The most commonly used antiandrogen is spironolactone. Spironolactone may be recommended, in addition to the birth control pill, if excess hair growth does not improve adequately after taking a birth control pill for six months.
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).
Antiandrogen medicine.
This type of medicine can reduce your body's androgen levels. Or it may stop the effects of androgens on hair follicles. The most common type is spironolactone. The medicines can cause birth defects, so a woman must use birth control while taking them.
Studies show that too much vitamin A can contribute to hair loss, as can too much selenium, although more studies are needed to establish the latter relationship. Alopecia areata (AA) occurs when the immune system attacks the hair follicle. Studies have shown a relationship between AA and low vitamin D levels.
Various methods can address unwanted hair growth, including shaving, waxing, threading, depilatory creams, laser hair removal, and electrolysis.
Laser hair removal. The laser emits a beam of light, which the pigment (color) in your hair absorbs. Over time, this can destroy the hair follicle, so the hair cannot grow back. While it takes about 6 treatments from a dermatologist to destroy a follicle, the hair will grow back thinner and finer after each treatment.
Turmeric is a natural spice that is believed to have hair removal properties. It contains natural chemicals that may be able to slow or stop hair growth by weakening the hair roots.
Dr. Keene stresses that there is no scientific evidence that biotin supplements will promote hair growth in healthy patients, and there is no single supplement that would treat an unrelated cause of hair loss.
The only treatment that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) describe as permanent is electrolysis. Another method of hair removal that provides long lasting results is laser hair removal. However, some people need touch-up sessions to maintain the results.
You can reduce unwanted hair growth with the application of hair removal creams. However, in case of excessive hair growth, you may need to undergo laser treatments, electrolysis, or prescription creams that best suit your condition. Sometimes, you may also need hormonal treatment for any underlying health issues.
For one, drug use can interfere with your natural hair growth cycle. This condition is known as telogen effluvium, and occurs when your hair follicles are shifted into the rest phase of the hair growth cycle.
A thick head of hair is often a sign of a healthy scalp. So, when your locks become noticeably sparse, it could be a tell-tale sign of hypothyroidism. This glandular condition affects nearly five out of 100 Americans ages 12 and older and can be treated with thyroid medications.
Birth control that contains more androgens may shorten the hair growth phase and damage the hair follicles. In some people, this results in hair loss. Pills that have higher levels of androgens include: Triphasil/Tri-Levien.
The link between vitamin and mineral deficiencies and hair loss. You may experience hair loss if you are deficient in any of the vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy hair.
Electrolysis, which zaps hair follicles with electric current, is the only hair removal method the FDA calls permanent. It suits all hair types and ethnicities.
Is it really possible for hair to stop growing? Don't worry, there are only a few very specific cases where hair can truly stop growing: in the case of disease or substantial deficiencies (iron deficiency, for example), hormonal abnormalities, or due to use of certain medicines.
Many factors can slow down hair growth, including nutrition, stress, genetics, and hormones.
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.
Genetics
So once the hair reaches the end of its growth cycle, it stops growing and will either break off or shed. Genetics can also play a role in determining the concentration of your thyroid hormone, which can also affect your hair's ability to grow.