See your doctor for assessment if over a few months you experience severe or rapid hair growth on your face or body or signs of virilization. You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in hormone disorders (endocrinologist) or skin problems (dermatologist).
Dermaplaning is a super popular treatment that's done in office with a medical professional (like a medical esthetician or a dermatologist). It helps remove unwanted facial hair and exfoliates the skin. But should you shave your face at home?
Eflornithine (Vaniqa) is a prescription cream specifically for excessive facial hair in women. It's applied directly to the affected area of your face twice a day. It helps slow new hair growth but doesn't get rid of existing hair. It can be used with laser therapy to enhance the response.
Hirsutism or excessive hair growth: Often visible on the face, chest and back, excessive hair growth in women is typically caused by hormones, like excess male hormones or low estrogen levels. An endocrinologist can successfully treat this condition with medication.
Dietary supplements that contain vitamins B6 and E are also believed to help get rid of unwanted hair growth in the facial areas. For one, vitamin B6 is thought to help lower testosterone in women and inhibit prolactin hormone production.
Electrolysis is very painful.
For most people, today's methods don't cause a lot of pain, but it can hurt. If you find it too uncomfortable, your doctor may be able to give you an anesthetic cream.
Treatments for hirsutism
a prescription cream to slow hair growth on your face (eflornithine cream) taking a contraceptive pill if you've not been through the menopause yet – this can help control hormone levels.
If you suspect you may have a hormonal condition
Certain medical conditions like thyroid disorder and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause hormonal imbalances. So, if you are suspecting that you might have a hormonal disorder, it is essential to first approach an endocrinologist.
Untreated hirsutism can be associated with considerable loss of self-esteem and psychological morbidity. Hyperandrogenemia is the key trigger for excess hair growth. Polycystic ovary syndrome and idiopathic hirsutism are the most common cause of hirsutism.
Eflornithine is used to slow the growth of unwanted hair on the face in women, usually around the lips or under the chin. Eflornithine works by blocking a natural substance that is needed for hair to grow and is located in your hair follicle (the sac where each hair grows).
Weight loss is often the first step in treating hirsutism. Losing even 5% of your body weight can lower your androgen levels and stop excessive hair growth.
Sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone eventually get better as a woman ages, which eases her PCOS. However, increased androgen levels in the body of a woman persist, and Hirsutism continues even after menopause. Symptoms like unwanted facial hair, body hair, and balding worsen with age.
See your doctor for assessment if over a few months you experience severe or rapid hair growth on your face or body or signs of virilization. You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in hormone disorders (endocrinologist) or skin problems (dermatologist).
Electrolysis, in which an electrical current is used to destroy hair follicles, “is the one true permanent way to remove hair,” Davis says.
Hirsutism usually begins around puberty, but mild hirsutism can start at any age. Most women gradually develop more facial or body hair with age. Hypertrichosis is an excessive quantity of hair in a normal location.
The takeaway: There are a limited number of endocrinologists practicing in the U.S., so getting an appointment with one can be tricky, but a referral from your primary care doctor or gynecologist may help.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy among women of reproductive age, impacting 5-10% of premenopausal American women. During the reproductive years, women with PCOS seek medical attention related to infertility, hirsutism, and acne.
Our Division of Endocrinology specialists offer the most advanced therapies for endocrine disorders. We're here to provide you with comprehensive care. Medically reviewed by Ajay Sood, M.D. on Sep.
Dermatologists offer treatment for unwanted hair
Dermatologists offer laser hair removal treatments, which can permanently remove hair, except for on a woman's face.
Vellus hair (peach fuzz) is fine, short hair that grows all over your body, including your face, stomach, arms and legs. Vellus hair helps regulate your body temperature and protects your skin. Excess vellus hair growth can be a sign of some health conditions, such as Cushing syndrome.
Electrolysis is not as popular as laser hair removal for a few reasons: Longer Treatment Time: As mentioned, treating each hair follicle individually makes electrolysis take much longer. Laser hair removal often takes 10 minutes or less for smaller areas.
Electrolysis Cost
For a full body treatment, you're looking at roughly $35 to $100 per hour. Because each hair is treated one at a time, it takes many sessions. You might spend 15 to 30 hours in total. This means the full cost could be anywhere from $525 to $3,000.
The most common side effects after an electrolysis session are slight redness, tenderness, and swelling. These are all temporary side effects. Don't apply anything to your skin unless specifically instructed to do so.