Some females grow excessive amounts of course, dark hair in areas of the body more commonly thought of as hair patterns for males. This condition, referred to as hirsutism, causes hair to grow on the chest, back, inner thighs, shoulders and the face. In addition to the hair growth, some females may also experience symptoms such as a deeper voice, acne, decreased breast size and an enlarged clitoris, according to the Mayo Clinic. Common causes for hirsutism include an increased amount of male sex hormones due to heredity, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and medications.
Temporary Hair Removal
The simplest treatment for hirsutism includes removing unwanted hairs at home using a variety of methods. Shaving the skin, waxing the unwanted hair and plucking the dark hairs all help treat the condition. An additional home method for hair removal includes using a depilatory cream, a chemical that removes the hair from the surface of the skin. With these methods, the hair will grow back.
Laser Therapy
Laser hair removal uses a beam of light to damage the hair follicles in the areas of unwanted hair. After the laser treatment, the hair follicle stops growing hair. Some individuals need to return for touch ups to keep the hair from growing back. The process can be painful and expensive, according to the Mayo Clinic. Side effects include burns, redness and swelling.
Electrolysis
With electrolysis, a needle inserted into the hair follicle sends a pulse of electricity to destroy the follicle. The hair does not grow back after electrolysis, but the procedure causes pain. A numbing cream applied to the skin may decrease the discomfort during the electrolysis. The skin may lighten or darken following the procedure.
Birth Control Pills
The ovaries in females produce both female and small amounts of male sex hormones, including androgen. Excessive amounts of androgen in a female causes hirsutism. Oral birth control pills contain female hormones. The increase in these hormones decreases the production of male hormones in the female body. Common side effects of oral contraceptives include a decreased chance of getting pregnant, weight gain and mood swings.
Eflornithine
Eflornithine is a cream, available by prescription, for decreasing facial hair in females. The affected woman applies the cream to the hair on the face and slows the regrowth of the hair. This product will not remove existing hair. Using the cream for a couple of months may be necessary to see any improvement. Upon discontinuing the medication, the hair will grow back. Side effects of eflornithine include reactions to the skin such as a rash or a stinging sensation.
Anti-androgen Medication
A prescription oral medication called spironolactone block the production of androgen in the female body. The decrease in androgen will stop the excessive male patterned hair growth. Common side effects of spironolactone include nausea, headache and stomach pain.
