Hirsutism (hairiness)
Excess hairiness is caused by higher than normal levels of androgens, the male hormone present in all women. Treatments for this can include one of more of the following:
- Bleaching
- Plucking or shaving
- Electrolysis
- Weight loss if you are overweight, which corrects the underlying hormone problem
- The contraceptive Pill
- Cyproterone acetate
- Spironolactone
All hirsutism treatments must be continued for between 8 and 18 months before a response can be expected, due to the slow rate of hair growth. At that time, electrolysis or other removal techniques can be performed to remove the unwanted hairs already present, and less return growth can be expected.
Go to Treatment: newer insulin-sensitising agents
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