Excess facial hair can be more than just a cosmetic concern; it’s often a symptom of underlying hormonal imbalances like PCOS that deserves special medical attention. Do you know the prevalence of hirsutism in PCOS ranges from 70 to 80%? That’s a staggering number! However, with a range of medical facial hair removal solutions, you can tackle unwanted stubborn facial hair growth in a way that targets the root cause.
From prescription pills to effective hair inhibitor creams like Oana’s Eflornithine, we will discuss facial hair removal solutions to help you feel more confident.
Understanding Hirsutism
Hirsutism is a condition that is characterized by hair growth in areas where females typically have less hair, like the face, chest, or back, often in amounts that feel way out of the norm. This condition is almost always linked to hormonal imbalances that can signal other health issues.
To manage hirsutism effectively, it’s essential to first understand its root causes.
Root Causes of Excess Facial Hair
Hirsutism is typically caused by an excess of male hormones or androgens like testosterone, which occur normally in both genders. When levels of this male hormone rise, women can suffer undesired hair growth.
In conditions like PCOS, adrenal gland disorder, or insulin resistance, androgens are released in large quantities, leading to hair growth that follows male facial hair patterns. But genetics and ethnicity also play a role in hirsutism.
Hormonal Factors
Hormonal imbalances are at the heart of hirsutism. As discussed above, conditions like PCOS and adrenal gland disorders are common triggers for hirsutism. In PCOS, the body produces more androgens that disrupt the normal balance between male and female hormones. This shift leads to excess facial hair, along with other key symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles.
When to Seek Treatment
If you are noticing sudden excessive hair growth or if it’s affecting your confidence and impacting your daily life, it’s worth consulting with a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the condition from worsening.
Medical Treatment Options
While shaving and waxing are common quick fixes, medical treatments offer lasting results by targeting the root cause of hirsutism.
1. Pills to Stop Hair Growth on the Face
Oral medications are among the most effective facial hair removal solutions. Anti-androgen medications like Oana’s spironolactone block the effects of androgens. This effective medicine is often prescribed for conditions like acne and hirsutism.
If you are looking for contraceptives, you will be glad to know birth control pills are a common treatment because they can help lower androgen levels, which in turn lowers facial hair growth.
2. Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy is another option in our facial hair removal solutions. This is especially effective when an imbalance is the primary cause. By adjusting hormone levels, it’s possible to reduce the body’s androgen production and slow facial hair growth. Oral estrogen-progesterone pills decrease the levels of androgens.
They are usually used as a first-line treatment for hirsutism. Even 60 to 100 % of women with hirsutism notice considerable effects after taking hormonal medicines.
3. Anti-androgen Medications
As described above, spironolactone, an anti-androgenic medicine, is among the popular choices for treating hirsutism. It slows down hair growth and, in some cases, makes the hair finer and less noticeable.
Beyond spironolactone, other anti-androgen medicines like finasteride and flutamide can be used to manage excessive facial hair. Remember, these medicines are prescription-based and must be used under medical supervision, as they can have drug interactions and side effects.
Topical Solutions
There is good news for those who don’t want to opt for oral pills. Topical creams are an effective and popular option in facial hair removal solutions.
Different Types of Hair Inhibitor Cream
There are a variety of hair inhibitor creams, ranging from over-the-counter options to stronger prescription versions. They are designed to slow hair growth, gradually reducing the frequency and coarseness of hair.
Oana’s eflornithine cream is a prescription option that particularly targets facial hair by inhibiting an enzyme called ornithine decarboxylase involved in hair growth. This cream is usually applied twice daily and can considerably reduce hair over time. This provides a manageable and less intrusive facial hair removal solution.