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HIRSUTISM is a symptom of a disease, not a disease in itself. The treatment of hirsutism depends on the cause of the appearance of excessive hair in women. Check how to fight hirsutism, how to get rid of excess hair in women.

Hirsutismis a symptom of a disease (most often, but not always), not a disease in itself.Treatmentof hirsutism depends on the cause of excessive hair in women.

Is it still excessive hair or already hirsutism?

The diagnosis of hirsutism begins with collecting the medical history of the patient and her family (past diseases, presence of hirsutism in family members) and determining when the disturbing hair developed and how quickly it grows.

Hair characteristic of hirsutism usually appears on the chin, above the upper lip, on the back, abdomen, décolleté, around the nipples and on the inside of the thighs.

The distribution of hair, its quantity and intensity is assessed with the Ferriman-Gallway point scale. The androgen dependent areas are assessed - upper lip, chin, chest, upper and lower back, upper and lower abdomen, upper arm and thighs. Hirsutism is diagnosed when the sum of the collected points exceeds 6. A visual assessment of the external genitalia is necessary.

The next stage of diagnostics is the determination of hormone levels on the right days of the menstrual cycle. The most frequently performed tests include the determination of testosterone, estradiol, 17-OH progesterone, prolactin, thyrotropin, gonadotropins (LH and FSH), androstenedione, SHBG, S-DHEA, PRL and insulin. In some cases, a ferritin determination is indicated. An ultrasound of the reproductive organ and the abdominal cavity is also necessary, and sometimes computed tomography.

Hirsutism - treatment

To achieve success in the treatment of hirsutism, drug therapy, non-pharmacological and cosmetic intervention, and sometimes even surgery are used. In the case of hirsutism caused by malignant neoplasms and hormonally active tumors, the intervention of an oncologist and a surgeon is necessary. If a congenital adrenal hyperplasia is diagnosed, i.e. adrenal gland syndrome, glucocorticoid therapy andantiandrogens. However, when the cause is caused by the medications taken, the attending physician should change the type and dose of the drug.

The method of treating polycystic ovary syndrome - one of the most common causes of hirsutism - depends on the patient's expectations. If she wishes to become pregnant, specialist therapy is performed aimed at inducing ovulation, and in the event of no effect - surgical treatment (laparoscopy).

Insulin resistance therapy normalizes metabolism and restores the regularity of menstrual cycles. If the patient does not want to be pregnant or expects her period to be regular, the treatment is combined treatment (anti-androgen with the contraceptive pill). In any case of hirsutism combined with obesity, weight reduction is necessary.

When the cause of the disease is hyperprolactinemia, drugs from the dopamine agonist group are used, and in thyroid dysfunction - adjuvant therapy. Since you have to wait for the effects of the therapy, cosmetic treatments for hair removal are recommended at the same time.

According to an expertbow. Magdalena Nowacka

When it turns out that the excess hair is caused by a hormonal imbalance, sometimes contraceptive treatment is enough. If the causes of hirsutism are difficult to establish, a doctor will usually prescribe medications that lower testosterone levels. When ovarian or adrenal tumors are responsible for hirsutism, surgery may be necessary. And if it results from taking certain medications, then these medications can either be replaced or discontinued, but the doctor decides about it.

By removing the cause of hirsutism (e.g. by using hormonal treatment), the fluff stops transforming into visible, strong hair. However, it does not cause those that have already grown up to fall out on their own. So they have to be removed. Effective, although unfortunately for a short time, are depilatory creams, waxes and electric epilators. Laser treatments give the best effect.

Hirsutism - hair removal methods

  1. Electrolysis (electrocoagulation) - a thin electrode is inserted into the hair follicle. The low-voltage current passing through it leads to the destruction of the tissues in the hair root that are responsible for its nourishment and growth. The treatment is quite painful and time-consuming, because each hair has to be treated separately, so it is used on small areas. About 30-50 hairs are removed during one treatment. Price: approx. 2 PLN for one hair.
  2. Laser epilation (photothermolysis) - the energy of the laser beam is absorbed by the melanin in the hair pads, which transforms it into thermal energy and cuts the protein that builds the hair root. Neededthere are 3-5 visits every 4-8 weeks Price: mustache - from approx. PLN 100, bikini - PLN 200, calves - from approx. PLN 300 for one treatment.
  3. Ultrasonic epilation - the actual treatment is preceded by wax removal. Then the surface of the skin is covered with a layer of gel containing enzymes that block the process of hair bulb development and an ultrasound head is applied. Ultrasound penetrates the enzymes deep into the follicles, damaging them. The treatment is repeated for 3 consecutive days. The series are performed 3-4 times at 4-6-week intervals. The price of a 3-day series: mustache - approx. PLN 90, calves - approx. PLN 280.
  4. Microlysis - the skin is lubricated with a special gel, and then an electrode is placed on it, which gives off a current of low intensity. The current causes the gel to penetrate the hair follicles, which leads to their destruction. Recommended for larger surfaces. 3-4 treatments are required at 4-week intervals. The treatment must be repeated once a year. Price: mustache - from approx. PLN 100, calves - from approx. PLN 500, armpits: approx. PLN 200 bikini: approx. PLN 300
Worth knowing

Hirsutism - natural treatment (herbs) of excessive hair in women

There are also natural treatments for hirsutism. In alternative medicine, herbs are used to help get rid of unnecessary hair, such as black cohosh or chasteberry. However, these herbs have side effects and cannot be combined with certain medications, so it is better to consult your doctor before consuming them. Another natural way to deal with hirsutism is through acupuncture. However, there is no conclusive evidence that these methods are effective.

Hirsutism - what is laser epilation?

Source: x-news.pl/TVN Style

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Dermatology