How to Inhibit Body Hair Growth

Many women epilate, or remove hair, from their legs, underarms, bikini, face and other areas. Although these methods are temporary, they are widely used at home and in salons. However, unwanted body hair growth can sometimes become excessive, making temporary solutions less convenient. In some cases, large amounts of body hair can even be related to a condition known as “hirsutism,” which can be genetic, caused by overproduction of male hormones (androgens) or polycystic ovary syndrome, or certain medications. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM), typical symptoms of hirsutism in women are hair growth on the stomach, breasts and upper lip. Whether you have this condition or not, there are methods that can be used to help inhibit unwanted or excessive body hair growth.

Instructions

• 1

  Eat a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables, lean meat, fish and beans. When cooking, use olive or vegetable oils, and avoid fatty foods such as cookies, French fries, crackers and margarine. One possible cause of excessive body hair growth is being overweight, and a poor diet could contribute to this.

• 2

  Exercise for 30 minutes a day for at least five days a week. Regular activity accompanied by plenty of water (at least six to eight glasses a day) will help keep weight down and possibly prevent body hair growth.

• 3

  Talk to your doctor about prescription medication that lower androgen production, effectively slowing hair growth. These medications include certain types of birth control pills and spironolactone, which will block male hormone receptors.

• 4

  Get a prescription for an eflorinithine cream such as Vaniqa. Although this type of cream will not remove hair, it will effectively inhibit the growth of new hair.

• 5

  Try laser hair removal. Although somewhat expensive, laser therapy will annihilate hair follicles, eventually stopping future growth. Laser hair removal can take several sessions to complete. UMM recommends laser therapy for people with lighter skin.

• 6

  Discuss your current medications with your doctor. Although some birth control pills can help inhibit hair growth, some can actually cause it. Changing medication can help slow or stop unwanted hair growth.

• 7

  Take vitamin supplements such as calcium-D-glucarate or diindolylmethane (DIM). Calcium-D-glucarate will help “detoxify” hormones, while DIM is a vegetable-based supplement will aid in balancing hormones.