Conditions
Hirsutism
(Hairy belly – Licensed under CC from hweiling: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hweiling/310984312/)
Hirsutism is the condition which describes women whose hair is darker, thicker and coarser than the fine hair (vellous hair) that usually covers skin; more closely resembling head-hair (terminal hair). Hirsutism describes the growth of terminal hair in areas where usually only villous hair grows, such as the face, chest, nipples, belly and upper back. Affecting roughly 1 in 10 women, it is quite a common condition. However, not all women with more terminal hair on their bodies will have hirsutism, as some women from particular ethnic groups may naturally have more terminal hair. Hirsutism, conversely, is developed towards the end of the teenage years, and can get progressively worse, especially after the menopause. Furthermore, if you, or your child, have hirsutism, you may also have acne or seborrhoea (a condition where your skin produces too much sebum – an oily substance).
There are many reasons as to why women develop hirsutism, though as most aren’t related to medical conditions, it is often hard to determine a definite cause. This is known as idiopathic hirsutism. However, other medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obesity and diabetes can cause hirsutism, and it is also known to develop in women who possess too many androgens (male sex hormones), or whose hair follicles are more sensitive to androgens. It can also develop as a side-effect of taking some medicines, such as the contraceptive pill.
Though not painful or physically impairing, it can be very embarrassing and cause serious confidence and self-esteem issues. The good news is that there is a variety of ways to treat hirsutism, although it’s unlikely that any will entirely cure the condition. Some things which may help are: losing weight; eating healthily; exercising regularly; shaving; depilation; waxing; plucking and bleaching. Medicines such as anti-androgens, which work by blocking the action of androgen hormones, can also help, as well as the medicines metformin, finasteride and eflornithine. Electrolysis and laser treatment are also effective ways to remove hair and reduce hair growth.
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i have accessive hair between my breasts, neck, chin and bellybutton. This has really got me down as i am constantly waxing it i am turning 17 and wanted to know i anyone has any advice for me?
Hi. Im 13 nearly 14 (girl) and i have hair everywhere it really gets me down i dont have any confidence at all whenever im around people i always wear something that covers my arms and my shoulders even if its boiling hot my mom reckons im being silly and keeps saying no one cares what i look like but it really upsets me is there anything that can be done about it?
Hi I'm 17 yrs old (girl), when I was young I started puberty at a very young age as I got older its just got worse recently I've noticed excessive hair on my face,neck (a lot) my upper thighs have very dark thick hairs,belly button and hands. I'm currently employed and not only does this leave me with low self esteem and no confidence but I have so many things I want to do and don't won't to be dammed on because of hair I do think I have hirsutism. My ethnic background is white and black Caribbean I would really appreciate is you could help me to see what treatments doctors offer as my profession is very long hours and sometimes I don't have time to do all the shaving and waxing thank you.
Hi I'm 15 and I have dark hair all over me, my great granddad is from sicily so I have an olive skin tone, I have hair on my face that make me have side burns, a beard, hairy cheeks and moustache. I have long back hairs on my arms, hands and fingers. I have a hairy bum and more pubic hair then normal, I have dark hair on my shoulders back and feet and toes, belly, boobs and nipples I also suffer from acne on my back and it lowers my self confidence espeacially with boys, how do I get rid of it? Please help
Hello I am 13 and a half years old (a girl) and I have hair growing on my back, belly, arms and upper lip and it's so embrassing all my friends don't and I feel like a man. When people point it out I don't know what to say and I just go bright red and I start to feel little bit less confident every time! I can't go swimming as I am scared my friends will be embrassed or other people may stare and comment I also can't wear belly tops or even short tops...I also hate getting dressed in front of even my family for them to see it. It rules my life and I can't feel happy about the way I look! So I am hoping that u may know how to cure this? XXXXX
im 14 years old and i am hairy on my belly, lower back, inbetween my boobs, lip area, starting to get it near my sides of my face and arms. I'm so scared about the future, i'm scared if it will get worse and i dont know what to do. i havn't told my mum yet and not sure if i should. I'm fully british and both of my parents are english. Sometimes i notice my mum having a abit of lip hair so i was wondering if i got it from her. Please help me, thanks :)
Im a 15 year old girl and Im mixed race - my dads jamaican and my mums welsh. I have very very dark hair (and lots of it) all over my arms, belly, back, bum, chest, boobs and a little bit on my face but thats not very noticable. It is the most humiliating and depressing feeling in the world getting changed infront of my friends who seem to have blonde discreet hair or no hair at all. I am starting to get really fed up with this problem now and its getting me down big time. When I shave it makes it worse and itchy which leaves me in spots and hair removal isnt any better. Waxing strips are ok but getting it done professionally is better but so expensive! What do you all suggest?
I have the exact same problem, i'm in year 9 and am asian with hair all over my body apart from my palms! I have absolutely no self-esteem because of it. I want to tell my mum and go to a doctor but i am way too embarrassed. I'm hoping over time it will go, but for now i cant wear vest tops, or tops with low necks...
Is there any way laser hair treatment can be discounted as a student, as it is very costly, hair removal is so time consuming and practically is part of my everyday life. Having excessive hair is embarrassing, even with applying make-up friends stare. I am self conscious, and don't want this to hold back my chances in life :/ Help?
Hi Im 15, and I've suffered with excess hair problems for a long time. I started pubity at a very young age. I was probably the only one in my year to have underarm hair, which made me centre of attention at break and lunch times. As I've gotten older I've learnt to deal with the fact that I so god dam hairy! but at times Its really stressful. I have hair in-between my breasts and it makes me feel less feminine. I hate having to hide myself every time i get changed for pe. shaving, waxing and hair removal cream do anything for me, in fact they make the whole thing worse! I would really like to know if there are any treatments out there that can help with this problem, i would be kind if you replied to my comment. thanks ;)
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