Excessive Hair Growth
Understanding and treating hirsutism through integrative medicine
Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism) - Key Facts
Also Known As
Hirsutism, excessive hair growth, unwanted hair
Medical Category
Dermatological - Hair & Nails
ICD-10 Code
L68.0 (Hirsutism)
How Common
Affects 5-10% of women
Affected System
Endocrine, Reproductive
Urgency Level
Routine (with urgent red flags)
Healers Clinic Services
- Functional Medicine Consultation
- Hormone Testing
- PCOS Assessment
- Homeopathic Treatment
30-Second Summary
Hirsutism is excessive coarse hair growth in women in male-pattern areas (face, chest, back). It's primarily caused by elevated androgen hormones, most commonly from PCOS. At Healers Clinic, we investigate and treat the underlying hormonal causes through functional medicine, homeopathy, and Ayurveda, while also addressing cosmetic concerns.
Definition & Types
Formal Medical Definition
Hirsutism is the excessive growth of coarse, dark hair in women in a male-pattern distribution, typically affecting the face, chest, back, and abdomen. It results from elevated androgen (male hormone) levels or increased hair follicle sensitivity to androgens. While often benign, hirsutism can indicate underlying hormonal disorders like PCOS, adrenal hyperplasia, or rarely, androgen-secreting tumors.
Classification by Cause
Ovarian (Most Common)
- - PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
- - Ovarian tumors
- - Ovarian hyperthecosis
Adrenal
- - Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- - Adrenal tumors
- - Cushing's syndrome
Causes & Risk Factors
Primary Causes
PCOS
Most common cause; insulin resistance increases androgen production
Adrenal
Adrenal hyperplasia or tumors producing excess androgens
Medications
Certain medications can increase androgens
Healers Clinic Root Cause Perspective
We investigate:
- Comprehensive hormone panel
- Insulin resistance and metabolic health
- Ovarian and adrenal function
- Gut health and its impact on hormone metabolism
Assessment & Diagnostics
Advanced Diagnostics
Comprehensive Hormone Panel
Testosterone, free testosterone, DHEA-S, DHT, androstenedione
LH/FSH Ratio
LH to FSH ratio for PCOS assessment
Prolactin
Elevated levels can indicate pituitary issues
Insulin Resistance
Fasting insulin, HbA1c
Adrenal Function
Cortisol, 17-hydroxyprogesterone
Pelvic Ultrasound
Ovarian morphology for PCOS
Syndrome Cluster
Hirsutism often occurs with:
Integrative Treatment
Functional Medicine Protocol
Address hormonal and metabolic causes
Homeopathic Treatment
Constitutional remedies for hormonal balance
Ayurvedic Treatment
Balance hormones and reduce excess hair growth
Nutritional Counseling
Dietary modifications for hormone balance
When to Seek Help
Rapid onset hirsutism with deepening voice or clitoral enlargement
Seek immediate endocrine evaluation - possible tumor
Hirsutism with severe headache or visual changes
Urgent evaluation for pituitary tumor
New onset hirsutism with irregular periods or infertility
Schedule hormonal and PCOS evaluation
Care Comparison
| Aspect | Standard Care | Healers Clinic |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Treats hirsutism with cosmetic solutions (laser, electrolysis) | Investigates and addresses underlying hormonal causes |
| Methodology | Focuses on hair removal | Balances hormones to reduce new hair growth |
| Treatment | May recommend birth control pills or anti-androgens | Creates personalized protocols addressing root causes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.What causes hirsutism?
Hirsutism is caused by elevated androgen (male hormone) levels or increased hair follicle sensitivity to androgens. Common causes include PCOS (most common), adrenal hyperplasia, obesity (which increases androgen production), certain medications, and rarely, ovarian or adrenal tumors.
Q2.How is PCOS related to hirsutism?
PCOS is the most common cause of hirsutism. Women with PCOS have elevated androgen levels due to insulin resistance and ovarian dysfunction. This stimulates excess hair growth in a male pattern. Treating PCOS can reduce hirsutism.
Q3.Can diet help with hirsutism?
Yes, diet can significantly impact hirsutism. A low-glycemic diet helps manage insulin resistance, which reduces androgen production. Reducing dairy and processed foods while increasing fiber and vegetables can help balance hormones.
Q4.Is hirsutism treatable?
Yes, hirsutism is treatable. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause (like PCOS), hormonal medications, lifestyle modifications, and cosmetic hair removal. With proper treatment, new hair growth can be reduced, though existing hair may require removal treatments.
Q5.When should I see a doctor for hirsutism?
See a doctor if you have new or sudden onset hirsutism, if it's accompanied by irregular periods, acne, weight changes, or other symptoms, or if it affects your quality of life.
Treat Hirsutism from the Root Cause
Our integrative team will help you address excessive hair growth by treating underlying hormonal causes.
St. 15, Al Wasl Road, Jumeira 2, Dubai, UAE
Balance Your Hormones
Let us help you address hirsutism and its underlying causes.
St. 15, Al Wasl Road, Jumeira 2, Dubai, UAE