How to Decrease Hair Growth

Excessive hair growth is medically referred to as hirsutism. According to the National Institute of Health, while the cause of excess hair growth in most people is unknown, it can develop as a result of an overproduction of androgens (male hormones, such as testosterone and androsterone). Some other causes may include polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), tumor or cancer of the ovary or adrenal gland, Cushing's syndrome or certain medications.

Unwanted hair growth can be very embarrassing for both genders, but especially for women. Signs of hirsutism may include the development of dark, coarse hairs on the upper lip, chin, stomach, chest and back. There are many ways to decrease hair growth, with some treatments being particularly effective.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk to your doctor about your excessive hair growth. He will need to do a thorough examination to make sure that the cause is not due to cancer, PCOS or some other underlying condition. Your doctor can suggest the most appropriate treatments for your condition. Medications such as birth control pills and anti-androgens (like spironolactone) are used to treat hirsutism, although it may take up to six months for these medications to take effect. Both of these treatments require a prescription.

• 2

  Consult a board certified cosmetic surgeon about getting laser hair removal. Laser hair removal uses a light pulse or laser beam to destroy the hair follicle and prevent future hair growth. People with pale skin and dark hair are the best candidates for laser hair removal, because lasers can cause a change in skin pigmentation in those with darker skin. Laser hair removal usually takes about four to five treatments in order to be fully effective. Some possible side effects include scarring and redness.

• 3

  Apply eflornithine hydrochloride cream (Vaniqa) to the affected areas. Eflornithine hydrochloride slows hair growth in women after approximately six to eight weeks. It requires a doctor's prescription to obtain. If you at any point stop using the cream, hair will start to grow back after about eight weeks.