Excess hair

Evaluation of Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism)

Excessive hair growth (hirsutism) in women is usually an undesirable symptom. It can often be associated with infertility or irregular menstruation due to anovulation, but it often occurs with no menstrual or ovulatory disturbance. Excessive hair growth can make a women take on masculine features and may be associated with mild levels of "male-hormone" elevation or even normal levels.

If I have a lot of hair on my body, does that mean I have too much male hormone in my system?

The number of hairs per unit of skin is fixed by heredity. The number and location of your sweat glands and hair follicles is determined by your ethnic background. There are two types of hairs: vellus hairs

- short, fine non-pigmented hairs that have not responded to hormones terminal hairs

- long, coarse and pigmented hairs responsive to hormonal influence

If genetically you have a lot of hairs all over your arms and legs, such as in women of Mediterranean background, this is called hypertrichosis. It is not due to too many hormones but is just the way you were born.

Excess androgen hormones make terminal hairs heavier and thicker. Sometimes they can also make the fine vellus hairs convert to terminal hairs. Once the vellus hairs convert, lowering the hormonal levels will not make them go back to fine, vellus hairs. Once that happens, removal of the hair by depilatory creams, waxing, sugaring; or the entire follicle by electrolysis or Intense Pulsed Light is the only way to stop the excess growth.

At The Cheshire Image Clinic we use the Energist Ultra Intense Pulsed Light System to remove unwanted hair. This treatment gives permanent hair reduction. It is safe, effective and takes very little time. The Cheshire Image Clinic is registered with The Commission for Healthcare, Audit and Inspection, which means that the standards set by that commission have been met at this establishment. The Cheshire Image Clinic team will ensure you have a comfortable patient experience following a full consultation which will address all of your needs and concerns..