What is Hirsutism?

Hirsutism is when you have too much hair growing in certain areas of your body. It mostly affects people who are born female. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is one condition that can cause hirsutism, but the exact cause is not always known. Treatments can include losing weight, taking medicine, and using different ways to remove hair.

What are the symptoms of hirsutism?

Depending on the cause, symptoms of hirsutism can include:

• Sudden changes in the colour, thickness, growth rate, or distribution of hair.
• A lot of body hair on the face, back, stomach, inner thighs, and buttocks, which are areas where men usually have more hair.

Other signs and symptoms could be:

• Scalp hair loss
• Skin problems, such as oily skin or acne
• Dark, thick patches of skin in body folds
• An unexpected increase in sexual desire
• Changes like a deeper voice or more muscle, which are usually seen in men
• Missing or erratic menstrual cycles
• Elevated insulin
• Missed or irregular periods

What are the causes of hirsutism?

If you have hirsutism, talk to your doctor. It can be caused by health problems that can be treated. It can be related to problems with the ovaries and can also cause symptoms like irregular periods and acne.

Additionally, there may not always be a clear cause. In rare cases, hirsutism may result from:

• Certain medications
• Using steroids for anabolism
• Other hormonal disorders, such as acromegaly and Cushing's syndrome
• A tumor influencing your hormonal balance
• If you have lighter, finer hair on your body or face, it's most likely not hirsutism. As women age, especially after menopause, they tend to have more of this kind of hair.

How is hirsutism diagnosed?

Depending on the underlying reason, hirsutism's symptoms and signs can include:

• Past medical history
• The physical examination
• Particular inquiries, such as whether hairiness appeared gradually or suddenly
• Checking body hair using a standard scoring method

Your doctor may conduct several tests to determine whether you have hirsutism, such as:

• Hormone levels can be checked via blood testing.
• Ultrasound tests of the uterus and ovaries.
• X-rays to check your adrenal glands and ovaries and to rule out other problems.
• Thyroid function tests
• Different scans to look for tumors that make extra male hormones.

What are the treatment options for hirsutism?

The cause of your hirsutism will decide how it is treated. You might need to see a gynecologist and a hormone specialist, along with your regular doctor, because they focus on hormone problems.

Options for treatment could be:

• Medicines that block the effects of male hormones
• Medicines that lower your body's ability to make male hormones
• Medicines like birth control pills that help stop the ovaries from making male hormones
• Insulin treatments if you have high insulin levels
• For women in need of contraception and assistance with menstrual cycle management
• Surgery to remove an adrenal or ovarian tumor, along with taking birth control pills for six months, can greatly reduce unwanted hair growth.

By doing the following, you may take care of yourself at home:

• If you think the side effects you have are from your medicine, talk to your doctor. Some side effects of medicines that block male hormones are weight gain, feeling tired, and feeling upset. Your doctor may change your medicine or how much you take.
• Medical treatment cannot remove unwanted hair completely, so you may need to use cosmetic methods like laser treatment, electrolysis, hair removal creams, or waxing to get rid of the hair.
• If you want to slow down hair growth, you can try a prescription cream. You need to use it often, and it may take up to two months to work. Two out of three women say the cream does not work for them.
• Losing weight can naturally lower the amount of male hormones your body makes, which may help if PCOS is the cause of hirsutism.
• Be patient during treatment. It can take up to four years for the best results, and you might not see changes for up to a year. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Is hirsutism preventable?

Yes, depending on the cause, you can lower your chance of getting hirsutism by losing weight with a healthy diet and regular exercise. This can help lower your risk if you have PCOS.

See your doctor about ways to lower your risk of developing hirsutism if you take any medications that may contribute to the condition.

When should you visit a doctor?

If you believe that the adverse effects you're experiencing are related to your medicine, consult your doctor. Among the negative effects of anti-androgen medications are fatigue, depression, and weight gain. Your doctor may change the drug you take or the dosage.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Hirsutism treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Hirsutism treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced gynecologists and endocrinologists, known as some of the best doctors for hormonal health care. We provide accurate diagnosis through hormonal tests and imaging, personalized medical treatment, and cosmetic management options when required. Our women’s health team has decades of experience in successfully treating Hirsutism in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Hirsutism treatment in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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