QUESTIONS ABOUT EXCESSIVE FACIAL HAIR? HARVARD HEALTH PUBLISHING HAS ANSWERS.
What is the prognosis of hirsutism?
Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine
M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA
Hirsutism refers to excessive facial or body hair in women. The amount of hair you have is strongly influenced by the appearance of other women in your family and your ethnic background. All women produce some male hormones, called androgens. Androgens tend to stimulate hair growth in certain sites -- the mustache or chin area, around the nipples, in the midline of the lower abdomen and on the arms and legs. Excessive hair growth in these areas sometimes provides a clue that a woman is producing too much androgen or her skin is especially sensitive to normal levels of androgens. Medical treatments are available for women who have androgen-driven hirsutism. Cosmetic treatments can be very successful for excessive body and facial hair, no matter what the underlying cause.
→ Learn more about excessive facial hair: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.
→ See more questions and expert answers related to excessive facial hair.
What causes hirsutism in women, what are some ways to manage this condition?
Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine
M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA
Hirsutism is excessive hair growth in certain areas of a woman's face and body. It’s often caused high levels of androgens or abnormal stimulation of hair follicles even when androgen levels are normal. In some cases, the extra androgen comes from medications. For women who are overweight, losing weight may reduce androgen levels and improve hirsutism. For all women with hirsutism, cosmetic treatments and medical treatments that decrease the levels of androgens or their impact on hair follicles can be helpful.
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Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.
2024-04-16T08:40:54Z dg43tfdfdgfd