Ladies… Are you having excessive hair on your face or body?

Nothing can be more disconcerting for a woman affected with excess hair – other than on her scalp.

The disorder is called Hirsuitism. It is characterized by excess facial and body hair.

Such hair is dark and coarse, because the abnormal hair growth usually occurs in places where men typically grow hair—chest, face and back.

You can be sure that you are suffering from Hirsuitism if you have the following symptoms:

• Excess facial hair in women—on the chin (beard), upper lip, and side-burns; such hair is coarse
• Abnormal hair growth on the chest, around nipples, abdomen and back
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Acne
• Loss of feminine body shape

Triggering factors for Hirsuitism are:

• Ovarian Cysts or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
• Tumors of adrenal glands or ovaries
• Cushing’s syndrome: It is a medical condition with excess secretion of steroids including androgens.
• Acromegaly: Excess growth hormone and insulin resistance.
• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid where there is decrease production of thyroid hormones.
• Hyperprolactaemia: Increased levels of prolactin
• Certain conventional medications used for hair growth
• Anabolic Steroids
• Danazol, used to treat endometriosis (medical condition where the lining i.e. endometrium of the uterus appear and flourish outside the uterine cavity)
• When no underlying cause or trigger is found, the cause of Hirsuitism may be difficult to ascertain
• Genetics, race and ethnicity could also increase the risk of Hirsuitism.

Diagnosis is often based on medical and family history, menstrual cycles and certain conventional medications taken. An ultrasound on the pelvis is required to rule out PCOS, blood test for androgen levels, CTscan or MRI may be advised in case of tumors of the ovaries or adrenal glands.

Conventional treatment V/s Homoeopathic Treatment

Modern conventional medicines fail to establish cure for Hirsuitism because the approach is only up to disease level. The allopathic treatment includes anti-androgen medication which blocks the action of androgens on hair follicles. Birth control pills change the level of several hormones including androgens. There are other methods also like shaving, waxing, bleaching, electrolysis which uses electric current to kill each hair follicle one by one but this method is not feasible for large areas and laser therapy which is the latest therapy used for Hirsuitism is speedy, efficient and permanent however it can cause burns when it is not done carefully.

In contrast to the above conventional treatments, Homoeopathy can treat Hirsuitism very effectively.

Homoeopathic medicine is given after detailed analysis of the case which treats the problem from its root. One in every 5 women is found to be suffering from PCOS which is the major cause of Hirsuitism. Homoeopathy can treat PCOS or ovarian cysts very effectively and prevent its recurrence. This in turn helps to eradicate Hirsuitism.  In contrast a well selected homeopathy remedy has the capacity to correct hormonal imbalance by stimulating the glands to secrete required hormones. Homeopathic healing directs the way to safe and permanent cure. Homoeopathic medicines have no side-effects.

Self-help

Eating the right foods helps to accelerate the treatment progress. Hence consume good amounts of anti-oxidant foods like blueberries, cherries, tomatoes, bell peppers which balance the body’s hormonal systems. Refined foods such as pasta’s, breads and sugar should be avoided. Meditate or do yoga to de-stress which is important for hormone balance.