Millions of years back, our troglodyte ancestors were as hairy as primates. Over the course of human evolution, however, our lineage traded their fur coat for a covering of minuscule body hairs.
We may not have the same volume of body hair as our ancestors did, but some of us carry body hair that may be too much to our liking.
Whilst many of us would like to think that all is fine and dandy, having excessive body hair can affect your body perception and self-esteem, or worse, is an indication of a health issue.
To understand the issue a little better, here are a few reasons why some possess more body hair than most!
1. Hormones are out of balance (Hirsutism)
There is a possibility that excessive or unwanted hair growth on the body and face is the result of a condition called hirsutism.
Characterised with attributes most commonly associated with male hormones (androgen), those with hirsutism have higher androgen levels than most.
A doctor can diagnose hirsutism by performing a few tests such as bloodwork to measure androgen and other hormone levels, taking a look at menstrual history, or imaging scans to check for tumours or growth.
In order to treat hirsutism, many oral medications are either anti-androgens or hormonal contraceptives. They work by reducing your androgen production or introduce estrogen and progestin (female hormones) to alter your hormonal balance.
This, however, also means that you may experience other side effects, such as nausea, headache, menstrual irregularity and even congenital disabilities.
Your doctor may also suggest you lose weight if you’re overweight, as that can influence the way your body produces and process hormones.
While painless hair removal techniques are an easy way to remove excessive body hair, one might need to do it continuously if you have hirsutism.
2. Side effects of medications
Since medications work by reworking your physiology and body composition, certain medications can also affect your body hair growth and cause additional hair growth. Drugs such as antidepressants, some antibiotics, or sleeping medications can cause new hair growth.
In most cases, the hair changes are not permanent and will eventually subside once you stop using the medication.
If you are concerned, you may want to speak to your doctor about it.
3. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a medical condition caused by an imbalance of sex hormones. It is quite common among women and affects nearly one in ten individuals of childbearing age.
Similar to hirsutism, those who suffer from PCOS produce higher-than-normal amounts of male hormones. One’s ovaries may produce numerous small collection of fluids (follicles), and thus, fail to release eggs regularly. Those with PCOS will display several symptoms, including depression, acne and excessive hair growth due to the increased production of androgens.
Whilst excessive hair growth can be a cause of concern, they can also be treated! By using oral medication and topical creams, you can mitigate the overproduction of body hair.
If you’re not keen on altering your body composition, you can simply opt for hair removal procedures!
Hair removal methods will help you to rid body hairs you deem excessive. IPL permanent hair removal treatments, for instance, utilises light pulses to destroy hair follicles in your skin, resulting in lesser hair growth for months! With a good number of treatments, you may see near-permanent results!
At Datsumo Labo, we have experienced team that can provide you safe and effective hair removal treatments. Contact us today!