MedifocusHealth

As mentioned above, the first line of treatment for hyperandrogenism, of which hirsutism is a symptom, is modification of lifestyle, namely weight loss and exercise. If these measures are not sufficient, medications may be introduced. The medications may be taken alone or combined in order to boost efficaciousness, especially for moderate to severe cases of hirsutism.

In conjunction with any treatment for hirsutism, psychological counseling is a very important aspect since the symptoms are so overt and can affect a woman's or adolescent's self-esteem and well being.

Hair Removal

There are several options to physically remove hair that is currently growing. Many women employ these hair removeal procedures while taking medications. Some women prefer to wait 6-12 months before initiating physical hair removal techniques in order to give medications sufficient time to prevent the growth of new hair. This reduces the need for undergoing hair removal procedures a second time.

Each of the methods to remove hair physically has its own advantages and disadvantages. Techniques used for hair removal include:

• Shaving - this is the least traumatic method of hair removal. Stubble often remains but shaving can easily be repeated. Shaving cuts off the hair at the thickest part of the shaft which may make the hair look darker as it grows out. Shaving does not stimulate new hair growth.

• Depilatories - these are creams that burn off the hair at the skin line. They can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions but do not stimulate new hair growth.

• Tweezing/wax stripping - this method is painful and can be done only for small patches of hair. There is also an increased risk of infection of the hair follicles as well as ingrown hairs and distorted follicles. This method stimulates the hair root into the growing phase.

• Electrolysis - application of electric current to the base of the hair follicle with a fine needle. Electrolysis is highly effective because it permanently removes hair by destroying the follicles through a caustic chemical reaction. Electrolysis is expensive, tedious, and is effective for only small portions of skin. The efficacy of electrolysis for permanent hair loss ranges between 15-50%. It is very important to use the services of a reputable, experienced operator. Electrolysis may cause hyperpigmentation and/or scarring.

• Laser treatment - this is the newest technique available. The melanin pigmentation in hair follicles absorbs laser light more than the surrounding skin which results in the hair follicles retaining the heat and being destroyed (photothermolysis). It is effective on large areas of hair and results in long-term hair removal in 33% to 66% of women. It is more effective in light-skinned, dark-haired women and less effective in blondes. It is still unclear how long the treatment lasts. Laser treatment may cause erythema (reddening of the skin), hyperpigmentation, and/or hypopigmentation of the skin.

Alopecia

For women who experience alopecia or male pattern balding, effective treatment includes medications such as minoxidil and spironolactone. Spironolactone reduces the rate of hair loss but its effect on hair growth is minimal, if any.

Acne