What are the Hormonal Causes for Unwanted Hair in Men and Women?

Table Of Contents

Hormonal Causes of Unwanted Hair in Men

Hormonal Causes of Unwanted Hair in Women

How to Remove Unwanted Hair Caused due to Hormonal Imbalance?

Do you find yourself constantly battling with unwanted hair? 

Whether it is facial hair, legs, arms, or any other body part, unwanted hair growth can be a source of frustration and embarrassment for many people.

But what if you get to know that the root cause of this unwanted growth could be traced back to some  hormonal imbalances? Yes, hormonal imbalance can lead to unwanted hair growth in both men and women.

Understanding the hormonal causes for unwanted hair can not only help solve the hair problem but can also shed light on your overall hormone related health. So, let’s explore what hormonal factors are at play and how they impact hair growth in men and women.

Hormonal Causes of Unwanted Hair in Men

Let’s understand the hormonal causes for unwanted hair in men.

Testosterone is the primary androgen hormone produced by the testes in men, and it plays a key role in developing male traits such as muscle mass, body hair, and a deep voice. 

In addition to testosterone, men also produce a smaller amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more potent form of testosterone.

These hormones stimulate hair follicles to produce thicker and darker hair. An imbalance in the levels of androgens can increase unwanted hair growth, especially in areas like the chest, back, and face.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of genetic disorders that affect the adrenal glands, which produce hormones that regulate various bodily functions. In males with CAH, high levels of androgens can lead to excessive hair growth.

Hyperthyroidism

Does thyroid cause unwanted hair growth is one of the major concerns of people with thyroid disorder? Hyperthyroidism causes the excess release of thyroid hormones, which can increase the body’s androgens level. Increased androgen levels  lead to changes in the hair growth cycle, causing hair to grow more rapidly and become coarser. This can result in unwanted hair development in areas where hair growth is minimal or absent.

Hormonal Causes of Unwanted Hair in Women

Let’s explore what are the hormonal causes for unwanted hair in women.

Women with a higher-than-normal level of androgen are more likely to have unwanted hair on their faces and other body parts. There are several conditions that increase the androgen level in females, like PCOS.

PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age. It is associated with elevated levels of androgens and insulin resistance, which can both contribute to unwanted hair growth.

Cushing’s Syndrome

This condition occurs when the body produces too much cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Excessive cortisol can increase androgen levels, leading to unwanted hair growth.

Adrenal Gland Disorders

The adrenal glands, located just above the kidneys, control androgen hormone production. Adrenal gland disorders, like adrenal cancer and congenital adrenal hyperplasia, are responsible for the overproduction of testosterone, leading to unwanted hair growth.

Hyperprolactinemia

Hyperprolactinemia is a medical condition with elevated levels of prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. This condition can cause several symptoms, including unwanted hair growth in women.

Hyperthyroidism

Just like in men, hyperthyroid or even sometimes hypothyroid disorders can cause unwanted hair growth in women by stimulating androgen production. 

How to Remove Unwanted Hair Caused due to Hormonal Imbalance?

If the unwanted hair growth is due to a hormonal imbalance, treating the underlying condition can help reduce hair growth. Hormonal therapy may include medications or lifestyle changes to regulate hormone levels.

Anti-androgens: These medications can block the action of androgens, the hormones that stimulate hair growth.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): HRT can help balance hormones and reduce unwanted hair growth.

Birth control pills: Birth control pills containing oestrogen and progesterone may help decrease PCOS cysts. Oestrogen can also aid in hair reduction. These medications are typically used as a long-term solution to unwanted hair growth.

Other methods to remove unwanted hair:

Shaving: This is a quick and painless way to remove hair, but it can be time-consuming,moreover the hair is cut at skin level and hence usually  grows back quickly.

Waxing: This method removes hair at the root and can last several weeks, but is again not long lasting or permanent.

Depilatory creams: These creams dissolve the hair shaft, making it easier to remove. They can cause skin irritation for some people.

Electrolysis: This method uses a small needle to deliver an electric current to the hair follicle, destroying it and preventing hair from growing back. It is an FDA approved permanent method of hair removal but can be time consuming. It also requires high expertise for painless and scarless removal.

Laser hair removal: This method destroys hair follicles, preventing hair from growing back. It is one of the most efficient and safe methods of hair removal which offers almost permanent hair reduction lasting for a long time. Due to the machines used, the cost of the treatment might be high. 

Conclusion!

Unwanted hair growth caused by hormonal imbalances can be challenging for both men and women. Our experienced dermatologists and skin specialists at Clear Skin Clinics, Pune, can help you by providing the solution you are seeking for your unwanted hair problems. 

Book your consultation with us today!