Excess hair, what is it and what can you do?

Hypertrichosis is the medical term for excessive hair growth. This can happen to anyone. When there is excessive hair in a woman according to a male hair pattern, this is called hirsutism. Think of hair in the face, in the pubic area, abdomen or legs. Although this is not a rare phenomenon, it can cause a lot of embarrassment.

WHAT IS EXCESS HAIR?

Excessive hair is common. It can have different causes and forms and can bring a lot of embarrassment. With excess hair, there are more hairs than usual and they are often thicker and darker. Two types of excess hair can be distinguished:

Hypertrichosis

Excess Hair Overbeharing

Hypertrichosis is a condition characterized by excessive hair growth in areas of the body where hair normally grows. It is important to know that hypertrichosis is different from hirsutism, because in hypertrichosis, hair growth can occur on parts of the body where it normally does not occur, such as on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

There are several forms of hypertrichosis, including congenital hypertrichosis, hirsutism-like hypertrichosis, and non-congenital hypertrichosis. Congenital hypertrichosis is a rare form of hypertrichosis that is present at birth and can be inherited. Hirsutism-like hypertrichosis is more common in women and is caused by an increased production of male hormones, such as testosterone. Non-congenital hypertrichosis can be caused by medication, hormonal fluctuations, and other factors.

Hypertrichosis can have a major impact on patients’ quality of life, as it can lead to feelings of shame and insecurity. Therefore, it is important to know that there are treatments available for hypertrichosis. Depending on the cause of the hypertrichosis, treatment can range from medication to hair removal with laser or electric epilation.

Hirsutism

Hirsutism is a medical condition characterized by excessive hair growth in women in areas where little or no hair normally grows. This can include the face, chest, back, abdomen, and thighs. This excessive hair growth is caused by an increased production of male hormones, such as testosterone, in the female body.

Hirsutism can be a big problem for women, mainly because it can lead to feelings of shame and insecurity. In addition, it can also lead to social and psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression. It is important to know that hirsutism is not dangerous, but it can be treated.

Several treatment options are available for women with hirsutism. One of the most common treatments is the use of medications such as anti-androgens and oral contraceptives. These drugs decrease the production of male hormones and may reduce hair growth.

In addition to medication, cosmetic treatments are also possible, such as hair removal with laser or electric epilation. These treatments can cause permanent hair loss, but are generally more expensive than medications and can be uncomfortable.

Women with hirsutism can also make changes to their diet and lifestyle to reduce their symptoms. Limiting sugar and carbohydrate consumption and increasing protein and fiber intake can help regulate hormones and reduce hair growth.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF EXCESSIVE HAIR?

Excessive hair can have various causes.

  1. Genetics: Some people naturally have more hair than others. This may be due to genetic factors. For example, in the family, both men and women, there may be several who have excessive hair. This often starts to play up after puberty.
  2. Hormones: Excessive hair can be caused by an excessive production of male hormones such as testosterone. This can occur in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). There are cysts on the ovaries that produce too much male hormones. Women with PCOS are also more likely to suffer from acne, obesity and irregular periods. In men with a condition known as hypertrichosis.
  3. Medications: Some medications can have excessive hair growth as a side effect.
    • Anabolic steroids: These are often used to promote muscle growth and are sometimes abused by athletes. The use of these drugs can lead to excessive hair growth.
    • Minoxidil: This is a drug used to treat hair loss. However, a side effect of minoxidil can be excessive hair growth.
    • Cyclosporine: This is an immunosuppressant used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs. A side effect of cyclosporine can be excessive hair growth.
    • Phenytoin: This is a barbiturate used to treat epileptic seizures. A side effect of phenytoin can be excessive hair growth.
  4. Age: As we age, hormone levels can change, allowing more hair to grow.
  5. Other conditions: Excessive hair can also be caused by other conditions, such as Cushing’s syndrome and underactive thyroid.

A cause is not always found for the excessive hair growth. So it can be an isolated phenomenon.

Now that you are here

Many women suffer from facial hair growth under the influence of hormones. These are often stiff hairs. Because the laser only picks up dark hairs, there is electric epilation for blonde, gray, white and red hair. A thin needle is inserted into the hair follicle per hair, which gives off heat to the hair root. This is damaged in this way and ensures that the hair can no longer grow back. In this blog we will discuss what electric epilation entails and how it can be used when laser hair removal is not effective. More about: Electric epilation, if laser hair removal is not possible

Picture of Dr. Francis Wu

Dr. Francis Wu

Dr. Francis Wu, een vooraanstaande dermatoloog, is de drijvende kracht achter Iconic Elements. Hij heeft sinds 2004 zijn expertise ingezet om een veilige en effectieve huidverzorgingslijn te creëren, geschikt voor zowel gezonde huid als huidproblemen. Iconic Elements, opgericht in 2016, is de eerste brede skincare lijn in Nederland ontwikkeld door een dermatoloog. Als medisch specialist streeft Dr. Wu naar het bevorderen van het welzijn van mensen door hoogwaardige en effectieve huidverzorgingsproducten te bieden. De proefdiervrije en vegan producten vermijden schadelijke chemicaliën en bevatten natuurlijke ingrediënten.
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
WhatsApp
Iconopedia nieuwsbrief

Nieuwsbrief

Schrijf je in op onze nieuwsbrief voor meer informatie over huidverzorging en exclusieve voordelen.