Growth of Excess Body Hair

The television show Ripley's Believe It or Not once did a feature on a "werewolf" man, a man who suffered from hypertrichosis, a condition in which he experienced a significant growth of excess hair. The hair covered his face, giving him an appearance that prompted the nickname "werewolf." Excess body hair is not always experienced in such extreme amounts, however.

Types

• The abnormal hair growth in so-called "werewolf" people is less common than less serious types of hypertrichosis, including hirsutism.

  Hirsutism, a condition that Dr. Adam Brochert, describes as excess body hair in "male-pattern hair growth," including the face, armpits, chest and the groin area. Dr. Brochert goes on to explain that this hair growth is only abnormal in women and children and is due to a hormone imbalance. The excess hair tends to be dark and coarse, as opposed to the natural "peach fuzz" many women have in these areas.

  In general, hypertrichosis is not specific to either gender. Hypertrichosis can may be present from birth (congenital) or may occur after birth (acquired), due to several factors. Hypertrichosis may cause growth of excess body hair on only certain parts of the body (like hirsutism) or on the body in general.

Causes

• Hormones or medication are the most common causes of excess body hair growth. Women with hirsutism may produce too much of the male hormones known as androgens. Medications such as oral contraceptives, testosterone or steroids can also cause a hormonal imbalance, leading to excess growth of body hair. Women may experience excess growth during and after menopause, which causes hormone changes in a woman's body.

  According to "Family Doctor," excess hair growth can run in families and a person may be more likely to experience hypertrichosis if he or she is of Middle Eastern, South Asian or Mediterranean descent.

  Hypertrichosis and hirsutism frequently occur alongside polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that results in cysts on a woman's ovaries because of hormone imbalance. Excess body hair growth may also be related to Cushing's disease that results from high levels of cortisol over a prolonged period of time.

Significance

• Excess hair growth may not be a medical emergency but it can be difficult for some people to accept, especially if they are part of a society that prides smooth, and hair-free skin. Females may experience more emotional stress due to hirsutism because hairiness can be indicative of masculinity. Medline Plus explains that "many women find it bothersome, or even embarrassing." Women may experience shame related to hirsutism.

Solution

• People who experience excess body hair can take measures to remove or reduce the appearance of excess hair. Shaving, waxing, using depilatory creams and plucking temporary removes hair and requires repeated applications to manage hair. Men or women with hypertrichosis may choose to bleach the hair, which does not remove it but does make it more difficult to see.

  Doctors can perform electrolysis, a procedure that permanently destroys hair follicles with electricity. Laser hair removal is another option for those suffering from growth of excess body hair; however, it requires several sessions and may not be permanent.

  There are also several medications on the market that may reduce the occurrence of excess hair. Anti-androgen medications such as Metformin block the androgens and suppress testosterone that can cause hypertrichosis

Warning

• At-home treatments for hypertrichosis and hirsutism may result in irritation of the skin in the form of razor bumps (ingrown hairs) or razor burn. MedLine Plus also warns that electrolysis is expensive and may result in "swelling, scarring, and redness of the skin."
  All medications have the potential to cause undesirable side effects. Vaniqa (chemical name, eflornithine), a cream that women can apply to their faces to reduce hair growth, can result in skin reactions such as "temporary redness, stinging, burning, tingling or rash on areas of the skin where it is applied." It can also cause ingrown hairs.