Overview
Women usually produce small quantities of male hormones, also known as androgens. When androgen production increases, these hormones cause excessive hair growth and the development of other male characteristics. When self-care measures do not control this problem, visit a doctor to determine the cause of your excessive hair growth and develop a treatment plan.
Significance
Excessive hair growth affects the appearance, particularly when the hair growth occurs on the face, forearms and other visible areas of the body. Some women with this condition experience low self-esteem or reduced confidence as a result of their altered appearance.
Causes
Excessive hair growth occurs when the body produces too much male hormone. Causes of increased male hormone production include ovarian tumors, adrenal gland tumors, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Cushing’s syndrome, hyperthecosis (production of too much male hormone in the ovaries) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Prescription drugs like anabolic steroids, glucocorticoids, minoxidil, danazol and phenytoin also cause excessive hair growth when used to treat other medical conditions.
Decreased levels of estrogen just before and just after menopause also lead to increased hair growth.
Self-Care
Self-care measures help women with excessive hair control the problem at home. In overweight women, losing weight can reduce the amount of male hormone produced by the ovaries, resulting in the growth of less hair. Shaving with a razor removes hair temporarily, but the National Institutes of Health reports that the hair may look thicker when it grows back. Plucking and waxing the hair also result in short-term results. These hair removal methods cause pain and increase the risk for swelling and scarring.
Medical Diagnosis
Seek medical attention if your excessive hair grows very quickly or accompanies other body changes. These changes include increased muscle mass, decreased breast size and a deepening of the voice. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask questions to determine the cause of the hair growth. She will also ask for information about your menstrual cycle, pregnancy status, prescription medications and family medical history. Laboratory tests help to identify the underlying cause of excessive hair growth. These tests include prolactin, follicle stimulating hormone, DHEA-S, testosterone and luteinizing hormone.
Treatment
Medical treatments for excessive hair growth in women include oral contraceptives, anti-androgen drugs, laser hair removal and surgery. Prescription oral contraceptives block ovulation and reduce the amount of male hormone produced in the ovaries, according to Dr. Frederick Jelovsek, a professor in the James H. Quillen College of Medicine. Side effects of oral contraceptives include nausea, breast tenderness, mood changes, headaches, irregular menstrual bleeding and dizziness. These drugs also increase the risk of blood clots, especially in women over the age of 35.
Anti-androgen drugs include spironolactone, flutamide and finasteride. These prescription drugs block the effects of male hormones in the female body. The side effects of spironolactone include headache, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, skin rash, stomach pain and gas. Flutamide side effects include hot flashes, loss of sex drive, enlarged breasts, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, skin rash, blood in the urine and increased sensitivity to sunlight. Finasteride causes breast enlargement, rash and breast tenderness.
Laser hair removal damages the hair follicles so that excess hair cannot grow back. Surgery resolves excessive hair growth caused by ovarian or adrenal gland tumors.
About this Author
Leigh A. Zaykoski began working as a freelance writer in 2004. Her medical content has appeared on dozens of websites and in professional association newsletters. Zaykoski attended the University of Pittsburgh and Keystone College, studying microbiology and business administration. She is currently pursuing a medical writing certification.
