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With the advent of laser technology in cosmetology, many procedures have become easy to perform. The word “laser” is an acronym (a type of abbreviation), which in the Russian language has long become an independent word. Literally, "laser" means a high-energy light source that can be focused and converted into a highly targeted beam. One of the methods of laser technology in cosmetology is laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal is one of the fastest and most effective ways to remove excess hair once and for all. In just a few procedures you can achieve smooth and soft skin on almost any area of ​​the face and body. If all requirements for the procedure are met, it is completely safe and does not cause harm to health. You can do it in the network of laser hair removal salons Lachance.

Pros and cons of laser hair removal

Under the influence of a laser beam passing along the hair shaft, cells containing melanin are heated and the hair follicle is subsequently destroyed. In this case, the skin is not damaged, but is slightly heated and cools quickly. Laser hair removal allows you to remove only those hairs that have grown 3-5 mm and are visible on the surface, that is, they are in the active growth phase (anagen). But there are always “spare” or dormant hair follicles that enter the anagen phase after the procedures, so several sessions are required to completely remove unwanted hair.

Like every procedure, this method and its use immediately revealed pros and cons that you should be aware of before the sessions. The main disadvantage of laser hair removal is the mandatory contrast of hair and skin so that the melanin contained in the hair, and not in the skin, absorbs laser radiation.

So, for example, in the case of dark hair on dark skin or light (red) hair on light skin, the desired effect is practically not achieved. To obtain the effect, you need dark (dark brown) hair on light skin, then the laser beam will be absorbed by the hair. But today it is possible to solve these problems; to do this, you just need to select the necessary type of laser exposure. The latest generation laser systems operate on a diode laser, the range of which covers both any skin type and any hair color (except gray hair). Unfortunately, there are not many centers offering diode laser hair removal services. One of these is the Epilas hardware cosmetology center.

A relative disadvantage is the cost of the procedure, but if you consider that the effect of laser hair removal is the complete absence of hair, then the disadvantage may seem like a big advantage.

What are the advantages?

• No severe pain during the procedure.
• No damage to the skin in the form of scars.
• Long-lasting effect after the course (up to 6 years), and in the case of ideal hair-skin contrast - getting rid of it forever.
• Short duration of the hair removal session.

Preparation for laser hair removal and its implementation

The preparation consists of the fact that the patient needs to grow hair by at least 3-5 mm (in areas where other methods of hair removal or depilation were previously used). The choice of a length of 3-5 mm is also not accidental, since it is in this case that the effectiveness and painlessness of the procedure can be guaranteed.

Small areas of the skin are irradiated with a laser for a certain period of time. So, for example, the mustache area is treated for only 10-12 minutes, the bikini area – 10-15 minutes, and so on. The maximum time it takes to treat the surface of the thighs is 1 hour.

In patients with a high pain threshold, laser hair removal can be performed without anesthesia, but there are patients with a low pain threshold who cannot tolerate even a little pain. In this case, the affected area is treated with lidocaine gel.

In addition, modern laser machines are equipped with attachments that cool the skin during manipulation, which reduces its sensitivity. During hair removal, your eyes should be protected with dark glasses.

Results after a course of procedures

What undesirable consequences may occur?

Many patients, and especially men, are interested not only in the question of possible pain, but also in the consequences of this procedure. The occurrence of undesirable consequences of laser hair removal depends on the sensitivity of the skin and the presence of allergic reactions in the patient. In these cases, hyperemia may occur on the skin, which disappears within a few days.

In addition to redness, patients sometimes complain of swelling or bruising, as well as burn marks in the form of blisters. There are two reasons for this - recent and intense tanning, and the unprofessionalism of the cosmetologist. Both reasons are completely removable. Tanned skin has already received a large dose of ultraviolet radiation, and another stream of light can damage it, so the procedure cannot be carried out after tanning.

In the second case, an undesirable outcome can be prevented if you approach the choice of a salon and specialist, guided by the experience of the cosmetologist and the level of his professionalism, and not by a cheap and affordable price.

Mention should be made of patients with increased skin hair caused by hormonal imbalances. In order for laser or any other type of hair removal to help cope with the problem, you need to eliminate its original source, namely hormonal imbalance. Otherwise, the hair will grow again, even after several sessions. Using a laser, you can only achieve soft hairs (for hirsutism).

What not to do after?

To avoid swelling and redness, the cosmetologist immediately after laser hair removal applies a special product that reduces skin irritation. It is also necessary to apply cream or lotion to the skin for several days to nourish and soften it. Even if burn marks appear (which is very rare), a special healing ointment (bepanten, panthenol and others) should be used. If all instructions are followed, complications disappear within 7-10 days.

• Sunbathe in the sun and visit the bathhouse, sauna and solarium.
• Take antibiotics, hormonal drugs, antipsychotics, sulfonamides and other medications.
• Peel off scabs from burns to avoid areas of hyperpigmentation or scars.
• Go outside in sunny weather without applying sunscreen with SPF protection of at least 30 units.

Types of lasers for hair removal

The main difference in laser systems used in cosmetology is the wavelength. It is the wavelength that determines the final result and the desired effect.

1. Hair removal with diode laser (diode laser hair removal). The wavelength of the diode laser is 810 nm. It is used not only for hair removal with any skin type, but also for the treatment of hirsutism (coarse hair) and hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth). At the same time, coarse hair becomes soft and invisible, and soft hair disappears.
2. Laser hair removal with alexandrite laser. Wavelength – no more than 755 nm. Its use is epilation of blond and red hair, especially if the skin is highly sensitive. Another use is for areas of hyperpigmentation.
3. Laser hair removal with neodymium laser. The wavelength of this laser is 1063 nm, and the laser beam contains infrared light. Area of ​​application: hair removal of dark hair on dark or tanned skin, as well as removal of rosacea (network of capillaries), etc.
4. Ruby laser. The wavelength is 694 nm. Area of ​​application: hair removal of dark hair on light skin, as well as removal of pigmentation and tattoos made with multi-colored and rich paints.

FAQ:

• Photoepilation or laser hair removal: which is better? Photoepilation is a laser treatment method that uses rays of a wide spectrum of waves - from 400 to 1200 nm. The procedures are similar to each other, but photoepilation is a more universal method and is used where a more intense level of exposure is required.
• Electrolysis or laser hair removal: what to choose? These are completely different procedures with which you can achieve the desired effect. Electrolysis is more suitable for patients with fair skin and light (red) hair.
• Is laser hair removal performed during pregnancy? It is best not to carry out any manipulations during pregnancy, including even the most harmless cosmetic ones. This is due to the fact that long-term results after them are not monitored in women and children, and during pregnancy, interference in the natural process of pregnancy is traditionally reduced to zero.
• Is laser hair removal harmful? The laser hair removal procedure is no more harmful than visiting a solarium.
• Does hair really disappear forever? Yes, but for this the skin must be light and the hair dark, so that a contrast is formed between them and all the rays are absorbed by dark hair with a high content of melanin pigment.
• How many procedures do you need to do to completely remove hair? The number of procedures in each case is determined by the cosmetologist strictly individually. To remove small hair, 1 to 3 procedures are enough, and for strong hair growth, 6 to 10 sessions may be required.
• Which laser is best for hair removal? The type of laser is selected individually in each case, taking into account skin type, color and hair condition.

Video of laser hair removal

Alexandrite laser

Video: Diode laser hair removal

Many women are concerned about the problem of unwanted hair in the upper lip area. The reasons for this phenomenon primarily include hormonal disorders, hereditary factors, national-ethnic origin, as well as abuse of shaving or plucking hairs in this area. There are many processes occurring in the female body that can serve as a trigger for hair growth above the upper lip. These include: puberty, pregnancy, taking hormonal medications and oral contraceptives.

The only difference from laser hair removal of other localizations is that you do not need to specifically shave your hair before the procedure, if you have not previously removed hair above the upper lip using other methods (shaving, plucking, waxing, etc.)

Features of laser hair removal of the upper lip:

• A hormone-dependent zone, therefore difficult to correct with elevated testosterone levels and other hormonal disorders;
• It is not recommended to shave hair before the procedure or remove it in any other way;
• Carrying out procedures in the summer is excluded, since there is a risk of pigmentation when exposed to sunlight;
• Vellus hair cannot be removed by light hair removal methods;
• The number of procedures can reach 10-15 with an interval of 1 time per month and mandatory maintenance sessions;

Laser hair removal is the most effective and safe method of removing hair on the upper lip

After completing the full course of procedures, you will forget about embarrassment when they look at your face. Immediately after the session, in some cases, hyperemia (redness of the skin) is observed locally. In this situation, it is recommended to use creams and ointments with a soothing and regenerating effect (panthenol, bepanthen, etc.). Between sessions, it is mandatory to use sunscreen with a high protection factor. After all, the face is exposed to the sun's rays more than other parts of the body.

Considering that the upper lip area is hormone-dependent, laser hair removal helps get rid of unwanted hair, but does not eliminate the cause of hair growth in this area. Therefore, consultation with an endocrinologist is recommended for a comprehensive approach to the problem.

Concluding the series of articles about pharmacological agents that doctors can prescribe for women with hirsutism, I would like to separately talk about oral contraceptives (OCs) in general. When I was a teenager, they were already prescribed for everything from painful periods to teenage acne. Now gynecologists have begun to promote the point of view that OCs are also an excellent means for “preserving” one’s reproductive potential, preventing cancer, fibroids and endometriosis.

The management tactics for women with hirsutism are limited to either advice to give birth as soon as possible or taking OCs. In general, doctors can also understand: hirsutism in itself, and one in 10 women. And even if it is possible to diagnose all hormonal diseases associated with hirsutism, traditional medicine cannot treats, and compensates by taking exogenous drugs. One more pill, one less - in the end, OK was invented for all women. It is difficult to overcome the temptation not to consider them completely safe. However, OCs were used so widely that over 50 years, a lot of clinical data has accumulated on the health of which organs a woman pays for sex without a condom. Even the newest OK, so-called. third generation contraceptives or natural oral contraceptives increase the risk of thromboembolism (including stroke).

How do contraceptives affect hairiness?

All OCs consist of two components - progestin and estradiol. Each of these components affects the amount of androgens in the female body. Estradiol(usually the potent ethyline estradiol) can increase sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels, which reduces free testosterone concentrations. Progestin the component lowers luteinizing hormone (LH) in the pituitary gland, as a result of which the production of androgens by the ovaries is reduced. Some of the progestins used in OCs can also reduce the production of androgens by the adrenal glands. However, not all progestins are equally effective in androgen suppression. Some of them are able to bind to androgen receptors and, on the contrary, activate them so that the beard grows even thicker.

In the treatment of hirsutism, preference is given to progestins with an antiandrogenic effect, which is realized due to:

1. Ability to bind to androgen receptors and activate them with less efficiency than androgens (,);
2. The ability to inhibit the enzyme 5α-reductase, which is involved in the conversion of free testosterone into the active form - dihydrotestosterone (the same +, 3rd generation progestins (destoden, norgestimate)).

There is a separate material on the website about each of these progestins, which you can read by following the links. The most effective are OCs based on cyproterone and drospirenone; after a year of taking OCs, women scored half as much on the Ferriman-Galloway scale. It is believed that if after a year of using the OC it was not possible to achieve a noticeable effect, the diagnosis was made incorrectly. Then they try to use or combine them with OK.

If hirsutism is combined with obesity, OCs cease to be so effective: the level of free testosterone decreases slightly, and the level of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) does not change at all compared to women without metabolic abnormalities. According to guidelines for the management of women with PCOS (usually combined with obesity), only 10% of women notice a decrease in hair growth as a result of taking OCs. Some studies, however, refute this point of view, showing that OCs also work in obesity.

In studies of the effectiveness of OCs in the treatment of hirsutism, a noticeable effect occurs after six months of continuous use. This is due to: hair is sensitive to androgens in the stage of active growth (anagen), so changes can be judged only after the hair that had grown back before taking OCs falls out. The length of the cycle also varies in different parts of the body. There is not a single study where women were observed for more than a year. After discontinuation of OCs, androgen levels begin to gradually recover.

Pharmacological therapy for hirsutism is not always preferable. Both laser hair removal works only on hair that is in the active growth stage, so if you begin to suppress the secretion of androgens with OK, then it will take you longer to process all the follicles.

Problems with taking oral contraceptives

The first six months after starting to take OCs are the most dangerous in terms of side effects. The most terrible side effects of contraceptives are the development of thromboembolism (and accompanying stroke, heart attack) and toxic effects on the liver (including deaths).

Doctors say that since the first deaths due to the use of OCs were recorded, everything has changed - new compounds are being used, almost natural ones. In fact, pills have now become more technologically advanced- concentrations of active substances are more clearly observed and doses are adjusted to the minimum effective ones. The instructions for use of OCs still warn about the possible development of side effects, especially if you have a predisposition (which you most likely are not aware of at all). Remember that a weak link in your health may arise spontaneously, be the result of having the flu, or being treated for something in childhood. If your parents and other ancestors, as it seems to you, were not sick with anything, this does not at all exclude the possibility that taking OK would not, let’s say, be useful for you.

Reports of side effects from taking OCs continue to appear in the medical literature [for example, Domecq], but this does not stop gynecologists, dermatologists and endocrinologists from prescribing OCs for any reason and even recommending them as a means of preserving their body for the future. To illustrate this opinion, I will cite excerpts from an interview with Svetlana Yureneva, Doctor of Medical Sciences, leading researcher at the Department of Gynecological Endocrinology of the Scientific Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after V. I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation:

Women began to care more about their education, their careers, they get married later and, accordingly, the issue of implementing their reproductive function is postponed until the age of 30–35 and older. But from the point of view of biology, nothing has changed in the female body (evolution does not happen so quickly) and the best age for the birth of the first child is still 20–25 years old (up to 30). Therefore, when a woman postpones a decision until later, we have to deal with the problems that the woman has accumulated throughout her life.<..>

At the beginning of the menstrual cycle, the follicle matures, estrogens are produced, after which the follicle ruptures, an egg is released from it, which travels to the abdominal cavity. If it meets a sperm, it enters the uterus through the tubes and there, already fertilized, attaches. In the place where the egg is released in the ovary, the corpus luteum is formed, which produces the hormone progesterone. It transforms the lining of the uterus and prepares it for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, this endometrium is shed and menstruation occurs. This is a normal cycle. If a woman is pregnant, there are no conditions for the next follicle to mature; the ovaries rest and are therefore not injured. The fact is that the rupture of the egg and its release into the abdominal cavity is always an injury to the ovaries, which increases the risk of endometriosis and ovarian cancer. It's not helpful. Nature did not provide for monthly ovulation for many years (from 20 to 30 years, for example). Menstruation is not always desirable at all: due to injury to the ovary, and due to the fact that there may be reflux of menstrual blood through the tubes into the abdominal cavity and theoretically increases the risk of developing endometriosis. As a result of such work of the ovaries without “rest,” disorders can occur, for example, functional ovarian cysts, which not only cause pain, but also apoplexy, and then women with severe pain are admitted to hospitals<..>

In general, you understand: the female body is designed for the “girl - pregnant - grandmother” cycle, and in the absence of a series of pregnancies, already at 30 it is preparing to switch to the “grandmother with endometriosis and fibroids” mode. Well, read on:

We understand that life has changed: we can encourage women to give birth young, but if a woman is postponing the birth of her first child, then the most correct thing is to use contraception, which will turn off ovulation. From the point of view of the physiology of the female body, this is perhaps the most correct approach. Combined oral contraceptives block the maturation of the egg and prevent the follicle from growing. And this is real prevention of functional cysts. Secondly, these contraceptives allow the ovaries to rest. This, of course, is not a chemical pregnancy, but the closest state to this situation. Therefore, the recommended duration of taking contraceptives is at least one and a half years, because pregnancy lasts nine months and lactation lasts about nine months<..>There is another important point: we are all born with different ovarian reserve (the number of eggs in the ovaries). [For some] at the age of 30 they are already exhausted. Then there's nothing we can do<..>

Very figurative, wouldn’t you agree? Actually, I read the same thing about sterilization of pets. Like, sterilized pussies live happily ever after.

There are many problems beyond contraception that we can help solve [with oral contraceptives]. For example, painful or heavy menstruation, migraines during menstruation, acne, problem of hair loss or excessive hair growth. There is a contraceptive that can be used to treat heavy bleeding that contains... estradiol, identical to natural [estradiol valerate]<..>

Love yourself and be healthy!

Sources

• Vrbíková J & Cibula D. Combined oral contraceptives in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome. Human Reproduction Update2005 11 277–291.
• De Leo V, Morgante G, Piomboni P, Musacchio MC, Petraglia F & Cianci A. Evaluation of the effects of an oral contraceptive containing ethinylestradiol combined with drospirenone on adrenal steroidogenesis in hyperandrogenic women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertility and Sterility 2007 88 113–117.
• Batukan C, Muderris II, Ozcelik B & Ozturk A. Comparison of two oral contraceptives containing either drospirenone or cyproterone acetate in the treatment of hirsutism. Gynecological Endocrinology 2007 23 38–44.
• Futterweit, W. A Patient’s Guide to PCOS: Understanding and Reversing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome / Walter Futterweit, George Ryan; nutrition editor, Martha McKittrick. - 2006. - Holt Paperbacks. 251 pages.
• Cibula D, Hill M, Fanta M, Sindelka G & Zivny J. Does obesity diminish the positive effect of oral contraceptive treatment on hyperandrogenism in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome? Human Reproduction 2001 16 940–944.
• Hoeger K, Davidson K, Kochman L, Cherry T, Kopin L & Guzick DS. The impact of metformin, oral contraceptives, and lifestyle modification on polycystic ovary syndrome in obese adolescent women in two randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 2008 93 4299–4306
• Domecq JP, Prutsky G, Mullan RJ, Sundaresh V, Wang AT, Erwin PJ, Welt C, Ehrmann D, Montori VM & Murad MH. Adverse effects of the common treatments for polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism2013 98 4646–4654.

Thank you

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

What is hirsutism?

Hirsutism is not a separate pathology, but rather a syndrome that can be caused by various disorders in the body. The main manifestation of this syndrome is intensive hair growth in women, which occurs according to the male pattern. In other words, hair begins to grow in places unusual for women - on the face, in the sternum area, on the back. It should be noted that the term “hirsutism” applies only to women. It should be distinguished from a number of other hair growth pathologies that can occur in both women and men.

Hirsutism is most often an endocrinological problem. The main cause of hirsutism is an excess of male sex hormones in a woman’s body. However, this is more of a hair growth mechanism. The imbalance between female and male sex hormones can be caused by a variety of pathologies. In some cases, this phenomenon is temporary and is not considered a disease.

Hirsutism can have varying degrees of severity. It depends on how quickly the hair grows. Moderate manifestations of this syndrome occur, according to various sources, in 3–5% of the female population. Belonging to different races and peoples plays a certain role. It is also noted that in women with dark hair and dark eye color, this syndrome occurs much more often than in blondes.

In some cases, patients may confuse hirsutism with the following medical terms:

• Virilism. This term characterizes the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics of the male type. Unlike hirsutism, it does not necessarily imply hair growth. The cause is also high concentrations of androgens ( male sex hormones) in the body, but manifestations may vary. In women with virilism, not only does hair grow in a male pattern, but the menstrual cycle is also disrupted, the timbre of the voice decreases, and facial features change. Even male pattern baldness ( raised hairline on the forehead or hair loss on the crown, in the parietal region) can also be one of the manifestations of virilism. Therefore, this term is more extensive. Virilism can be considered as one of the causes of hirsutism, and hirsutism can be considered as a possible symptom of virilism.
• Hypertrichosis. This disease is also characterized by excessive hair growth, but the causes may not only be hormonal disorders. Statistically, it is more common in women, but cases in men are also known. The disease consists of excessive hair growth in areas of the skin where they normally do not exist. The disease is often caused by genetic disorders. Local hypertrichosis also occurs ( only on a small area of ​​skin). In this case, we may be talking about a local pathological process ( birthmarks, exposure to physical factors - friction, ultraviolet radiation, etc.).

Since hirsutism, virilism and hypertrichosis are often associated with excess hair growth, these concepts are often confused. From a medical point of view, there is a connection between them, but the causes and, accordingly, treatment will be different.

Hirsutism itself is not a medical problem, but rather a cosmetic problem. For most patients, hair removal is a necessary treatment. In many cases, this phenomenon is temporary and the hair does not grow back after removal. However, one must take into account the fact that hirsutism can be a manifestation of other, more serious pathologies. That is why if your hair grows excessively, you should definitely consult a doctor. Pathologies that cause excess hair growth are not very common, but some of them can seriously threaten the patient's life. It is precisely such cases that require qualified treatment that will be considered further.

Causes of hirsutism

There are many different reasons that can, one way or another, provoke excess hair growth in women. These reasons are not always a serious medical problem. Hormonal imbalances that manifest as hirsutism can be caused by the use of certain medications or improper use of contraceptives. In rare cases, hirsutism can appear without concomitant hormonal disorders, as part of other pathologies.

When treating a patient with hirsutism, the doctor may consider the following causes of this syndrome:

• Genetic predisposition. Genetic predisposition leads to the development of the so-called constitutional form of the disease. Excessive hair growth in this case is determined at the genetic level. The main feature of this form of the disease is that there is no accompanying hormonal imbalance that would explain the development of the disease.
• Climax. During menopause in women, the production of estrogens, female sex hormones, decreases. The proportional relationship between female and male sex hormones changes, and a woman may begin to develop secondary male sexual characteristics ( virilism).
• Ovarian diseases. There are quite a few different diseases and syndromes that can affect the ovaries and seriously disrupt their hormonal function. These include, for example, polycystic ovary syndrome, benign and malignant neoplasms ( arrhenoblastoma, adrenal ovarian tumor, masculinizing tumor of lipoid cells, luteoma, etc.). In all these cases, hirsutism is not mandatory, but only a possible manifestation of the disease.
• Diseases of the adrenal glands. Male sex hormones and a number of other hormones that affect hair growth are synthesized in the adrenal glands. Any pathologies affecting the functioning of this organ can manifest as hirsutism. The most common of these are Cushing's syndrome, adrenal hyperplasia, benign and malignant adrenal tumors, and Addison's disease.
• Diabetes. Diabetes itself does not directly affect hair growth. However, in medicine there is the concept of “diabetes of bearded women,” also known as Achard-Thiers syndrome. It is associated with pathologies of insulin production, which can be observed during menopause. Also, this syndrome can appear as part of another syndrome - Morgagni-Stuart-Morel. In this case, endocrine disorders are associated with pathology of the pituitary gland.
• Pituitary gland diseases. The work of the endocrine glands, which produce various hormones, is coordinated by the pineal gland or pituitary gland. It is located at the base of the brain. Tumors of this organ or some functional disorders lead to the release of too many hormones. In the female body, these can be androgens. Then virilism develops and, as a consequence, hirsutism.
• Medicinal reasons. There are quite a large number of different medications that, one way or another, affect hormonal levels, the level of estrogen and androgens. Not only their incorrect use, but sometimes simply long-term treatment in small doses can lead to the development of hirsutism. The most common drugs leading to masculinization are streptomycin, cortisone, prednisone, diphenylhydantoin, interferon, cyclosporine, etc. Taking some sex hormones - estrogens, progesterone - has the same effect. For a number of pathologies, patients may be prescribed treatment with androgen drugs. Then a large amount of male sex hormones immediately enters the blood. Hirsutism in this case will be called exogenous, since male hormones enter the body from the outside and are not synthesized in the adrenal cortex.

There are other possible causes and mechanisms for the development of hirsutism, which are much less common. There are also cases when doctors cannot discover the cause of the disease and explain excess hair growth.

The mechanism of occurrence of hirsutism

Hirsutism as a disease is directly related to the mechanisms of hair growth and hormonal processes in a woman’s body. First of all, it should be noted that hair growth itself is largely related to gender. Men have more hair and it grows faster. This is due to the presence in their body of a high concentration of androgens, male sex hormones. In principle, the more of this hormone, the more hair appears on the body. In men, the norm is hair growth on the face, arms, legs, torso, and back. When talking about the intensity of hair growth, you should also take into account its types.

In general, the following hair types are distinguished:

• Long. Long hair grows on the head, on the chin ( in men), in the armpits, in the area of ​​the external genitalia. The appearance of long hair in other places in men or women indicates pathology.
• Cannon. Vellus are soft, short, non-pigmented hairs that cover the surface of the skin of the arms, torso, and legs. They are also called primary, since they are the first to form on the fetal body during intrauterine development. Before birth, some of these primary hairs are replaced by pigmented ones ( painted). During infancy, this type of hair on the head is replaced by intermediate hair.
• Intermediate. This type of hair is somewhat thicker and darker than vellus hair. After puberty, intermediate hairs, in turn, are replaced by terminal hairs. The color and density of terminal and intermediate hair most often does not match. Typically, terminal hair is characterized by being dark in color and denser to the touch.
• Bristly. The bristly type includes eyelashes and eyebrows. This is pigmented, coarse, short hair.

With hirsutism, the most common problem is more intensive growth of terminal and long hair in women. For example, hair from the genital area rises along the linea alba ( midline) almost to the navel. The appearance of terminal hair on the chest, back, thighs or face in women also indicates the development of hirsutism.

The mechanism of development of this disease can be different, but is almost always associated with disturbances at one of the stages in the hair growth regulation scheme. This system as a whole has common features in both men and women.

Hair growth is regulated at the following levels:

• Pituitary. The pituitary gland is an appendage of the brain that controls the functioning of the endocrine glands. It produces hormones that affect the corresponding gland and enhance its work. For example, adrenocorticotropic hormone ( ACTH) stimulates the functioning of the adrenal glands, gonadotropic hormones affect the gonads, and somatotropic hormone affects metabolism and growth of the body as a whole. Often the root of the problem with virilism is precisely the increased production of one of these hormones ( especially ACTH).
• Endocrine glands. The adrenal glands, gonads and, partly, the thyroid gland play the largest role in regulating hair growth. In the adrenal cortex, under the influence of ACTH, androgens are produced, the excess of which causes virilism in women. A lack of gonadotropic hormones can lead to insufficient production of estrogen by the ovaries. Thus, proportionally there will be more androgens.
• Hair follicles. Hair follicles are located practically on the entire surface of the human body, but not all of them are active. Under the influence of androgens, hair follicles can be activated in unusual places, which causes increased hair growth. Thus, in this chain, the hair follicles are the final working mechanism, which is influenced by the above hormones. Also, hair follicles may be defective and not respond ( or react inappropriately) on the effects of hormones. The frequency and location of hair follicles in the skin is also an individual feature of the body.

In general, the mechanisms that regulate hair growth are much more complex. The above links in the chain may be subject to various influences from other organs, hormones or substances in the body. A complex system arises, in which even leading specialists cannot take into account all the factors. And yet, the most important condition for providing qualified care to patients with hirsutism is to identify the approximate mechanism of the pathology.

Which hormone is responsible for hirsutism in women?

In almost all cases, male sex hormones are directly responsible for the appearance of hirsutism. Despite the fact that this disease occurs in women, a certain amount of male hormones is also present in their bodies. However, if in men the testes are a powerful source of androgens, in women these hormones are produced only in very small quantities by other organs.

The following androgens may normally occur in small quantities:

• androstenedione;
• dehydroepiandrosterone;
• dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate.

All these hormones have similar functions, and in the body they are often transformed into the same substances. The most important source of androgens in a woman’s body is the adrenal glands, or more precisely, their cortex. A small amount of male sex hormones are normally produced here, which partly affect metabolism and some other processes in the body. A secondary source that produces much smaller amounts of androgens is the ovaries ( a small number of special cells).

In tissues that are sensitive to androgens ( target cells) most androgens are transformed into the hormone dihydrotestosterone. In hair follicles ( bulbs) it stimulates hair growth. In this case, the follicles that formed vellus hair begin to form terminal, coarse hair. Excess androgens lead to the activation of follicles in places unusual for women, and hair growth begins there. This is how hirsutism develops.

The degree of sensitivity of cells to androgens is an individual feature of the body. For some women, a very small increase in androgen levels is enough for hair growth. Other patients develop hoarseness, facial features change, and other signs of virilism develop, but hirsutism itself, excess hair growth, is barely noticeable. This is explained by the low sensitivity of target cells to androgens. In some races ( mostly white women with dark skin and dark hair) sensitivity to androgens is high due to genetic predisposition.

It should be noted that excess dihydrotestosterone not only causes excess hair growth, but is also directly linked to baldness. In this case, hair loss will occur at the age of 50–55 years. Baldness under the influence of androgens occurs according to the male pattern. Sometimes it starts with a patch of hair loss on the top of the head ( in the crown area), in other cases there is an increase in the forehead line ( bitemporal alopecia). Thus, women with hirsutism often go bald faster as they age ( androgenetic alopecia).

Hirsutism in girls and adolescents

In principle, hirsutism can occur in women of almost any age. For obvious reasons, the peak of this problem occurs at the age of 45–50 years, when menopause occurs. In girls and young women, this problem is much less common. Of the reasons at this age, the most common are various problems with the ovaries. Little girls may have various congenital problems that in one way or another affect the production of androgens.

The main problem for teenage girls with hirsutism is psychological complexes due to cosmetic problems and associated disorders. At this age, the body is actively developing, puberty occurs, and the body should develop according to the female type. Excess androgens in the body at this stage can lead to very serious problems.

The most common associated problems in girls with hirsutism are:

• delayed development of mammary glands;
• dysmenorrhea ( irregular menstrual cycle) or amenorrhea ( lack of menstruation);
• disproportionate enlargement of the clitoris;
• accelerated muscle mass gain;
• changes in figure ( fatty tissue is deposited not in the thighs, but on the abdomen).

At this stage, hirsutism is often associated with polycystic ovary syndrome. If you do not take quick measures to fully diagnose and treat this problem, the consequences can be very serious. The body grows and develops up to 20–25 years. And if at this time male hormones dominate in the female body, then many changes will be very difficult to correct in the future.

Hereditary hirsutism

The hereditary form of hirsutism is often regarded not as a pathology, but as one of the normal variants. It is especially common in women from the Mediterranean and Middle East regions. Among the peoples of northern Europe, this form is rare. The cause of hereditary hirsutism is considered to be increased sensitivity of hair follicles to dihydrotestosterone. Even a small amount of androgens, which is normal for women, leads to faster and more abundant hair growth. Since this form begins to appear in childhood and reaches its peak in adolescence, many girls attribute it to a cosmetic problem.

In fact, this form of hirsutism does not really pose any serious threat. We are not talking about disruption of the endocrine glands, but signs of masculinization ( virilism) are missing. Girls do not have problems with changes in voice, appearance or menstrual cycle, as with other forms of hirsutism. In case of excessive hair growth, regular hair removal and consultation with a dermatologist or cosmetologist are recommended. Drug treatment is usually not prescribed because the risk of side effects is higher than the expected benefit.

Hirsutism during menopause

Climax ( menopause) represents the period during which ovarian function declines in women. At the same time, the menstrual cycle stops, and female sex hormones are produced in smaller quantities. In general, menopause is a complex process of restructuring the body, which takes place against the background of serious hormonal changes. Manifestations may vary. Some women experience more active male-type hair growth during this period. This phenomenon is usually called hirsutism during menopause.

This form of hirsutism is most often accompanied by the following disorders:

• dysmenorrhea or amenorrhea;
• feeling of heat at rest;
• decreased skin elasticity;
• sleep disorders;
• increased sweating.

In this case, it is possible to maintain the level of estrogen in the body at a sufficient level with the help of medications. This will reduce the symptoms of hirsutism, delay hair growth or stop it completely.

Idiopathic hirsutism

Idiopathic hirsutism in its manifestations and mechanism of development is very close to the hereditary form of this disease. This diagnosis is made in cases where doctors are unable to find any pathological cause for excess hair growth. Patients with idiopathic hirsutism, as a rule, do not have any complaints related to the menstrual cycle ( a common symptom in pathological forms of hirsutism). Unlike hereditary hirsutism, the disease may not appear in childhood, but after 20–30 years. The mechanisms that influence the sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens have not been clarified.

From a medical point of view, helping patients with idiopathic hirsutism is quite difficult. A special course of treatment using hormonal drugs may be prescribed in cases where tests reveal high levels of androgens. However, in practice such cases are quite rare.

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a relatively common pathology, which is the appearance of multiple cysts in the ovary. Currently, doctors associate the development of this disease with endocrine disorders in a woman’s body. The cause may be disturbances in the functioning of the pancreas, thyroid gland, pituitary gland or hypothalamus. In polycystic ovary syndrome, hirsutism is only one of the possible ( but not mandatory) manifestations of the so-called polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome may include the following disorders:

• menstrual irregularities;
• acne;
• increased sebum secretion ( oily skin);

All these manifestations, one way or another, are associated with hormonal imbalances that occur in a woman’s body. Polycystic ovary syndrome requires serious treatment. At the initial stages, patients are prescribed hormonal therapy. If the effect of this method is insufficient, surgical treatment is prescribed.

Signs and symptoms of hirsutism

Since hirsutism itself is most often a symptom of other disorders in a woman’s body, it is not entirely correct to talk about its own symptoms. In fact, in this case there is only one symptom - excess hair growth in places unusual for women. However, as noted above, hirsutism is often associated with other disorders. The common cause of these disorders is changes in the amount and proportion of sex hormones in the body. However, each of these disorders can occur separately.

The most common symptoms that accompany hirsutism in various pathologies are:

• acne;
• obesity;
• menstrual irregularities.

This combination of symptoms without an obvious cause ( menopause) usually indicates serious pathologies. In these cases, you should immediately consult a doctor to rule out the most serious and dangerous causes.

Acne ( acne) with hirsutism

Acne is a very common problem in girls during puberty, but can also occur at other ages. In principle, there are many different causes for this problem, but hormonal imbalances are one of the most serious. If a woman develops hirsutism simultaneously with acne, then the cause is most likely common. Pathology should be looked for at the ovarian level, since it is estrogens that are directly related to skin health. The combination of acne with abnormal hair growth often occurs with polycystic ovary syndrome, ovarian tumors, and improper use of hormonal drugs ( including contraceptives).

Obesity with hirsutism

The absorption of nutrients and their deposition as adipose tissue is regulated by many different mechanisms. Hormones of the adrenal glands, pancreas and thyroid glands play a very important role. There are other factors that contribute to weight gain. Hirsutism is often combined with obesity due to dysfunction of the hypothalamus or adrenal glands. In this case, the deposition of adipose tissue can occur in different ways.

The cause of the simultaneous appearance of hirsutism and obesity may be long-term use of hormonal drugs, Cushing's disease, or adrenal tumors. In principle, these symptoms are not directly related to each other, but are usually simultaneous manifestations of the same pathological process.

Dysmenorrhea with hirsutism

Menstrual irregularities in combination with hirsutism speak volumes about problems with hormonal levels. This is often associated with various pathologies of the adrenal glands and ovaries. Dysmenorrhea in this case can manifest itself in different ways. However, most often we are talking about virilism, in which the level of androgens is greatly increased. In this case, hair growth is stimulated by dihydrotestosterone and egg maturation is inhibited. Thus, most often hirsutism is combined with delayed menstruation.

Such a combination of symptoms should alert the patient, since it indicates a very serious disorder in the body. There may be difficulties in getting pregnant, fatigue, headaches, and poor general health. As a rule, both symptoms can be successfully treated with a properly selected course of hormonal therapy.

Is it possible to get pregnant with hirsutism?

Hirsutism itself does not affect a woman’s reproductive function in any way and cannot interfere with fertilization. But if hirsutism is a manifestation of a pathological process in the body ( pathological forms), then difficulties with pregnancy are very common. The mechanism of this disorder is quite simple to understand. Reproductive function is a distinctive feature of the female body and is largely regulated by female sex hormones - estrogens. If there is a lack of estrogen, or excess production of androgens occurs, a number of changes occur in the body that prevent pregnancy.

Pathologies that cause hirsutism can interfere with pregnancy in the following ways:

• endometrial changes ( the inner layer of the uterus to which the fertilized egg must attach);
• amenorrhea or dysmenorrhea, since eggs are not produced;
• poor viability of eggs produced by the ovaries;
• decreased vaginal lubrication;
• decreased libido ( sexual desire);
• modification of the external genitalia, which interferes with normal fertilization.

If excess androgens appear during pregnancy ( for example, with the growth of a hormone-producing adrenal tumor), then various disturbances in the course of pregnancy, including spontaneous abortion, cannot be ruled out. Such cases are quite rare in medical practice. Most often, a timely visit to a doctor allows you to prescribe the correct hormonal treatment and bring the pregnancy to a successful birth. With a normal gestation period, this, as a rule, does not affect the child’s health.

Thus, pregnancy has nothing to do with hirsutism itself. If the patient has a hereditary ( constitutional) form of this disease, then in principle there are no obstacles to pregnancy. If we are talking about the idiopathic form, then the level of androgens in the blood is important. A normal level, again, indicates that there are no obstacles to conception. Only in pathological forms of hirsutism, when we are talking about specific diseases of the adrenal glands, pituitary gland, thyroid gland ( rarely) or ovaries ( more often) the likelihood of conception decreases. In all these cases, the chance of getting pregnant, as a rule, remains, but the prognosis in each specific case is different. For more detailed information, the patient needs to contact a specialist and undergo the appropriate tests.

Why is hirsutism dangerous?

Hirsutism itself is more of a cosmetic problem, which does not imply any serious danger to the health or life of the patient. Abnormal hair growth can be controlled by periodic hair removal in various ways. However, if this symptom appears, it is strongly recommended to consult a doctor. This is explained by the fact that hirsutism may be the first symptom of other, more serious pathologies. It is they who, if not properly treated, can pose a threat to the patient.

For patients with hirsutism, the following diseases and their complications are the most serious and dangerous:

• Ovarian tumors. Ovarian neoplasms in the early stages may manifest as hirsutism due to hormonal imbalances. However, even large benign tumors can disrupt the functioning of the pelvic organs. Malignant neoplasms easily affect neighboring organs, can metastasize and threaten the patient’s life.
• Inflammation of the ovaries. Hormonal imbalances, manifested by hirsutism, can also develop with some other ovarian diseases. With large single cysts or polycystic ovary syndrome, there is a risk of inflammation. This gives severe pain in the lower abdomen on the right ( similar to appendicitis) or left. Inflammation can spread to the peritoneum and adjacent pelvic organs. At this stage, the only effective treatment is surgery.
• Adrenal tumors. Adrenal neoplasms can produce ( develop) androgens, which cause excess hair growth. However, the main problem is the tumor itself. Along with androgens, other adrenal hormones can be produced that regulate various functions in the body. A strong decrease in immunity and surges in blood pressure are possible. Malignant neoplasms are dangerous in themselves, as they lead to organ destruction and damage to neighboring anatomical structures.
• Diabetes. Sometimes hormonal imbalances leading to hirsutism are one of the first warning signs of problems with the pancreas. Some patients develop diabetes mellitus. This disease is very dangerous, since high glucose levels ( Sahara) in the blood has a detrimental effect on many organs and tissues. First of all, this concerns the retina of the eye, the walls of blood vessels, the nervous and immune systems. In principle, over time, pathological changes develop in almost all organs and tissues.
• Infertility. Infertility may be a consequence of ovarian pathology. In any case, patients with hirsutism often face this problem. Changes at the level of the reproductive system are almost always reversible in the first stages, but late initiation of treatment can lead to the fact that a woman will no longer be able to have children.
• Uterine bleeding. Uterine bleeding can complicate menstruation or occur suddenly during other phases of the menstrual cycle. They are explained by changes in the inner layer of the uterus, which occur under the influence of sex hormones.
• Mental disorders. Hormonal imbalances sometimes affect mental processes. This could be depression or even attacks of aggression. Help only from a psychologist ( as with complexes caused by changes in appearance) will not always help. Mood changes can be directly triggered by hormone releases.

In all of the above cases, hirsutism usually appears at earlier stages of the disease, when qualified care can prevent serious complications. That is why, at the first signs of abnormal hair growth, women are advised to consult a specialist to determine the specific cause of this symptom.

The hereditary and idiopathic form of the disease, as a rule, is not accompanied by pathological changes in other organs. The only real complication may be the psychological complexes that often appear in girls and young women with this problem.

Diagnosis of hirsutism

The initial diagnosis of hirsutism does not present any particular difficulties, since pathological hair growth is usually noticed by the patients themselves. When visiting a doctor, it is important not to establish the fact of hirsutism itself, but to find out the causes of this disorder. To do this, it is necessary to collect as complete anamnesis as possible ( medical history according to the patient) and conduct a series of analyses. For hirsutism, the diagnostic process is led by an endocrinologist.

When collecting anamnesis, be sure to pay attention to the following points:

• location and rate of hair growth;
• time from the onset of the disease ( some patients apply only 1–2 years or more after the onset of this symptom);

• information about the menstrual cycle ( regularity, duration, past violations);
• medications the patient was taking prior to the onset of symptoms ( some of them can cause virilism);
• past illnesses and surgical interventions;
• the presence of already diagnosed chronic diseases.

As a rule, finding out these subtleties helps to create a test plan. If the presence of tumors is suspected, various examinations are prescribed to visualize them. The main organs examined are the pituitary gland, adrenal glands and ovaries.

The following methods can be used to visualize tumors or other pathological processes:

• Ultrasonography ( Ultrasound). It is an accessible, fast and safe method for examining the ovaries and adrenal glands. Unfortunately, this method can only detect fairly large tumors.
• Radiography. An X-ray is usually of an indicative nature, since even a very high-quality image is unlikely to reveal a small tumor.
• CT scan ( CT). This method is also based on the use of x-rays, but its capabilities are much wider. Even small tumors and organ damage are detected.
• Magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI). This method can sometimes detect formations smaller than 1 mm. This does not use X-rays, and the method is safer for the patient.

However, even these highly accurate methods do not completely exclude the possibility of neoplasms. Hormone-producing tumors are sometimes so small that they cannot be visualized. This is simply a collection of cells that uncontrollably produce active substances and release them into the blood. In these cases, the presence of a tumor is indirectly confirmed by excluding other possible causes of the disease.

What tests should I take for hirsutism?

Laboratory tests are the main method in diagnosing hirsutism. It is with their help that one can establish the concentration of various hormones in the blood and determine which specific disorders caused the disease. In most cases, the concentration of hormones in the patient's blood is measured, but sometimes urine is also tested. Urine contains a number of breakdown products of hormones and substances into which hormones are transformed. They can also be used to indirectly judge the patient’s hormonal background.

If you have hirsutism, you need to take tests to determine the following hormones:

• total testosterone;
• dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate;
• androstenedione;
• 17-hydroxyprogesterone;
• adrenocorticotropic hormone ( ACTH);
• luteinizing hormone;
• follicle stimulating hormone.

Other hormones may be tested at the doctor's discretion. In addition, there are a number of special tests that allow you to judge the body’s sensitivity to a particular hormone. For example, the release of ketosteroids ( intermediate product of androgen breakdown) with urine indicates the amount of androgens produced in the body. However, this process can be influenced in various ways. For example, after the administration of ACTH, more adrenal hormones should normally be produced, and after the administration of dexamethasone, less. These tests are called ACTH and dexamethasone tests, respectively. They are carried out only in a hospital setting to avoid any side effects or reactions.

Diagnosis of various causes of hirsutism based on the results of basic tests

Cause	Analysis for the content of ketosteroids in urine				Tests to confirm the diagnosis
	Isolation under normal conditions	When suppressed by dexamethasone	With ACTH stimulation
Idiopathic form
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia	normal, sometimes increased		increased	increased	increased)
Androgenic adrenal hyperplasia	normal or increased		increased	increased	Pregnanetriol release assay ( normal)
Hirsutism in Cushing's syndrome	normal or increased	reduced	increased	increased	The release of ketogenic steroids is enhanced, there are no changes in cortisol levels during the day
Adrenal neoplasms	increased	reduced	reduced	increased	Tumor imaging methods ( X-ray, MRI, etc.)
Ovarian neoplasms	elevated, sometimes normal	decreased, rarely - normal		normal or increased	Consultation with a gynecologist, imaging methods
Stein-Leventhal syndrome	normal or increased	not carried out	not carried out	normal or increased	There is no specific analysis

This table provides indicative results. In any case, consultation with a doctor is mandatory, as there may be concomitant diseases and disorders that may affect the results of the studies.

Thus, tests in most cases help to understand the nature of hormonal disorders in the body that led to hirsutism. In the case of, for example, hereditary or idiomatic hirsutism, there may not be any deviations in the analyzes. That is why these forms of the disease are the most difficult to diagnose and treat.

Treatment of hirsutism

Treatment of hirsutism in each individual case may have its own characteristics. This is explained by the fact that hirsutism itself is usually just a manifestation of other pathologies that need to be cured. It is very important to correctly determine the nature of excess hair growth. Diagnosis and treatment of patients with hirsutism is usually carried out by an endocrinologist. If there are obvious disorders at the ovarian level, a gynecologist can also act as the attending physician.

The treatment process may also require assistance from the following specialists:

• dermatologist– to determine the nature of hair growth and exclude certain skin pathologies;
• therapist– for the management of patients with concomitant chronic diseases;
• surgeon or oncologist– for the treatment of tumor processes that could cause hormonal imbalance;
• cosmetologist– to choose the optimal method for removing existing hair.

If a tumor of the ovary or adrenal gland is detected, it is assumed that it is the tumor that secretes excess hormones. Therefore, its removal is usually recommended as treatment. For large tumors, the question of complete removal of these organs may arise. Sometimes this is done if the tumor cannot be detected ( it's probably too small), and hirsutism and accompanying manifestations of virilism seriously threaten a woman’s health.

Surgeries on the ovaries and adrenal glands are usually successful and rarely complicated. After removal of a tumor or an entire organ, patients may experience hormonal imbalances associated with the body’s adaptation to new conditions. During this period, it is necessary to take hormonal medications, which are selected by the doctor based on tests. Sometimes hormone therapy ( especially after adrenal removal) lasts until the end of life. The correct dose and its regular adjustment allow patients to lead a full life.

Most patients with hirsutism undergo the main course of treatment at home, since the disease does not pose a serious threat to life. After making a diagnosis, the attending physician simply prescribes a course of treatment, which the patient takes independently. After its completion ( and sometimes during treatment) some tests may need to be repeated.

Hospitalization of patients with hirsutism may be required in the following cases:

• sometimes - for conducting diagnostic samples and tests;
• with severe hormonal imbalance and pronounced manifestations of virilism ( to quickly correct the problem);
• during surgery to remove tumors that produce hormones;
• periodically - during pregnancy, since a high concentration of androgens threatens spontaneous abortion;
• after severe manifestations of virilism ( uterine bleeding, acute psychosis), but such manifestations are extremely rare.

Antiandrogen drugs for hirsutism

Drug treatment of patients with hirsutism usually comes down to the use of several groups of drugs that can affect the production of male and female sex hormones. When tumors are detected, they are first removed, and only then drug correction of hormonal levels is prescribed.

One of the drug treatment options is the prescription of dexamethasone. This drug may inhibit the function of the adrenal cortex and, accordingly, the production of androgens. The dose of the drug is selected individually and, if necessary, changed slowly to avoid possible complications.

There is also a fairly large group of drugs that have an antiandrogenic effect. The mechanism of their action is to block enzymes responsible for the biochemical transformations of testosterone in the body. In most cases, taking them prevents testosterone from being transformed into its active form - 5-dihydrotestosterone. Thus, androgens can be released and their concentration in the blood remains elevated, but the consequences of their release ( hirsutism, male pattern hair loss on the head, deepening of the voice, etc.) do not appear.

Antiandrogen drugs used in virilism and hirsutism

Drug name	Active substances	Doses and regimen	special instructions
Diana-35	Ethinyl estradiol, cyproterone	1 tablet per day, course 21 days.	Drink with a small amount of water, take at the same time of day.
Buserelin	Buserelin	0.1 - 0.5 mg/day 1 time as a subcutaneous injection. The duration of the course is determined by the doctor.	The beginning of the course of treatment must be compared with the phase of the menstrual cycle.
Byzanne	Dienogest	1 tablet, usually for several months.	Treatment can be started on any day of the cycle.

Almost all of these drugs can somewhat disrupt the menstrual cycle and cause intermenstrual bleeding. In patients with migraines, they can provoke an attack of severe headaches. Also, during the course, libido may decrease and a tendency to depression may appear. In this regard, treatment with antiandrogen drugs requires mandatory consultation with a doctor. They are not prescribed in all cases of hirsutism. The dose is almost always selected individually and adjusted as treatment progresses.

Antiandrogen drugs can reduce the activity of testosterone in the body, but it is still recommended to remove tumors that cause the release of this hormone. For pathologies that are not accompanied by an increase in testosterone, but lead to hirsutism, other medications may be prescribed.

Contraceptives for hirsutism

Many women nowadays use COCs ( combined oral contraceptives) to prevent pregnancy. These products contain a large amount of estrogens and progestins, which cause corresponding changes at the level of the reproductive system. However, the doses selected by the doctor are designed for healthy women. With hirsutism, there is a high probability that hormonal disruptions have already occurred at the level of the ovaries or other endocrine glands. The intake of sex hormones from the outside when taking COCs can have different effects on the body. In principle, these hormones will compensate for the lack of estrogen or excess of androgens, which are often the cause of hirsutism. But it is very difficult to calculate a safe and effective dose without careful diagnosis.

Thus, hirsutism, while not a direct contraindication for the use of COCs, still indicates possible complications. First of all, they are manifested by serious irregularities in the menstrual cycle, the formation of cysts in the ovaries, pathological changes at the level of the uterus and severe uterine bleeding. When choosing contraceptive methods for women with hirsutism, condoms are always preferred. In this case, this is the safest way to prevent pregnancy, since it does not affect hormonal levels in any way.

If a woman still wants to use COCs, she must first consult with an endocrinologist. Tests are preliminarily prescribed to identify the cause of hirsutism and determine the level of various hormones in the blood. Only after this an effective and safe dose is gradually selected. However, even after this, the woman needs to regularly consult with a specialist and periodically undergo tests for preventive purposes.

Do folk remedies help with hirsutism?

In most cases, hirsutism in women is associated with hormonal disorders, which are difficult to correct even with modern medications. Medicinal plants that are used in folk medicine will be even less effective in this case. However, temporary disturbances can be partially corrected with their help. The main condition for this is to contact a specialist. Most doctors do not prohibit patients from using folk remedies. However, you still need to try to identify the cause of hirsutism, and this can only be done by an experienced doctor.

As an addition to the main course of treatment for hirsutism, the following folk remedies can be used:

• Datura decoction. Several plants ( can be used whole, with roots, but you need to rinse them well) pour 1 liter of boiled water. After this, the water is brought to a boil and kept on low heat for 40 - 60 minutes, without adding more water. Then the broth slowly cools to room temperature, and the plants are removed. Wipe the skin with the liquid after depilation 1 – 2 times a day. Under no circumstances should the product be taken orally! If skin irritation or signs of allergy appear, it is better to stop using Datura.
• Walnut juice. Peel the skins of green walnuts and squeeze out the juice. This juice is applied to cotton swabs or gauze, which is placed on the area of ​​hair growth for 5 minutes. 1 – 2 sessions a day usually lead to hair stopping growing. If the effect does not appear after 5 - 7 days of procedures, then in this case the nut juice most likely will not help.
• Lemon juice. Squeeze half a lemon into 200 ml of water and add 20 - 25 g of sugar. The mixture is simmered over low heat until about half of the liquid has evaporated. After this, it is cooled and applied to skin with excess hair growth. After 1 – 2 minutes, the area is washed well with boiled water.
• Sugar. 20 g of sugar dissolved in hot water ( 20 – 25 ml) and add a pinch of citric acid. The mixture is simmered over low heat until it turns yellowish and thickens slightly. After the mixture has cooled slightly, it is used for depilation.

In all of the above cases, folk remedies are designed to affect the skin and hair follicles themselves. Thus, these remedies are symptomatic. Even if hair growth slows down, it will not solve the underlying problem. As noted above, patients with hirsutism often experience morbid obesity, changes in facial features, changes in voice timbre, and other serious symptoms. That is why traditional medicine should be combined with hormonal therapy, which will help eliminate the hormonal imbalance in the body.

Folk remedies themselves can partially help with a hereditary tendency to hirsutism, when a woman does not have concomitant virilism and the level of androgens in the blood is within normal limits. Then the use of hormonal drugs will be unjustified. Long-term drug treatment will help get rid of hair growth, but may also cause side effects. In such cases, treatment with folk remedies is agreed upon with a doctor and used for a long time ( with interruptions - months and even years).

Does boron uterus help with hirsutism?

Borovaya uterus is a medicinal plant that is widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of “female” diseases. It is very common in the temperate zone in Europe, Asia and North America. Of all the medicinal plants, boron uterus is indeed the most effective for many diseases of the female genital area.

This plant has the following medicinal properties:

• high content of vitamins and microelements;
• content of plant substances similar to estrogens;
• anti-inflammatory properties;
• disinfectants ( antimicrobial properties);
• stimulation of immune processes.

Under constitutional ( hereditary) form of hirsutism, medicinal products based on boron uterus can really have a positive effect on the course of the disease. However, if we are talking about a serious endocrinological pathology with severe hormonal imbalance, then its action will clearly not be enough. The intake of substances similar in action to estrogens, on the contrary, can aggravate the course of the disease. After all, if we are talking about excessive production of androgens, then it turns out that both male and female sex hormones will be elevated in the body.

Most gynecologists are well acquainted with the healing properties of the boron uterus. If hirsutism is associated with the onset of menopause or a number of ovarian pathologies, then they themselves can prescribe medications based on this plant. In this case, the drug will compensate for the lack of female sex hormones and can really help in the fight against hirsutism. The main thing is to understand the causes and mechanisms of the development of the disease, and this is impossible without conducting appropriate tests.

Does laser hair removal help with hirsutism?

For hirsutism, drug treatment can slow down or completely stop hair growth in atypical places, but it does not eliminate hair that has already grown. Therefore, from a cosmetic point of view, their removal is required in any case. Almost any method is suitable for this, but laser hair removal is still the most effective ( photoepilation). This procedure is not suitable for all patients and has a number of contraindications.

The essence of the method is that the laser ( with laser hair removal) or pulsed light ( during photoepilation) sends light waves with a certain frequency and energy to the hair root. Correctly selected physical parameters allow targeted destruction of the hair root and structures around it ( vessels and nerves that feed it, sometimes the sebaceous gland). Hair without a root usually falls out after a few days and will not grow back in that area. The procedure is optimal for patients with hirsutism, since in their case it allows you to completely remove hair growth in an unwanted area. Typically, several procedures are prescribed at intervals of several weeks.

Laser hair removal may be contraindicated for the treatment of hirsutism in the following cases:

• in the presence of tumors that produce hormones ( first you should cure the tumor itself, and then remove the hair);
• diabetes;
• pregnancy;
• blond or gray hair ( they have little melanin, which is supposed to absorb radiation).

Thus, it is better to discuss hair removal using laser hair removal with your doctor in advance. The specialist will tell you at what stage of treatment and in what way it is better to do this procedure.

It should be noted that laser hair removal alone is not used as a method of treating hirsutism. Hair growth in the epilation area will indeed not resume, but eliminating the symptom does not mean eliminating the problem. The patient should first visit an endocrinologist and outline a plan for tests, and then comprehensive treatment. Otherwise, the hair will be removed, but swelling, high testosterone levels or other possible causes will remain. Sooner or later they will lead to more serious problems than excess hair growth.

Diet for hirsutism

Hormonal imbalances, which in most cases cause hirsutism, are very difficult to regulate through diet. The work of the adrenal glands and ovaries is not directly related to substances that enter the body with food. Androgens are a product of repeated processing and transformation of nutrients in the body. However, many doctors advise sticking to certain eating habits. This is mainly due to the prevention of other associated disorders.

Diet for hirsutism should follow the following principles:

• limited consumption of animal fats;
• limited consumption of flour products;
• avoidance of net carbohydrates – sugar, high sugar desserts ( cream, marmalade, etc.);
• avoidance of hot and spicy sauces;

Cosmetology offers various methods of combating unwanted vegetation. The laser method is especially popular. There are many myths, positive and dubious reviews about him. Is laser hair removal harmful to health? Let's talk about this in detail.

Positive aspects of laser hair removal:

• the beam acts directly on the pigment contained in the hairs. At the same time, the fiber does not suffer and the skin does not overheat. The manipulation does not violate the integrity of the surface, does not cause irritation, rashes, wounds, scars and other unpleasant consequences;
• the stream of light does not affect internal organs and does not have a toxic effect. Therefore, it is suitable for different categories and ages;

It just seems that you just need to set the parameters correctly and aim the beam at the problem area

• absence of inflammation and irritation. Rays have anti-inflammatory and aseptic abilities. Therefore, negative consequences after the procedure are completely excluded. Sugar or wax hair removal, shaving and other methods of combating unwanted hair cannot boast of this;
• painlessness. When the hair follicle is exposed to wax, sugar paste or a mechanical epilator, unpleasant sensations occur. The client does not feel any discomfort with the laser device. The rays penetrate deep into the dermis, but do not affect nerve endings or blood vessels. Therefore, after a session of fighting unwanted vegetation, there is no pain, bruises or bruises;
• Suitable for delicate and sensitive dermis. If any methods of removing unwanted hair in the bikini area, armpits, and face (especially near the mouth) are too painful for you, then you cannot do without a laser. With it you will forget about discomfort and fear;
• If there are a large number of ingrown hairs, only laser hair removal can solve the problem once and for all, and prevent inflammation and the appearance of pustules.

Types of laser

Previously, it was believed that it was only possible to completely stop the growth of unwanted hair on different parts of the body in women with a light type of dermis and dark, hard hair. The stronger the contrast, the greater the likelihood that 3-4 sessions will solve the problem once and for all. Those with fine blond hair or dark-skinned hair had a hard time.

Now technology has advanced. And laser hair removal of different types solves the cosmetic problem of all women. The main thing is to be patient. Because even the most modern device does not eliminate the defect in one go.

Laser hair removal is not suitable for everyone, although reviews say that this particular service is considered the most popular

The type of laser is chosen only by a specialist, while paying attention to hair color, length, thickness and area of ​​influence:

• long-wave hair removal is often used by salons and beauty salons. The rays penetrate to the level of subcutaneous tissue and destroy the pigment. After exposure to the follicle, destruction occurs, stopping the growth of unwanted vegetation;
• ruby. The oldest method of laser hair removal. Suitable for light skin type with dark cores. This contrast gives maximum effect;
• alexandrite ray. Has the most positive reviews. Excellent results do not depend on the type of dermis, hair color and other factors. Therefore, most women use it;
• diode Guarantees a positive result even on dark and dark dermis. If the procedure is performed by an unqualified specialist or the duration of the session increases, then the likelihood of burns and scars increases after regeneration is completed.

Indications for therapy

Is the procedure dangerous? Not if professionals get down to business. Moreover, the method is safe and effective in many difficult situations:

• hypertrichosis. This is a disease when women have increased density of body hair. They are darker than expected, grow quickly, and have a large diameter. This brings a lot of psychological discomfort. The woman becomes unsure of herself, hides, refuses to go out in public. An endocrinologist is involved to solve the problem. After eliminating the dysfunction of the internal glands, the cosmetologist begins work with a laser. It is not recommended to remove unwanted facial hair by other mechanical or chemical methods. Manipulations increase blood flow to the follicles, which means they stimulate growth;

It is not suitable for everyone and has a number of limitations.

• individual and ethnic characteristics. Certain nations and women often have a "moustache" or dark fuzz. All this indicates increased testosterone, and therefore libido. But if this bothers the owner of this feature, then it’s time to think about a laser procedure. For light hair, 2 sessions are enough.

Why is laser hair removal dangerous? Like any manipulation, the procedure has contraindications:

• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• oncological diseases, period of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. At this time, any manipulation causes an aggressive reaction on the skin. Therefore, they wait until the end of recovery and recovery;
• a large number of moles, papillomas and warts;
• violation of the integrity of the skin. If you have abrasions or scratches, then when asked whether the procedure is dangerous, dermatologists answer positively;
• varicose veins, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis and other circulatory pathologies.

Preparing for a beauty session

The question of laser hair removal, whether it is harmful or beneficial, is something everyone decides for themselves. Doctors and cosmetologists insist that with proper preparation for a beauty session, the risk of complications is reduced several times.

That's why:

• 3 days before laser hair removal, stop visiting the beach or solarium. Any exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the skin reduces the functioning of local protective forces and slows down the regeneration of the epidermis. If you neglect the advice, the likelihood of age spots and scars increasing several times. This is the danger of this removal of unwanted vegetation during the warm season. The opinion of doctors is unanimous: carry out the session only in cold weather, when there is no exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the dermis;

The ultimate success depends on how well prepared the person doing the hair removal is.

• If you are doing the procedure for the first time, cut your hair. This makes it easier for laser beams to reach the follicle, destroy the pigment and stop growth;
• 3 days before the cosmetology session, exclude any products that contain ethyl alcohol from care products and decorative cosmetics. The component dries out the dermis and reduces the level of local protective forces. Tetracycline antibiotics are also prohibited. These substances cause active peeling of the dermis, dehydration and redness after modern removal of unwanted vegetation;
• After the procedure, baths, saunas, steam rooms and other establishments with high temperatures and high humidity are strictly prohibited. Such factors slow down regeneration and create favorable conditions for the growth and development of pathological microorganisms;
• To ensure that the dermis heals normally during the recovery period, do not experiment with care products.

Features of working with different zones

Laser hair removal has different reviews, and it all depends on what area of ​​the skin the specialist is working with.

The quality of hair removal is mainly influenced by the wavelength of the laser beam and the patient’s skin phototype.

Experts advise:

• for the bikini area. If you have been shaving unwanted hair in this area for a long time, then the laser will not solve the problem in one session. The follicles in the dermis lie at a depth of up to 1 cm. To facilitate the penetration of rays to this depth, the hairs are shaved off before going to the specialist. If a woman is worried and afraid of pain, then anesthetic lotion or Emla ointment is applied to the skin. Due to the deep location of the follicles and dark pigment, for women to completely remove unwanted hair, 5 sessions are required with an interval of 7-10 days;
• the face does not suggest any special nuances. Dermatologists advise not to experiment with decorative cosmetics or care products before modern hair removal. After a session of combating unwanted vegetation, the dermis is treated with special panthenol-based creams;
• armpits. The site is a test site for clients. A certain percentage of women experience laser intolerance, when the sensitive dermis of the armpits experiences irritation or discomfort after laser hair removal;
• legs, back, chest. These large areas are the easiest to deal with unwanted vegetation. Due to the large volume of work, 2-3 sessions are required for complete relief. Due to the roughness of the dermis, special protective agents or pain-relieving lotions and sprays are not required. If after the procedure dryness and flaking occur on the surface of the skin, then a strong decoction of medicinal chamomile or sage will eliminate the trouble in a couple of times. Make compresses or irrigate the skin. They help solve the problem of rubbing cosmetic ice cubes.

Is it possible to do the procedure yourself?

Manufacturers of household appliances produce devices for self-removal of unwanted hairs. Now women conduct beauty sessions at a time convenient for them at home. But is it harmful? If in a cosmetology office or aesthetic medicine clinic the progress of the manipulation is monitored by a trained employee with the appropriate education, then this will not happen at home. This means that the risk of consequences of incorrectly performed manipulation increases.

The cost of a laser hair removal device is not affordable for everyone. There are also certain nuances of hair removal:

• small manipulation area. It is no more than 30 square meters. mm. To completely get rid of unwanted vegetation in the deep bikini area, you will have to spend more than 1 hour. To work with large areas (legs, back and chest for men), 2-3 sessions of 1 hour each are needed. So be patient;
• narrow spectrum of action. Due to the specifics of the laser beam, the device at home removes only dark hairs on light dermis. That is, those with dark skin or light hair are forced to use sugar or wax hair removal;
• need for skills. Working with a laser epilator requires a cosmetology or medical education. You need to watch at least 2-3 lessons on the Internet.

Therefore, doctors advise laser hair removal to be performed by trusted specialists with positive reviews.

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