The endocrinologist explains the main causes and treatments of the condition that causes excessive hair growth
Summary
Hirsutism is a disorder that signals hormonal imbalances that can affect women’s mental health, as well as causing infertility. Treatment includes lifestyle changes, medications, or waxing, depending on the cause.
For years the topic of hair has been a demystified and widely discussed taboo among women, reflecting social and aesthetic concerns. However, when excessive hair growth is observed on female bodies, it may be a condition that transcends cultural or aesthetic discussion. Hirsutism is a disorder that not only challenges social norms, but signals possible imbalances that require medical monitoring.
According to Luciana Mela Umeda, endocrinologist and professor of Medicine at the University of São Paulo (UNICID), the main symptoms are increased hair on the back, face, upper lip, chin, around the nipples, on the buttocks and on the ‘abdomen. Generally the hair is abundant and thick, which can cause embarrassment and discomfort.
“There are various causes of hirsutism, among the most common we can mention genetic factors, which are linked to some specific ethnic groups such as the Mediterranean, Hispanic, South Asian or Middle Eastern; the use of drugs that contain corticosteroids and anabolic steroids, and hormonal changes such as polycystic ovary syndrome, obesity, insulin resistance, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Cushing’s syndrome, and some androgen-producing tumors,” explains.
Every case is different
Recognizing the diversity of causes of hirsutism, the approach to its treatment requires a holistic and individualized understanding of each case. If the patient shows signs of obesity, you need to focus on weight loss and lifestyle changes. If you suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the focus is on losing weight and taking medications that improve insulin resistance and stimulate ovulation.
“PCOS is a very widespread disease. We know that 70 to 80% of women with PCOS suffer from hirsutism. You may have difficulty getting pregnant due to difficulty ovulating, resistance to insulin action, and increased androgens. Therefore, there may be a strong correlation between hirsutism and infertility, and early treatment can reverse this outcome,” she says.
There are still other factors: tumor causes, in which it is necessary to identify the location of the tumor; from drugs, when the best solution is to suspend them, if possible; and in cases of genetic origin we recommend the use of hair removal, electrolysis or laser treatment.
If any of the symptoms are identified, the endocrinologist recommends seeing a medical specialist for treatment, as, if left untreated, hirsutism can affect mental health, leading to emotional stress, depression and anxiety.
Additionally, if caused by excess androgens (male hormones), they may experience difficulty getting pregnant (infertility), deep voice, decreased breast size, increased muscles and clitoris, and acne.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
