Every woman experiences some degree of hair growth in different areas of her body, including her face, but if we notice new strands of hair growing on our face, it should raise alarm bells, especially if these strands are located far from our upper lip.
No woman likes unwanted or excessive hair growth. It is also difficult to determine whether the hair growth is normal or abnormal. To allay your fears, the OnlyMyHealth team spoke to Dr. Rohit Batra, Vice Chairman, Department of Dermatology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. He listed two main causes and explained their indicators.
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Down
Lanugo hair is long, fine, and very soft, resembling the hair of a newborn baby. This type of hair usually lacks pigment and usually falls out a few weeks after birth.
Wave
Vellus hair is generally short, soft, and lightly pigmented. These hairs can be found all over the body, except in areas without hair follicles, such as mucous membranes, the soles of the feet, and the palms of the hands.
Terminal
Terminal hairs are the boldest of the three hair types. They are usually thick, coarse, and long, often related to hormonal influences, and commonly found on the face, armpits, and groin.
Cause 1: Hirsutism
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Excessive hair growth that resembles male patterns in women and occurs on the face, chest, back, and other areas is known as hirsutism. Dr. Batra explains that this condition is generally caused by increased levels of male hormones called androgens in women’s bodies.
Hirsutism is characterized by the excessive presence of thick, dark hair, which is especially noticeable on the face. An important factor to pay attention to is whether hormone levels are normal, as laser therapy could be a potential solution to manage this condition.
This problem can occur in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, people who are overweight, or those with a genetic predisposition. Women who experience hirsutism often develop terminal hair on their face, back, arms, and chest.
Cause 2: Medication
“Some medications that can lead to increased hair growth include steroids, phenytoin, and cyclosporine,” says Dr. Batra. Using minoxidil on the scalp to treat hair loss can also lead to hirsutism. The primary hormones are androgens, and in women, serum testosterone and SHBG levels are evaluated to detect any hormonal imbalances.
Cause 3: Hypertrichosis
According to Dr. Batra, hypertrichosis is another condition related to unwanted hair growth, which involves abnormal hair growth all over the body. It can be present from birth, meaning it can be congenital. It can also be classified as generalized (excessive hair growth covering the entire body) or acquired later in life.
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What is the path to diagnosis?
If a woman experiences irregular menstrual cycles, an ultrasound scan may be performed to check for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). With a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome, medications are recommended to manage the condition, which also helps control excessive hair growth.
In cases where a woman has hirsutism but does not have polycystic ovary syndrome and has regular cycles, additional tests and hormonal evaluations are done. If a problem is found, oral medications may be given with the support of an endocrinologist or gynecologist. “While there may be a slight reduction in hair growth, the remaining hair can be effectively managed with laser hair reduction,” says Dr. Batra.
