Why do I have excess hair, what is Hirsutism?
In some cases the body begins to produce excessive growth of facial or body hair. This is known as hirsutism. Hirsutism usually develops during puberty, though certain illnesses or medical treatments can cause it to occur at any stage in life. The condition is often genetic, or else related to hormonal changes within the body.
There are two types of hirsutism, known as idiopathic hirsutism and secondary hirsutism. When a person develops either type of hirsutism, hair follicles enlarge and the hairs become darker and thicker.
Idiopathic means that the cause of the condition is not completely known. It is suspected that this type of hirsutism may be hereditary, as there is often a family history of the condition. Other than the excessive growth of hair, people with this type of hirsutism show none of the symptoms associated with the other type of hirsutism.
Women with secondary hirsutism often present with irregular menstrual cycles. Occasionally, the growth of excessive hair is one of a series of ‘masculine’ traits that the woman may develop, including smaller breasts, larger muscles and a deeper voice than normal. The development of such male traits is thought to be due to an over-production of male hormones known as androgens. Secondary hirsutism is often associated with a hormonal disorder called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), which can also cause obesity and very irregular menstrual cycles. It can also be caused by the medical use of male hormones, or by certain glandular malfunctions.
Excess hair growth can have an effect on the confidence of many women, who feel they have to live with the condition on an everyday basis.
Due to the stronger direct 755nm penetration depth of the Alexandrite medical laser, this hair growth can be dramatically reduced and well controlled.
It is very hard to cure the excess growth completely as the hair is a side effect of the condition, however this laser is able to target and destroy the hair follicle, completely removing the root of the hair at the time of treatment, as well as debilatating future growth, so that the hair will return finer and much less noticeable. Medication will also help this condition considerably.