal with a special trimmer or depilator for the face.

Depilatory

Many manufacturers produce depilatory creams. Hair removal occurs under the influence of chemical components that make up such products. Additionally, the cream may contain plant extracts, oils, vitamins that care for the skin. The effect of chemical depilation depends on many factors, the quality of the product, the structure of the hair matter. It is recommended to abandon cheap creams from little-known manufacturers, because they can cause allergies and other unpleasant consequences, or simply do not work. How to use it correctly:

Before the first use, carefully read the instructions and do a sensitivity test.
Apply the drug in an even layer on dry or damp skin (depending on what is recommended in the annotation).
After the time specified in the instructions, remove the cream with a spatula or rinse with water.
Treat your skin with tonic. Apply moisturizer.

Epilation

Methods for removing excess hair with an effect on the follicles are implied. They provide a stable, though not permanent, result. For the face, the following types of hair removal are suitable:

Plucking. With special tweezers, unwanted hair is pulled out from the root. The procedure is easy to do at home, the effect is enough for about 10-14 days. The disadvantages of mechanical plucking include the fact that gradually the hair will grow back faster and occupy an increasing surface of the skin.
Waxing. There are special small strips for the face. They contain plant extracts that gently care for delicate skin. The strips are heated to melt the wax, glued to the corrected area and abruptly torn off against the growth of the rods, pulling them out by the roots. After waxing, redness and irritation may occur, and there is a high risk of ingrowth. Additional disadvantages for owners of sensitive skin are hematomas, couperose nets.
Thread removal. A very popular method among women in the East and Asia. The thread is tied into a ring and twisted several times in the middle to get two loops. The product is applied to the area to be epilated. The place of twisting is located at the trunk and the far loop is expanded. As a result, the hair twists and breaks out, like with tweezers. The method is not suitable for women with a low pain threshold. The method is effective, it helps to remove hair and even fluff on the face of women for 3-4 weeks. It is important for him to choose the right thread, it should be thick, but not silk - you can take a bobbin sewing thread.
Shugaring. The method is similar to waxing, but involves the use of sugar syrup, which can be bought ready-made or cooked at home. Hair is removed not against growth, but along it, which prevents ingrowth.

Depilation

Shaving. The most simple and painless, but extremely undesirable option for the face. With regular shaving, the rods become even more noticeable: harder, rougher, darker. In addition, stump bristles appear very quickly, and this does not adorn any woman.
Trimmer application. Many manufacturers produce compact devices for delicate facial hair removal, powered by batteries or rechargeable batteries. Using them is easy and fast. It is important to strictly follow the rules of use specified in the instructions.
Cream use. If you choose a quality product, then depilation will not cause you problems.
Folk remedies. As a rule, they help to lighten the rods, make them thinner, slow down growth.

Diet

If hirsutism is accompanied by overweight, then it is imperative to choose a nutrition system for weight correction. As a rule, a low-carbohydrate diet is prescribed, the observance of which contributes to the normalization of metabolic processes. Daily calorie content should not exceed 1800 kcal. Foods should be selected taking into account that 50% of the diet is carbohydrates, 32% proteins, 18% fats.

Drug therapy

Medications are prescribed for hirsutism after a complete examination of the body. Before starting therapy, you need to make sure that the patient does not have androgen-secreting tumors. Hormonal preparations are prescribed, the reception of which lasts from 3 to 6 months. Sometimes the course is repeated several times. Hormonal drugs do not affect the hair that has already appeared, but slow down the growth of new ones. Depending on the patient's diagnosis, the following medications and types of therapy can be prescribed:

Diane-35, Yarina, Janine. Antiandrogenic drugs. Reduce testosterone levels. Reduce the sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens. They are prescribed for hyperandrogenism.
Chemotherapy, surgery and other treatments. It is used for tumors of the adrenal glands, ovaries, pituitary gland.
Cortisol, Prednisolone. It is prescribed for congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Antiestrogen Clomiphene, hormonal oral contraceptives (Androkur, Janine, Yarina). The drugs are effective in the treatment of polycystic ovaries.

You can use hormonal medications only under the supervision of a doctor. Each of them has a lot of contraindications. Any hormonal drugs should not be taken with:

individual intolerance;
tumor formations;
pregnancy;
lactation.

Hardware Methods

Epilation with specialized devices is very effective. Most of the procedures are expensive, carried out in several sessions. It is important to understand that they do not eliminate the causes of hirsutism. Although the hair will be removed for a long time, it will appear again after a certain time. Types of hardware hair removal:

Laser hair removal. The method of influence of medium intensity. A laser beam passes through the rod, which heats the melanin-containing cells and destroys the follicle. The epilation course lasts from one to six months and is carried out in several sessions. This is due to the fact that under the influence of the laser, only hairs in the active growth phase are removed, while dormant bulbs are not affected.
Electrolysis. The impact of current on the follicle in order to destroy. Electrolysis helps to remove unwanted vegetation for a long period. Depending on the rigidity of the rod, the exposure temperature and current strength are selected. Suitable for any skin type, but can provoke many complications and even scarring. The procedure is painful, carried out in several sessions.
Photoepilation. Flashes of high-pulse light interact with melanin, resulting in thermal energy that destroys hair follicles. The effect is enough for about 5-6 months, the procedure is carried out in several sessions and it is absolutely painless. Photoepilation well removes dark facial hair in women, but practically does not work with light ones. In owners of tanned skin, it can cause burns. As a rule, the procedure is carried out in the salon, but now some manufacturers produce photoepilators for home use.

Hardware techniques are not allowed for everyone. General contraindications for these types of hair removal are:

porphyria;
foci of inflammation in the treated areas;
the presence of an insulin pump or pacemaker;
pregnancy;
lifting with gold threads;
diabetes;
oncological diseases;
rosacea;
taking isotretinoin, steroids;
disease of cardio-vascular system;
tattoos in the affected area;
chronic skin diseases;
hepatitis;
infectious, viral diseases;
prolonged exposure to the sun before procedures.

Facial hair removal is not permanent. There is no such method of hair removal or depilation that would help get rid of vegetation forever. Some methods, especially hardware ones, help reduce its amount and growth rate, but should still be carried out regularly. It is most reliable to identify the cause of hirsutism and eliminate it. As soon as the hormonal background normalizes, facial hair will stop bothering you.

Folk remedies

Hardware and cosmetic procedures is not the only way to get rid of facial hair. There are many products that can be prepared and used at home: with iodine, citric acid, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol. As a rule, their action is aimed at lightening or thinning hairs, slowing down or suppressing the growth process. Home remedies help get rid of vegetation without violating the integrity of the skin. By choosing and applying one of them, you will be able to effectively solve the problem of unwanted facial hair.

soda solution

The action of the product is aimed at lightening and thinning hairs. Gradually, they may even fall out. The solution should not be applied to the skin around the eyes, otherwise you can get burned. You need to use it like this:

Crush one tablet of hydroperite into powder. Mix with 1 tbsp. l. baking soda.
Boil water, pour ashes.
Rub the soap on a fine grater. Add shavings to boiling water with ash. Mix the composition thoroughly and let it brew a little. It should have the consistency of a thick paste.
Apply the product to problem areas of the face. Wash off after a quarter of an hour.
Repeat the procedure every other day.

walnut ash

The product is intended for thinning hairs and gradual removal. Walnut ash is not recommended for sensitive skin because it can damage the capillaries. How to apply it correctly:

Burn the walnut shell.
Dilute the resulting ash with 1 tsp. water.
Apply the composition pointwise to areas of the face with vegetation.
Rinse off when the mass dries and takes on a crust.
Repeat the procedure three times a day.

In modern times, a perfectly smooth body is valued, excluding hair on the head. Excessive growth of body hair in women Lately received great distribution. This pathology has a name - when hair growth occurs in the back, chest, face and abdomen.

And there are also a number of reasons for the appearance of excess hair on the body. Such unwanted vegetation primarily causes aesthetic discomfort. The reasons for the growth of facial hair in women can be a serious call that the body has failed, and indicate serious disorders that should be diagnosed and treated.

Hirsutism, what is it?

Many of us have seen women who grow a man's beard or mustache. The reasons for the growth of hair on the chin in women can be very different. One of these pathologies is called hirsutism - a female diagnosis, which is understood as excessive hair growth in the fair sex with an excess of male hormone.

Such a disease brings a lot of aesthetic inconvenience to women's lives, and also forms complexes. Indeed, for the male sex, women with an excess of hair, especially on the face, become unattractive. Such hair has a different type of bulbs and grows hard, dark, long.

Every twentieth woman of childbearing age develops facial hair. And after 50 years, every fourth. However, the disease hirsutism is often accompanied by serious consequences: menstrual cycle, inability to conceive a child, depression.

The cause of hirsutism is an increased level of testosterone (male sex hormone) in a woman's body. Such an increase may appear due to a malfunction of the ovaries. Among women, the disease is common -. The ovaries produce the following hormones:

estrogens;
gestagens;
androgens.

If the amount of androgens increases sharply, then the body experiences stress and triggers the following reactions:

a sharp increase in facial hair;
enlargement of the genitals;
increase in muscle mass;
hoarse voice change.

Hirsutism can be a consequence of the following processes:

taking hormonal drugs;
pathology of the adrenal glands;
oncological pathologies;

pathologies in the functioning of the pituitary gland;
metabolic pathology;
genetic predisposition;
puberty, menopause, pregnancy.

In addition to increased hair growth on the body, the following symptoms are possible:

baldness;
violation of the menstrual cycle;
infertility;
increased oiliness of hair;
increase in muscle mass;
increase in sex drive.

Hypertrichosis, what is it?

The cause of excessive body hair growth in women may be a disease -. This pathology includes such symptoms - excessive hair growth in any part of the body. Most often, pathology is observed in Asian women.

The causes of hirsutism and hypertrichosis are the same and are associated with an excess of testosterone:

ovarian dysfunction is the most common cause hair growth;
diseases of the adrenal glands;
pathology in the work of the pituitary gland;
increased production of androgens;

metabolic disease;
oncology;
skin pathologies;
genetic mutations;
against the background of hormonal changes (menopause, pregnancy, puberty);
anorexia nervosa.

The disease can be congenital or acquired. Hair growth does not necessarily cover any part of the body evenly. They can also grow unevenly, in atypical places, for example, on the shoulder or shoulder blade, etc. This is what distinguishes the two diseases presented above.

With Hypertrichosis, vellus hair grows, covers almost the entire body, is pigmented in some places. Each part of hair growth has its own causes, which are important to diagnose in a timely manner and start treatment.

Other reasons

The reason for a sharp increase in hairline can be - stress. When a girl is engaged hard work, then the body, the psyche begin to rebuild to produce testosterone. In medicine, there is such a thing as the masculinization of a woman.

And also sudden hair growth can occur due to the following reasons:

nervous exhaustion;
depression;
anorexia;
pathology of the nervous system.

Due to trauma on moles, due to frequent hair removal.

Often, vegetation increases in women by the age of 50, when age-related changes, natural ovarian fading.

Diagnosis of pathology

A cause for concern may be an increased increase in facial hair growth, chest hair growth in women. You should consult a doctor for the correct diagnosis and search for the cause of increased male pattern hair growth.

Diagnosis includes consultations and examination by a gynecologist, endocrinologist, history taking, laboratory tests.

It is obligatory to pass an instrumental study:

Ultrasound of the ovaries and adrenal glands;
MRI and CT of the brain;
laparoscopy of the ovaries, if there is a suspicion of a tumor.

And also it is worth contacting a neuropathologist, trichologist and a cosmetologist.

Treatment for excessive body hair growth

When the cause of excessive hair growth is identified, then treatment can begin. Usually, the treatment of excessive hair growth consists of the following steps:

the use of drugs that lead to a decrease in testosterone;
elimination and treatment of the primary cause of the disease;
adjustment of diet and special diet;
cosmetic hair removal.

If hair growth is not associated with any disease, then appoint:

antiandrogenic drugs: Jeanine, Cyproterone, Ketoconazole, Diane-5;
drugs that contain progestane and estrogen.

Drug therapy

Mandatory treatment for hirsutism and hypertrichosis is hormonal therapy. Oral contraceptives that suppress male hormones in the ovaries. The following drugs are considered effective:

Finasteride;
Matformin;
Spironolactone.

Hormone therapy leads to a slowdown in the growth of new hairs. It can be prescribed only with the complete exclusion of tumors. It is mandatory to take drugs that reduce testosterone levels and androgen sensitivity: Dine-35, Zhanin, Yarina.

In the pathology of the adrenal glands are prescribed: Cortisol, Prednisolone. And if a tumor of the ovaries or adrenal glands is diagnosed, the doctor may prescribe chemotherapy. Treatment with hormones lasts about six months.

Contraindications to treatment with hormonal drugs: pregnancy; lactation; tumors; allergic reactions to drugs.

When a woman is planning a child, it is forbidden to take hormonal drugs. However, often the expectant mother needs to stimulate ovulation. If you are unable to conceive a child, then you can use the services of IVF.

cosmetic treatment

After or during the passage of hormonal treatment, you can begin to remove the hairline. Shaving coarse hairs with a razor or plucking with tweezers is not allowed. Especially if they grow on the face. Therefore, along with hormonal therapy, it is imperative to include cosmetic therapy in order to bring the body back to normal.

There are the following types of cosmetic hair removal:

photoepilation - due to the action of high-pulse light, the tissues are heated, the hair follicles are destroyed;
Laser hair removal is an unpleasant, expensive, but effective procedure. With the help of a laser, the follicle is destroyed and the hair never bothers again;
electrolysis - with the help of current, hair follicles are removed;
a mixture of electrolysis and photoepilation - a novelty, removes hair of all skin types;
waxing - short-term hair removal for a maximum of a month;
sugaring - hair removal with a sugar solution.

Folk methods

At home, you can independently carry out cosmetic procedures and try to minimize the visibility of excess hair. Sugar hair removal is easy to do yourself:

mix one glass of sugar with three tablespoons of water and a pinch of citric acid;
heat the mixture over a fire until a homogeneous mass of a slightly brownish hue;
when the mixture has cooled slightly, pick up the paste and apply to the area with excessive cover;
remove hairs against growth.

It is worth minimizing the visibility of dark hair with the help of folk recipes:

take hydrogen peroxide or light hair dye. Apply with a sponge or cotton pad to the hairs and hold for a few minutes. Repeat the procedure as needed;
mix a teaspoon of soda with a tablespoon of boiling water and apply to the hairs. Keep a compress all night;
mix the ashes with soap (pre-rub) and dilute with a spoonful of water. Wet cotton wool and keep the compress for fifteen minutes;
one spoonful of castor or burdock oil, two tablespoons of alcohol, a teaspoon of ammonia, five drops of iodine 5%. Treat the bikini area with the mixture twice a day.

If there is a possibility of getting diseases due to heredity in which a woman grows hair according to the male type, then it is better to pre-carry out preventive actions:

diet - control weight;
visiting a beautician to remove follicles or bulbs;
annual examination of all organs;
choice of female profession with minimization of stress.

It is important to know:

the use of various medications removes one problem, and creates others;
hormonal preparations are best used in extreme cases. Since hormones are excreted from the body for several years;
many drugs disrupt the gastrointestinal tract;
taking hormonal drugs affects mood not for the better.

Facial hair growth is an unpleasant manifestation of a hormonal disorder. With the right foundation, as well as the development of therapy, it is treated in several stages.

It is well known that feathers protect the body of a bird, wool protects animals, and hair grows on a person’s body. They are not only on the palms and feet. The hairline of the body is a kind of atavism that has been inherited by man from time immemorial. On the body of an adult, there are from 300 to 500 thousand hairs. People with blond hair have the most body hair and redheads the least, with red hair feeling the toughest to the touch.
The growth of hair on the body of an adult largely depends on the work of the sex glands. Male hormones increase the development of hair on the face and body and prevent their growth on the head. Female hormones, on the contrary, contribute to the development of hair on the head, but not on the body or face.

In medicine, there are two concepts that describe excessive hair growth - hirsutism and hypertrichosis. hirsutism- excessive growth of terminal (coarse, hard) hair in women according to the male pattern. The terminal hairs are dark, coarse, long in contrast to the vellus, which are weakly colored, soft and short. It is only about the appearance of hair on the chin, upper chest, upper back and abdomen. The appearance of terminal hair in the lower abdomen, lower back, near the nipples, on the arms and legs is normal. The condition is not synonymous with virilism, in which women, in addition to manifestations of hirsutism, develop secondary male sexual characteristics.

Hypertrichosis in contrast to hirsutism, it is characterized by excessive hair growth in places where they are the norm, and can be observed in people of both sexes. Men do not suffer from this, but for young ladies this problem brings a lot of trouble and causes psychological discomfort up to the appearance of an inferiority complex.

There are congenital and acquired forms of hypertrichosis. The congenital form of general hypertrichosis, in which the entire surface of the skin is covered with long wavy hair, is a very rare anomaly that progresses to puberty. In a congenital limited form of hypertrichosis, excess hair grows on pigmented skin, often in the sacrum. The congenital general form of hypertrichosis cannot be treated. With a limited form, surgery is sometimes possible.

The acquired form of hypertrichosis can occur in places of prolonged skin irritation (rubbing in ointments, plaster bandages), in patients with tuberculosis, osteomyelitis. Sometimes in girls in puberty (puberty) or in women in menopause, increased hair growth begins on the face, above the upper lip.

Increased hair growth in areas where they are undesirable is not only a cosmetic defect. The appearance of a beard and mustache in women can be a symptom of various diseases.

Most often, endocrine hypertrichosis is observed, associated with ovarian diseases and a violation of their hormonal function, damage to the adrenal cortex. Less often, tumors of the anterior pituitary gland can be the cause of increased hairiness.

Often, hypertrichosis occurs during pregnancy as a result of increased hormonal activity of the endocrine organs of the brain (anterior pituitary gland). Increased facial hair growth in the area of the cheekbones and temples may be a manifestation of a metabolic disorder.

Therefore, starting the process of getting rid of unwanted hairs, you need to consult a gynecologist, endocrinologist, neurologist about possible reason their appearance, so that together with the solution of an aesthetic problem, it is also possible to detect an internal defect, and a complex effect on the cause will help to achieve faster desired results.

Recently, there has been an increase in drug-induced hypertrichosis caused by taking medications such as corticosteroids, anabolics. Long-term treatment with male sex hormones also leads to the growth of coarse dark facial hair.

Incorrectly selected creams (especially based on lanolin) with prolonged use increase hair growth above the upper lip and on the chin. Therefore, it is not recommended to apply nourishing creams, especially those containing hormonal and biostimulating substances, to the lower third of the face, as they improve skin nutrition, including hair follicles.

Thermal cosmetic procedures, as well as irritating absorbable masks, increase microcirculation, improve blood supply to the hair follicles and thus promote the growth of excess hair. Therefore, the presence of hypertrichosis on the face is a contraindication for the use of infrared thermal radiation, quartz, sunbathing, paraffin masks, bodyagi masks, and the like.

Sometimes women themselves unknowingly contribute to the fact that colorless vellus hair becomes hard and dark. This usually happens as a result of shaving or pulling them out with tweezers.

So why does facial hair grow?

Violation of the hormonal background, or rather the presence of an increased level of male hormones - testosterone. Such a trouble is primarily of a medical nature, since the ovaries and adrenal glands work with disorders. To exclude such causes of facial hair, you should first contact an endocrinologist.
Heredity, genetic abnormalities. In some peoples of the world, most often Caucasian and southern, women have little facial hair. Hereditary causes of unwanted hair do not require special treatment, and the aesthetic problem can be easily solved by laser hair removal, which is the safest and most effective method.
chronic stress
Improper nutrition entails not only obesity, but also excess hair
With menopause, hair also appears on the face. All these problems are closely related to the hormonal changes in women in adulthood.
Unwanted facial hair can also appear during puberty or pregnancy.
Facial hair in girls can be the result of long-term use of birth control pills.
Complications of diseases. For example, a brain tumor, kidney pathology, epilepsy.
Environmental issues can also cause excess facial hair.
The use of certain drugs, especially those containing prednisolone, cortisone, hydrocortisone - corticosteroids.