$Unique_ID{BRK01557}
$Pretitle{Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue}
$Title{Unwanted Body Hair and its Treatment}
$Subject{hair excess hirsutism}
$Volume{L-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Unwanted Body Hair and its Treatment


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QUESTION:  Would you please dedicate one of your columns to a discussion of
unwanted body hair and its treatment?  I can sure use some advice.

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ANSWER:  While hirsutism (excessive hair growth on a woman's body) often is
considered to be a purely cosmetic problem, actually it is a medical one.
Hirsutism most frequently results from high levels of androgen (any substance,
such as testicular hormones, that causes masculinizing effects).  Excessive
androgen activity may also cause other conditions, including acne, menstrual
irregularities and/or infertility.
     Additionally, there are some medications that are known to cause unwanted
hair growth, corticosteroid therapy as well as certain medicines used to treat
hypertension.
     There are, of course, medicines that have proven to be very helpful for
reducing unwanted hair growth but as these medications can also have unwanted
side effects, your physician will maintain a close watch on as you are
treated.  Among medications that are currently used are drugs containing
estrogens--usually in the form of a combination oral contraceptive product.
     Since there are women who may not take estrogens, other treatments use a
class of medicines called glucocorticoids which decrease androgen secretion in
the body.  But here too, there are some restrictions.  Anyone who suffers from
stomach ulcers, diabetes, psychiatric disorders, active infections, or who is
specifically allergic to this class of medication must be cautioned about
their use.
     If medications can not be used internally, there are the mechanical
methods useful to treat the problem, and which can produce a very satisfactory
cosmetic result.  Simple bleaching the dark hairs is often useful in mild
cases of hirsutism.  Also, shaving is an easy, inexpensive and effective (at
least for a while) method way of removing unwanted hair.  Electrolysis, while
rather expensive, destroys the existing hair follicles, and thus is a
permanent method of removing hair.
     Tweezing, plucking and removal with wax are not recommended for removal
of hair.  These methods are high in risks for infections and since they
stimulate blood flow to hair follicles, can work against you by causing an
increase in new hair growth.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
