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Extra hair growth a problem?

If you notice some extra hair growth on your body in unexpected places not common for females, you might have hirsutism, pronounced (HUR-soot-iz-um).

Hirsutism, which is the growth of excessive hair and is known as female hirsutism, affects between 5 and 10 percent of all females. The percentage is even higher among women with polycystic ovary syndrome. However, women with Asian or African ancestry tend to experience hirsutism less often than women with European genealogy.

And if you suffer from this condition, you may experience an undesirable growth of hair in a male-like shape. This excessive or increased growth, which can be dark or coarse, grows on the face, back, and chest.

Females with mild hirsutism can see a significant amount of hair growth on their chin, upper lip, or sideburn area. The hair can also grow on the lower abdomen and around the nipples.

Women with advanced hirsutism can experience excessive hair growth on the upper abdomen, sternum, shoulders, and upper back. Although hirsutism often begins with puberty, the amount of hair growth differs from woman to woman.

 

 

Excessive hair growth

Woman with flowing red hair.

What causes hirsutism

Extra hair growth generally develops because of excess male hormones in females. These androgenic hormones are predominantly testosterone.

But other medical problems can lead to extra hair growth, including genetics, hormones, as well as lifestyle. Some significant causes of hirsutism are:

Polycystic ovary syndrome. (PCOS) can result in extra hair growth, often starting with the onset of puberty. It can cause an imbalance of sex hormones, according to the Mayo Clinic. Over time, PCOS can lead to excess hair growth, irregular periods, obesity, infertility, and sometimes cysts on the ovaries.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Women can inherit this condition which is identified by abnormal production of steroid hormones. These hormones, which are developed by your adrenal glands, can include cortisol and androgen,

Cushing syndrome. Excessive hair growth happens with exposure to high levels of the hormone cortisol. It can develop from your adrenal glands that produce too much cortisol or from medications such as prednisone over an extended time.

Medications. Some medications can lead to hirsutism. Medications include:

minoxidil (Minoxidil, Rogaine);

danazol, which treats women with endometriosis;

testosterone (Androgel, Testim);

dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

Females can also experience excessive hair growth from topical products containing androgens. These topical products are through skin-to-skin contact.

 

Family genes and excess hair growth

 

Other factors, however, can lead to hirsutism. Among them are congenital adrenal hyperplasia and polycystic ovary syndrome, which females can inherit.

Females of Mediterranean, South Asian, and Middle Eastern backgrounds tend to experience more body hair with no clear-cut cause than other women.

Obesity is also a contributor. Excessive body fat can cause increased androgen production, which heightens hirsutism in some women.

 

Hirsutism treatment

 

Excessive hair growth in some women can cause a lot of emotional turmoil and can zap your confidence and undermine your self-esteem. Some women will feel self-conscious, and others will develop depression.

And although hirsutism is not preventable, it can be treated. Treatments include using medication, creams, waxing, plucking, shaving, depilation, bleaching, laser therapy, and electrolysis. And if you are overweight. Losing weight might help reduce hirsutism.

Laser Therapy

Many women suffering from excessive hair have turned to laser hair removal for help. Laser therapy can be a successful treatment option, but the hair can grow back. It is safe and effective.

Other treatments include:

Medication

Medication is also a treatment option for excessive hair growth. According to the Mayo Clinic, medication treatment can take up to six months, the lifespan of a hair follicle, before you see any significant results.

Medications include oral contraceptives and anti-androgens.

Topical Cream

Then there is also topical cream that your doctor can prescribe for excessive hair in women. The cream helps decrease new hair growth but does not get rid of existing hair.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis, a permanent hair removal option, is a popular option for getting rid of unwanted hair. And it has been around since the Civil War. This treatment involves inserting a tiny probe into each hair follicle and trigger a pulse of electric current to damage and destroy the follicle. You will need several treatments. There will be some pain, but a numbing skin cream can reduce any discomfort.

At Alpha Electrolysis, our trained nurse and electrolysis specialist treats men, women, and members of the transgender community who want to get rid of unwanted or excessive hair. Call us today for a free consultation.

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Local Hair Removal for Transgenders

 Quality permanent hair removal services for members of the transgender community can be hard to find in some Connecticut towns and cities. And this lack of electrolysis services can make everyday living even tougher for our trans family members. 

Nationwide, transgenders are already fighting discrimination in a host of areas, including education, the workplace, healthcare, as well as housing. Their mental health experiences have led to anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. And in the U.S., 45 percent of transgenders have attempted suicide, a massive number compared to 4.6 percent of the overall population. 

A U.S. transgender survey in 2015 revealed that 20 percent of Connecticut trans residents who had a job in the previous year were mistreated based on their gender identity or expression during that year. The survey also said our transgender citizens were forced to use a restroom that did not match their gender identity. And they are often told they have to assume the wrong gender to keep their job. 

Transgender Hair Removal 

 

Alpha Electrolysis, a Wallingford-based clinic, is a convenient and local permanent hair removal facility for transgenders as well as other individuals – men, and women – seeking to get rid of unwanted hair.

“We understand the commitment it takes to make a gender transition,” says Patricia Mitchell, owner and trained nurse of Alpha Electrolysis.  

“We provide a safe and non-judgmental place for the transgender community. We welcome all clients.”  So, if you are looking for electrolysis treatment, we offer a comprehensive and top-level transgender-friendly electrolysis treatment that is near you.

We perform permanent hair removal services, regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. At Alpha Electrolysis, we are also accessible to individuals with disabilities. Our clinic is modern and outfitted with state-of-the-art electrolysis equipment to best cater to the needs of all our clients. 

 Entire Body Hair Removal for Trans

 

We permanently remove hair from the entire body for members of the transgender community – face, back, genitals, back of the neck, outer ears, hands, eyebrows, chest, shoulder, buttock, and bikini line hair. We also remove hair from the armpits, abdomen, legs, arms, and feet. 

Alpha Electrolysis clinicians work on all types of hair. Electrolysis treats all hair types. And it works just as well for light to dark hair, blonde, red, gray, or black hair. Electrolysis also permanently gets rid of hormonal hair. 

Is Electrolysis Permanent? 

 

The question of whether electrolysis is a permanent hair removal process comes up frequently. The answer is yes, electrolysis is permanent.  

Here is how it works. Electrolysis removes the hair one at a time. The process is not a one-shot deal; a client has to return for several sessions. The number of sessions depends on the length of each treatment session. 

During a treatment session, an electrolysis professional uses a device that destroys the growth center of the hair with either chemical or heat energy. The clinician then inserts a probe into the hair follicle and pulls out the hair. The follicle will not grow back; it is now dead.  

And, the Food and Drug Administration and the American Medical Association say electrolysis is the only permanent process we have for removing hair.  

 

When do trans need electrolysis?  

Like everyone looking to get rid of unwanted hair, members of the transgender community need access to hair removal services. And if they are preparing for transition surgery, electrolysis becomes even more crucial and necessary. Contact us now for a free consultation, Alpha Electrolysis is the transgender-friendly electrolysis near you.

Alpha Electrolysis, which is based in Wallingford, CT, also serves clients in Cheshire, Branford, Durham, New Haven, North Haven, Cromwell, Rocky Hill. Berlin, Southington, and West Hartford. 

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