WHAT IS HIRSUITISM?
Hirsutism can be defined as excess facial and body hair growth in women. It is not a disease and can be easily treated. The condition usually develops during puberty and becomes more pronounced as the years go by. The disorder is usually androgen mediated.

WHAT CAUSES HIRSUITISM?
Hirsutism can be caused by abnormally high levels of male hormones known as androgens.  Because androgens come only from the adrenal glands or gonads or by conversion in peripheral tissues of precursor steroids from these organs, the causes of hirsutism are found in these two organs. Ovarian causes include tumors, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and most cases of idiopathic hirsutism. The clinical evaluation is designed to differentiate between these diagnostic possibilities.

Stress causes an increase in the production of male hormone and is one of the most common causes of Hirsuitism.

WHY ARE SOME WOMEN HIRSUTE AND OTHERS NOT?
Not all women who have high testosterone develop unwanted hair. Hirsutism is caused by an increased sensitivity of the skin to the activity of normal or raised levels of male hormones. Therefore, although this 'sensitive' skin will remain with you all your life, treatment is available to block the actions of male hormones on the skin.
Types of hirsutism:
Hirsutism can range from very mild to severe. Some women who are hirsute have normal levels of male hormones. This is called idiopathic hirsutism (no exact cause known).
Some have small increases in levels of male hormones. One cause of this is as part of the polycystic ovarian syndrome.
In rare cases women can have tumours of the ovary and adrenal, when hormone levels reach that of a man.

HOW CAN MY UNWANTED HAIR BE TREATED?
There are a variety of ways to remove unwanted hair:
Bleaching -lightening hair to make it less noticeable.
Hair removal - shaving, plucking, waxing, or chemical depilation.
Electrolysis - using electrical current to damage individual hair follicles so they do not grow back. This is requires multiple treatments.
Laser hair removal - using laser to damage individual hair follicles so they do not grow back. This is expensive and requires multiple treatments.

ADVANCED TRICHOLOGICAL TREATMENT FOR HIRSUITISM
Since the main cause of Hirsuitism is the excess of the Male Hormone, a unique trichological treatment involving the intake of a fruit in a capsule form called Serenoa Complex (Internally) along with the external application of the Oleum Jacoris cream, these basically act as DHT blockers which help in blocking the male hormone. This is proving to be of great help in the Treatment of Hirsuitism and needs to be done under the supervision of a certified Trichologist. A Trichologist will be able to treat the cause and also advise the person about diet and other lifestyle factors that contribute to Hirsuitism.

Dr. Apoorva Shah is India’s First Certified Trichologist and the panelist at Richfeel Trichology Centre. For further enquiries call 66778877 or log on to www.richfeel.com