Living with Hirsutism and PCOS
The amount of body and facial hair a woman is ‘supposed’ to have is subjective, especially among different cultures and countries. However, if you are a woman who has hair in places that make you uncomfortable or self-conscious, you may have a condition called hirsutism.
What is Hirsutism?
Hirsutism is a condition in women that causes excess growth of thick, dark hair in places women don’t usually grow hair like the face, back, stomach, and chest. The hair tends to grow in places more typical of that of males because it is caused by the body producing more male hormones like testosterone than normal.
Hirsutism and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
The most common cause of hirsutism is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that causes reproductive hormones to become unbalanced. This can lead to irregular periods, fertility problems, and increased production of male hormones. Cysts may also form in the ovaries.
- Pelvic pain
- Acne
- Dark patches of skin
- Weight problems
- Thinning hair
- Abnormal hair growth
- Hirsutism Treatment
For hirsutism in women that is caused by hormonal disorders, certain medications like oral contraceptives can help balance your hormones. If these don’t work for you, you can try removing the unwanted hair.
Hair removal treatments and processes have come a long way thanks in part to western standards of beauty. At home, women can use a variety of hair removal products like waxing, tweezing, shaving, and hair removal creams. Many women use bleach to make the appearance of hair lighter and less noticeable.
At certain beauty salons and dermatologist offices, you may be able to get more permanent hair removal done through laser hair removal. While effective, laser hair removal can be cost-prohibitive. There are devices you can buy to laser hair at home, but these are not as powerful as professional devices.
Another option is using a prescription grade facial hair removal cream like Vaniqa eflornithine hydrochloride cream. Unlike store-bought hair removal creams, it is not a hair removal method. Instead, as you use Vaniqa your hair should grow back thinner and more slowly. Its active ingredient, eflornithine, works on the base of the hair follicle to slow down hair growth. You should start to see a difference within 2-4 months of starting it.
Contact us today to buy Vaniqa cream online in the UK.
Authored By
HARMINDER ‘HARMY’ KAUR
BSc(hons) Pharmacy
GPhC Number: 2061107
Reviewed By
GURDEV SEHMI
BSc Pharm, MRPharmS, Independent Prescriber, Superintendent Pharmacist, Clinical Lead
GPhC Number: 2050925