Causes for Excess Facial Hair/ PCOS, Hirsutism,Menopause?
Are you growing hair in unusual places where you do not want them to be such as on the neck, chest, chin and back? Hirsutism is a medical term, which refers to excess body hair and facial hair in women. It occurs because of an increased production of androgens or male hormones. The increased sensitivity of the androgen receptors in the skin follicles also causes hirsutism.
PCOS is a very familiar term in every household these days. 1 in 10 women of childbearing age suffers from PCOS. There are many sources on the internet where you can find information on PCOS, its etiology, symptoms, treatment, etc. So, let's not get into it today - let's focus on facial hair for now.
Among the many symptoms of PCOS (aka PCOD) is HIRSUTISM (excess hair). It’s most noticeable on the face the sternum, the breasts and on the stomach (above the pubis) and affects 70% of women suffering from PCOS. The main cause of this excessive hair growth is androgens (male hormones), which in women affected with PCOS, is very high (contrary to the very low amounts usually found in females).
How does Hirsutism present? It presents as course, dark hair on the face, chest, abdomen, back, upper arms and legs. Is it treatable? Definitely with proper diagnosis, medical and cosmetic procedures.
The link between androgens and facial hair - First let's talk about vellus hair and terminal hair.
- Vellus Hair - aka peach fuzz, is lightly pigmented, fine and short. It's found on the face and back.
- Terminal Hair - course, thick, long and usually found at genitals, scalp and under arms.
With PCOS, hair follicles become sensitive to hormones. When androgens act on these follicles, the vellus hair converts into terminal hair, producing thicker, darker and larger hair, similar to males. Androgen Sensitive Areas are the upper lip, chin, breast, lower abdomen, inner thighs, lower back.
Facial shaving: Many beauty bloggers are writing articles and posts touting the wonders of facial shaving, but they are failing to stress the negatives of shaving with PCOS and Hirsutism. Hair follicles in PCOS are sensitized, and terminal hairs replace peach fuzz (vellus hair). When you start shaving hair which was originally peach fuzz (vellus hair), after a period of time it changes to terminal hair. This new hair appears more thick, blunt and darker.
Shaving frequency : People living with PCOS experience hair growth that is 2 or 3x faster, and thicker than usual. Hair can grow up to 1mm in a day! Hair wont grow back thicker if you shave, but it will appear thicker, because of the natural shape of the hair. You will need to shave more frequently if you want a smooth look. With electrolysis, once you've finished your treatment, you won't have to shave again! Are you ready to take control of your unwanted hair and your life?
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PCOS Facial Hair: Laser Hair Removal caused Paradoxical Hypertrichosis - watch the video below!
Hirsutism
