Excess hair growth? Hirsutism, can we treat it?

Excess hair growth ‘Hirsutism’ is a problem that mainly affects women. It is fairly common, affecting about 10% of women and is more prevalent in those of Middle Eastern or Mediterranean descent. The hair is usually thick and dark developing in areas that men would usually have hair, such as: Chin and neck area Upper lip On the chest The tummy area Lower back Causes of excess hair There is not always a clear reason why someone develops excessive hair growth. In younger women, the most common cause is Polycystic ovary syndrome. This can cause; high levels of male hormones, acne, irregular periods and fluid-filled sacs, ‘cysts’ which surround the eggs. The menopause can also be a trigger for excessive hair growth, hormonal imbalances can result in an excess of male hormones in the body. Other less common causes include: Cushing’s syndrome Tumour Obesity Medicines such as steroids Treatments The problem with treating excess hair caused by hormone changes is even ‘permanent’ solutions like Electrolysis, IPL and Laser can show regrowth. Hair growth is a hormonal process, and the hormonal imbalance in PCOS sufferers means hair is, unfortunately, more likely to grow back. Many IPL clinics will offer a special ongoing discount for those with PCOS because of this. Other alternatives for treating excess hair include: Waxing Hair removal cream Electrolysis Laser hair removal IPL Contraceptive pill Those suffering from Hirsutism may use a combination of these treatments to keep hair growth under control. Read more about IPL treatments for hair reduction here. So how does IPL work for permanent hair reduction? Removal…

Excess hair growth
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Excess hair growth ‘Hirsutism’ is a problem that mainly affects women. It is fairly common, affecting about 10% of women and is more prevalent in those of Middle Eastern or Mediterranean descent. The hair is usually thick and dark developing in areas that men would usually have hair, such as:

  • Chin and neck area
  • Upper lip
  • On the chest
  • The tummy area
  • Lower back

Causes of excess hair

There is not always a clear reason why someone develops excessive hair growth. In younger women, the most common cause is Polycystic ovary syndrome. This can cause; high levels of male hormones, acne, irregular periods and fluid-filled sacs, ‘cysts’ which surround the eggs. The menopause can also be a trigger for excessive hair growth, hormonal imbalances can result in an excess of male hormones in the body.

Other less common causes include:

  • Cushing’s syndrome
  • Tumour
  • Obesity
  • Medicines such as steroids
  • Treatments

The problem with treating excess hair caused by hormone changes is even ‘permanent’ solutions like Electrolysis, IPL and Laser can show regrowth. Hair growth is a hormonal process, and the hormonal imbalance in PCOS sufferers means hair is, unfortunately, more likely to grow back. Many IPL clinics will offer a special ongoing discount for those with PCOS because of this.

Other alternatives for treating excess hair include:

  • Waxing
  • Hair removal cream
  • Electrolysis
  • Laser hair removal
  • IPL
  • Contraceptive pill

Those suffering from Hirsutism may use a combination of these treatments to keep hair growth under control. Read more about IPL treatments for hair reduction here.

So how does IPL work for permanent hair reduction?

Removal of hair using IPL works by targeting the melanin in the hair with quick pulses of light. This light energy converts to heat within the follicle. When sufficient heat has built up the follicle will break down and be unable to produce a new hair. This process is most effective in the ‘anagen’ phase of hair growth. Approximately 30% of hairs are in this stage of growth at any one time, therefore, to achieve the most permanent results a course of treatments is required. No IPL or Laser system will ever achieve 100% permanent results. Typically 6-10 treatments may be needed at intervals of 4-6 weeks to see long lasting results. Any hair re-growth will be softer and finer than before.

collagen boosting hydrating facial before and after SkinBase Collagen Lift Sammy's Cosmetic Aesthetics 1collagen boosting hydrating facial before and after SkinBase Collagen Lift Sammy's Cosmetic Aesthetics 2
Ageing Skin, Collagen Lift

Sammy’s Cosmetic Aesthetics

Client Testimonial: “I have just finished the Collagen Lift course, and wow the results are amazing. My skin feels and looks tighter, my enlarged pores are now no longer, and my lines are minimal compared to what they were. The Collagen Lift procedure is none evasive and can be catered to you personally through the heat levels, great if you’re feeling delicate. Sam was amazing, not only was she friendly, attentive and very informative, She made me feel calm and relaxed throughout. Before the treatment I was aware of the signs of ageing on my face and was very conscious of it and people looking at me, now I ooze with confidence and self esteem. I like me again. I will certainly be booking again without hesitation to keep on top of the amazing results I have obtained from this procedure. I can’t thank Sam and her Collagen Lift enough. Brilliant 5 star treatment and results.”

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