Here at GLAMOUR we are all about embracing your body exactly how it is - and that includes your body hair. If you're enamoured with your razor, you do you, but if you'd prefer to embrace your body hair in all its fuzzy glory, that's also bloody amazing.
The revulsion that people feel over women's body hair: that it's dirty, smelly, or unattractive, is learnt - and quite frankly stupid. It's the same stuff that men have under their arms, over their chests and around their groin, but we grow up being told ours is undesirable.
Whilst of course it isn't at all undesirable, some women may be concerned with excessive body hair, whether it's on their face, arms, tummy, legs or back. That's why we've enlisted two experts, Dr Sophie Shotter and Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, to break down exactly what hirsutism (the medical term for excessive body hair) is, what it could be trying to tell you about your health and when you should seek medical advice.
“Excess body hair on arms, legs, stomach, back and face are a sign of hirsutism,” explains Dr Sophie Shotter. “These are areas where men commonly have significant hair growth, but most women don’t. Hair growth is driven by the hormone testosterone - this is the dominant male hormone, but is also crucial to women’s health in smaller quantities. If the levels of this hormone are elevated it can cause excess hair growth.”
If this sounds familiar, know you're not alone. Dr Deborah Lee says it’s common for women to attend the GP surgery or a sexual health clinic concerned about unwanted body hair.
As Lizzo denies claims she body-shamed her employees, the body positivity movement is a big talking point.
“Hirsutism is the development of dark hair in women after puberty, in a male pattern distribution – usually the face - especially the beard area, stomach, back, legs, stomach and thighs,” she adds. “It's a common medical problem thought to affect around 10% of women and often causes significant emotional distress. Women with hirsutism have a lower quality of life and are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression.”
PCOS
The most common cause of hirsutism in women is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This is an endocrine condition characterised by high levels of androgens (testosterone) which is why PCOS sufferers are often hirsute. High insulin levels can also lead to weight gain and difficulty losing weight and often women fail to ovulate or ovulate regularly, resulting in heavy erratic bleeding or sometimes no periods at all. PCOS sufferers often have problems with their fertility.
Androgen-secreting tumours
Around 0.2% of hirsutism cases are due to androgen-secreting tumours – tumours of the ovary or adrenal gland – so this is rare. 50% of these tumours are malignant but always get yours checked out if you discover one.
Non-classical Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
Non-classical CAH is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme 21 – hydroxylase. It is most common in Ashkenazi Jews. It may not be diagnosed until after puberty when it results in absent periods, acne, hirsutism and alopecia.
Do our strands change every few years…
Medications
Many different medications can cause hirsutism, for example, androgens, steroids, progesterones, estrogen antagonists (such as clomiphene, tamoxifen), minoxidil, cyclosporine, danazol, phenytoin, penicillamine, and interferon.
Other endocrine conditions
Other endocrine conditions (conditions of the glands) can cause hirsutism. These include:
- Cushing’s syndrome (excess cortisol)
- Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid)
- Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid)
- Hyperprolactinaemia (raised levels of prolactin)
- Acromegaly (excess growth hormone)
Idiopathic
50% of cases of mild hirsutism have an unknown cause. This may happen due to increased sensitivity of the hair follicles to androgens and is common in women from the Middle East and Mediterranean regions.
“If you are concerned about your body hair, see your GP,” advises Dr Deborah Lee. “Try not to be embarrassed. Your GP is there to help you and will put you at your ease.”
Dr Lee says they are likely to arrange some blood tests to check your hormone profile including androgens. If needed they will refer you to a Dermatologist or an Endocrinologist.
Thankfully hirsutism can be treated and as Dr Lee explains: “So long as a tumour has been ruled out, very often an oral contraceptive is advised, such as Yasmin which has specific antiandrogen effects. Alternatively, spironolactone can be used.”
There are also many doctor-approved techniques for dealing with the unwanted hair, should you wish to. “Options include bleaching, shaving, hydrogen peroxide and chemical depilation, Eflornithine cream to weaken hair growth, or Electrolysis or laser treatment,” she advises.
As with any health concern, always be sure to speak to your GP.
