Hypertrichosis / hirsutism / PCOS and long-lasting hair removal
Hypertrichosis, hirsutism and PCO are conditions characterized by excessive hair growth. This unusual hair growth can affect the entire body or specific areas. Both men and women can be affected. The conditions can be either congenital or acquired and vary greatly in their severity.
This excess hair growth not only has a physical impact on those affected, but often also a psychological and social one, as it can be associated with social stigma and self-esteem issues. Here you will find an overview of the causes, symptoms and effects as well as a gentle way to reduce hairiness.
Hypertrichosis vs. hirsutism
Hypertrichosis: This rare genetic disorder leads to excessive hair growth on areas of the body that are not normally covered by thick hair. It can affect men and women. Hair growth can occur all over the body or only in certain areas and is independent of gender. There are various forms of hypertrichosis, including congenital and acquired hypertrichosis.
Hirsutism: This condition occurs exclusively in women and is characterized by excessive hair growth in a male pattern of distribution. Very common in the form of hair growth in the upper lip and chin area, between the breasts and around the nipples, on the shoulders, on the inner thighs, on the navel-abdominal line and possibly the backs of the toes. It can also lead to loss of hair on the head and even baldness (alopecia). It is not uncommon for this disorder to occur simultaneously with acne, the formation of pustules and papules, particularly on the face and back, and seborrhea, an increased secretion of the sebaceous glands, particularly in the head area. Virilization (masculinization) is also often observed in this context, characterized by the presence of hirsutism together with changes in other organs such as enlargement of the breasts, general enlargement of the muscles, deepening of the voice, enlargement of the clitoris and male-type hair loss.
Common causes of hypertrichosis
Hypertrichosis can have various causes, which can be divided into congenital and acquired forms:
Congenital causes
- Hypertrichiosis at birth or in early childhood
- often part of rare hereditary diseases
- genetic mutations, changes in genes that regulate hair growth
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Acquired causes
- In adulthood, internal diseases can be associated with diffuse hypertrichosis
- in rare cases, tumors as the cause of lanugo hair all over the body
- Disorders in the production of precursors of the red blood pigment, so-called porphyrias, can cause diffuse or circumscribed hypertrichosis
- Medication: Side effects of, for example, minoxidil, phenytoin, ciclosporin, antiepileptic drugs .
- Metabolic disorders: Diseases such as porphyria.
- Hormone disorders: Imbalances, e.g. during the menopause or PCOS.
- Undernutrition: eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa. Overweight
- t: can lead to hormonal changes .
- Traumatic events: Injuries or chronic skin irritation.
- Infections and inflammation: Chronic skin infections or inflammatory conditions
- Irritation of the skin, e.g. edges of fresh scars
- For phlebitis and / or chronic leg vein weakness
- Longer bandages, such as Gibs bandages
These diverse causes make diagnosis and treatment complex and often require collaboration between different medical specialties. Excessive hair in this context can usually be successfully reduced by laser hair removal, resulting in a better quality of life in everyday life.
Common causes of hirsutism
Hirsutism is caused by the effect of male sex hormones (androgens). Androgens are also found in low concentrations in women.
Causes
- Increased production of androgens in the adrenal glands or ovaries
- in rare cases due to an androgen-producing tumor
- an increased conversion of androgen precursors into finished hormones
- Lower production of transport proteins, so that more free and thus effective androgens are present in the blood (often the cause of facial hair loss in old age)
- the individual, usually inherited sensitivity of the hair follicle to androgens
The diagnosis can be made by a blood test by a gynecologist or endocrinologist. This requires certain hormone tests, most importantly free testosterone and DHEAS for androgen diagnostics, LH/FSH ratio to rule out PCO syndrome, oestradiol to determine ovarian activity and TSH to assess thyroid function. These complex diagnostics are often omitted.
PCO /PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
PCO syndrome, also known as polycystic ovary syndrome or polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS for short. This disease is widespread and mainly affects young women of childbearing age. It is one of the most common metabolic disorders characterized by a complex hormonal imbalance in women. PCOS is the most common cause of increased androgen levels, etc. As the male hormones in particular are overproduced, typical symptoms such as male body hair appear.
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Psychological and social challenges
Affected people face a variety of challenges, most of which are psychological in nature. The unusual appearance can have a strong negative impact on self-esteem and body image. Many sufferers struggle with low self-esteem and feel insecure and unattractive because of their appearance. The constant confrontation with social norms and beauty ideals often leads to strong psychological pressure. This psychological stress can manifest itself in anxiety and depression.
In addition, social isolation often occurs, as those affected are stigmatized and ostracized due to their appearance. This stigmatization exacerbates the psychological problems and makes social interaction more difficult, which further exacerbates the isolation. The constant fear of negative attention and discrimination can lead to those affected avoiding social contact and withdrawing further and further.Hair removal for hirsutism and hypertrichosis, hirsutism and PCOS
Hair removal for hypertrichosis, hirsutism and PCOS poses a particular challenge, as traditional methods are often insufficient or can even be counterproductive. Daily shaving rarely leads to a pleasant body sensation, as the hair grows back quickly, feels stubbly and the skin is irritated by the constant shaving and hair growth.
Epilation methods such as waxing, sugaring or electric epilation devices are also problematic for hypertrichosis. Due to the amount of hair and the necessary intensity and frequency of epilation, small hemorrhages can occur as a result of forceful removal. These bleedings appear a few days later in the form of spots, redness or even small bruises, which further worsens the sensitive skin and causes additional discomfort.
Those affected should therefore resort to gentler methods of hair removal. Laser hair removal is a long-lasting solution. These procedures aim to damage the hair follicles and thus permanently reduce hair regrowth. Despite the higher cost and the need for multiple sessions, these methods can lead to a much more comfortable and long-lasting result, which can significantly improve the quality of life of those affected.
Laser treatments for hirsutism and hypertrichosis, hirsutism and PCOS
The process of laser hair removal requires several sessions as the hair goes through different growth phases and the laser is only effective during the active growth phase. Although the treatment can be costly and time-consuming, it offers the benefit of a significant and long-term reduction in hair growth. This leads to a noticeable improvement in the appearance of the skin and general well-being.
Another benefit of laser hair removal for hypertrichosis, hirsutism and PCO is the reduction of skin irritation and inflammation that can result from frequent shaving or other epilation methods. After treatment, many sufferers report a significant increase in their self-esteem and quality of life. It is particularly important to have the treatment carried out by qualified professionals in order to minimize possible side effects and achieve optimal results.In principle, these forms of excess hair can be reduced very well with laser hair removal. Customers feel great relief after the very first treatments. Open communication that follow-up treatments are necessary in these cases is important.
