Why The Hair On Her Chinny Chin Chin?

There is a universal appeal of Laser Hair Removal that keeps it as one of our most popular treatment options. The ability to achieve silky smooth skin without having to deal with pesky razors and wax on a daily basis is too good to pass up.  It seems everyone wants to throw away their razors and do away with shave bumps, ingrown hair, and stubble once and for all. They want their skin to be smooth and hair free. Fortunately, Ideal Image offers Laser Hair Removal for candidates looking to remove hair in one or more areas of the body.

Legs, underarms, and bikinis are all popular treatment areas, but facial hair on women remains one of the top areas for Laser Hair Removal. It is immensely satisfying to help someone with this embarrassing problem and a dream come true for those suffering from a unique condition known as hirsutism. If you have thick hair growing on your chin, there is no need to hide away in shame – you can permanently reduce hair through our LHR treatments. 

Many women silently struggle with hirsutism because they believe these hairs are more difficult to treat than normal and that there is just no way to stop the growth. By understanding where hirsutism in women comes from and how it can be treated, you can work towards a healthy and long-lasting solution that will help you to stop hiding your face. 

Hair Removal Options For Women Experiencing  Hirsutism 

Everyone, regardless of gender, grows hair on their face. For most women, this hair is so fine and pale that it is hardly noticeable and does not always warrant a treatment. On occasion, however, the hair can be thick, dark, and plainly visible on the face. This hair is especially difficult and stubborn to treat. 

These conditions can be caused by or lead to serious health problems and should always be considered when treating a woman with hair growth in a male pattern distribution. Keep reading to learn about the specific causes of hirsutism so you can be matched with a treatment that works for you.

What Is Hirsutism?

Hirsutism in women is a specific hair growth condition often identified by an excess of androgens or an imbalance of growth hormones throughout the body. Too many androgens at once can cause the body to go through a male sexual development cycle, which often includes rapid and excessive hair growth. This can cause women to grow hair on the face, particularly on the chin, in a way that resembles male hair growth patterns. Hirsutism typically causes coarse, thick, and dark-colored hair to sprout around the chin. 

A lot of clients tend to believe that hirsutism in women is so rare that there is nobody they can talk to about their particular hair growth issues. However, it is a little more common than you might think. Research has shown that up to ten percent of women are known to have struggled with hirsutism at some point in their lives. 

What Does Hirsutism In Women Look Like? Common Symptoms

The effects of hirsutism may look different to each person who is dealing with this condition, but there are some common similarities that you are likely to identify with. The first real sign of hirsutism is the emergence of hair on the chin and upper lip or on other areas around the mouth. This hair is typically thicker and darker than the other hairs you have on your body. This hair may also start to show up around the sideburns, nipples, or lower stomach.

Hair that grows on the chin as a result of hirsutism will likely resemble the mature hairs on the scalp, giving a sense of permanency that many clients are unhappy with until they seek non-invasive treatment.

Other hirsutism symptoms that may appear over time include: 

  • Acne
  • Oily skin
  • Receding hairline
  • Deepening voice
  • Increased libido
  • Alopecia or other forms of hair loss
  • Mood swings
  • Skin sensitivity

There are several hirsutism causes that contribute to the eventual growth of excess hair, and most of them have to do with fluctuating androgen levels. Whether due to menopause, pregnancy, or another medical condition, it is important to decipher the underlying problems that have triggered the development of hirsutism in women.

Five Causes of Hirsutism 

According to the Mayo Clinic, the 5 most common causes of Hirsutism are:

  1. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This condition, which often begins with puberty, causes an imbalance of sex hormones. Over years, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may slowly result in excess hair growth, irregular periods, obesity, infertility, and sometimes multiple cysts on the ovaries.
  2. Cushing syndrome. This occurs when your body is exposed to high levels of the hormone cortisol. It can develop from your adrenal glands making too much cortisol or from taking medications such as prednisone over a long period.
  3. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia. This inherited condition is characterized by abnormal production of steroid hormones, including cortisol and androgen, by your adrenal glands.
  4. Tumors. Rarely, an androgen-secreting tumor in the ovaries or adrenal glands can cause hirsutism.
  5. Medications. Some medications can cause hirsutism. These include minoxidil (Minoxidil, Rogaine); danazol, which is used to treat women with endometriosis; testosterone (Androgel, Testim); and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). If your partner uses topical products containing androgens, you can be affected as well through skin-to-skin contact.

Getting A Hirsutism Diagnosis

Physicians evaluating hirsutism may order blood levels of testosterone to check out an ovarian source. They may also order levels of DHEA-S to look for an adrenal source of excess androgens. Thyroid hormones may be evaluated to rule out an underactive thyroid, and an ultrasound can be performed to look for evidence of polycystic ovarian disease. MRI’s and CT scans may be needed to rule out tumors from other sources. 

Hirsutism Treatments

Treatment will be directed toward the underlying cause of the hirsutism. 

Some clients have more success treating individual symptoms rather than focusing on the condition as a whole. Hair follicles that have been affected by hirsutism are not likely to go away on their own, and it is no secret that shaving and waxing do nothing to get rid of unwanted hair for good. Laser Hair Removal treatments are beneficial for those looking to curb the effects of unwanted hair growth as a result of hirsutism.

And They Lived Happily Ever After

Recognition and effective treatment of underlying medical problems manifesting as hirsutism could make a profound difference in a client’s long-term health. Directed treatment combined with state-of-the-art Laser Hair Removal will also help address unwanted hair growth. The take-home message is that symptoms of hirsutism should be evaluated by a physician. You can get started on your personalized hair removal treatment today when you sign up for a consultation with our Aesthetic Consultants at your local Ideal Image.

Hirsutism in Women FAQs

  1. What is hirsutism in women

Hirsutism is characterized by among other things excessive growth of hair on the chin and the face. This typically happens with women and AFAB people who start to experience male patterns of hair growth during puberty. Hirsutism can come from an imbalance or an overproduction of the androgen hormones, as well as an overproduction of cortisol. It is important to visit your doctor to identify the exact cause of hirsutism in order to be matched with a workable treatment. 

  1. What are the most common causes of hirsutism in women?

Some hirsutism causes include PCOS and Cushings Syndrome, which are both conditions that can change hormone levels within the body drastically. At times, the cause of hirsutism remains unknown, as it can sometimes be prevalent from birth. There are treatments available to manage the symptoms of this condition and you should consult your physician. 

  1. What is the best hirsutism treatment? 

Depending on the cause and complexity of your hirsutism diagnosis, a number of different treatments may be available to you. Ideal Image offers aesthetic and wellness treatments like Laser Hair Removal, which target hair follicles at their root. This is likely the most effective way of reducing unwanted hairs that may have grown as a result of hirsutism advancement. . Get in touch with our Aesthetic Consultants to discuss results, set expectations, and design your treatment plan today.

Nothing in this document should be construed as medical advice.  Please consult your physician.