Unwanted Facial Hair
Unwanted Facial Hair
About Unwanted Facial Hair
Hirsutism is the medical term for excessive hair growth in females that appears in much the same pattern as seen in men, on the chin, lips, and neck. Excessive hair growth in women is very common, and one of the most important things to understand is that you are not alone.
What are the most common causes of excessive facial hair?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects between 3% and 15% of women irrespective of their ethnic background.[i] [ii]
Iatrogenic: Certain medications can cause hirsutism or the excessive growth of facial hair. For example, cyclosporine, diazoxide, glucocorticoids, phenytoin and minoxodil are known to be associated with the growth of unwanted facial hair. [iii]
Menopause: Some women may develop unwanted facial hair after menopause because of the hormonal changes during menopause that cause a reduction in estrogen in the body. Facial hair growth may be particularly evident in women who are not taking an oral form of hormone replacement. [iv]
Idiopathic: In some cases the cause is unknown and can affect up to 15% of women who have unwanted facial hair. [v]
References
[i] Knochenhauer es, Key TJ, Kahsar-miller M, Waggoner W, boots LR, Azziz R Prevalence of the polycystic ovary syndrome in unselected black and white women of the southeastern united states: A prospective study. J Clin Endocrin Metab 1998; 83: 3078-82.of women, regardless of their ethnic background. Of these women, between 70% and 80% suffer from excessive hair growth or hirsutism.
[ii] Azziz R. The evaluation and management of hirsutism. Obstet Gynecol 2003;101(5)1:995-1007.
[iii] Rittmaster Rs. Hirsutism. Lancet 1997; 349: 191-5.
[iv] Azziz R. The evaluation and management of hirsutism. Obstet Gynecol 2003;101(5)1:995-1007
The psychological burden of Unwanted Facial Hair
Treating unwanted facial hair is about more than hair removal. It should come as no surprise to the many women affected by excessive facial hair growth that the unwanted hair is only one part of the challenge. When discussing this with your physician you need to be honest about how you feel, not only physically, but emotionally, socially and psychologically. He or she will be able to confirm that you are not alone and that your feelings are valid. Studies report that the anxiety and depression associated with excessive facial hair can affect quality of life in the same way as a diagnosisof gynecological or breast cancer.[i]
Treating unwanted facial hair has been shown to help restore confidence and contribute to the overall well-being of those who are affected by it. [ii]
Check out www.unwantedfacialhair.ca for more information on unwanted facial hair.