Excessive Body Hair

Most of our society, considers abnormal facial & body hair to be a manly trait and unattractive on women thus the reason many women seek a method of Permanent Hair Reduction by Laser.  It is also considered a necessary treatment due to the unsightly look on many men which can be on various parts of the body as with women.  There are many methods available with varying levels of ease, effectiveness and side effects most methods are not federally regulated therefore caution should be used! Especially the number of years of a clinics technical experience is paramount too!

In some cases, our client’s problems with abnormal hair growth can be unrelated to the below listed conditions making their personal confidence very exasperating until we have things under control for them. Naturally some clients are easier to treat than others.


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enlarge a.) Most of male clientele are concerned with excessive chest and back hair, as this is not something we see particularly in todays advertising on television, magazines, billboards etc. Todays generation of men is one without or with significantly reduced hair all over their bodies and that is something we can achieve easily with over 13 years of experience and specialists in this particular area. We pride ourselves with Government Accreditation and Qualified Technicians. Experience means Everything! and that we have.

b.) There are many different reasons that women grow excessive hair some of which include:

c.) Source of Reference; This information has been accumulated by Doctors written research papers majority of which were from the United Kingdom & The United States.



1.) Hirsutism refers to the growth of coarse, dark hair in areas where women typically grow fine hair or no hair at all - above the lip and on the chin, chest, abdomen, and back. This excess hair growth is caused by an increased level of male hormones (androgens). Although all women produce androgens, increased levels of androgens can lead to hirsutism.


enlarge The hirsutism associated with these conditions often develops suddenly in women over age 20 (rather than at puberty) and progresses rapidly. The sudden growth of body hair may be accompanied by other signs of androgen excess, such as deepening of the voice and increased muscle mass.

In the vast majority of cases, hirsutism is not caused by a serious medical condition; however, the cause of hirsutism should be determined and underlying conditions may need to be treated.

Hirsutism is caused by an excess production or action of hormones called androgens, usually within the ovaries or adrenal glands. Several different conditions can lead to hirsutism. The two most common causes of hirsutism are Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and idiopathic hirsutism. Both are diagnosed by physical examination, medical and family history, and, sometimes, blood tests.

Idiopathic hirsutism refers to hirsutism that has no identifiable cause. It is usually chronic and may be a mild variation of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. A gradual, increased growth of coarse body hair is typically the only symptom in women with this condition. Menstrual cycles are always normal in women with idiopathic hirsutism.

In rare cases, hirsutism can be caused by hormone-secreting tumors of the ovary or adrenal gland, by an ovarian condition called hyperthecosis (which may be an extreme form of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), by certain medications that have androgen-like effects, or by an inherited condition called congenital adrenal hyperplasia.




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enlarge 2.) Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a condition that causes irregular menstrual periods and elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) in women. The elevated androgen levels can sometimes cause excessive facial hair growth, acne, and/or male-pattern hair thinning.

Stein and Leventhal originally reported the syndrome in 1935 when they described a group of women with Amenorrhea (absence of menstrual period), Infertility, Hirsutism (unwanted hair growth in women), and enlarged Polycystic Ovaries.

About 1 out of 10 women of childbearing age suffer from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It can occur in girls as young 11 years old. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is the most common cause of female infertility. Women diagnosed with this disorder frequently have a mother or sister with similar symptoms commonly associated with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, although there is no proof that Polycystic Ovary Disease is hereditary.


enlarge Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is not completely reversible, however there are a number of treatments that can reduce or minimize bothersome symptoms. Most women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome are able to lead a normal life without significant complications.

The cause of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is not completely understood. It is believed that abnormal levels of the pituitary hormone LH and high levels of male hormones (androgens) interfere with normal function of the ovaries. To explain how these hormones cause symptoms, it is helpful to understand the normal menstrual cycle.


enlarge Normal Menstrual Cycle - The brain (including the pituitary gland), ovaries, and uterus normally follow a sequence of events once per month; this sequence helps to prepare the body for pregnancy. Two hormones, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), are made by the pituitary gland. Two other hormones, progesterone and estrogen, are made by the ovaries.

During the first half of the cycle, small increases in FSH stimulate the ovary to develop a follicle (cyst) that contains an egg (oocyte). The follicle produces rising levels of estrogen, which cause the lining of the uterus to thicken and the pituitary to release a very large amount of LH. This mid cycle "surge" of LH causes the egg to be released from the ovary (called ovulation). After ovulation, the ovary produces both estrogen and progesterone, which prepare the uterus for possible implantation and pregnancy.

Menstrual cycle in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome — In women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, multiple follicles (cysts) may develop. The follicles are unable to grow to a size that would trigger ovulation. Therefore, small follicles (4 to 9 mm in diameter) accumulate in the ovary, hence the term polycystic ovaries. None of these small follicles are capable of triggering ovulation. As a result, the levels of estrogen, progesterone, LH, and FSH become imbalanced.


enlarge Androgens (male-type hormones) are normally produced by the ovaries, the adrenal gland, and other sources. Examples of androgens include testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S). Androgens may become increased in women with PCOS because of the high levels of LH, but also because of high levels of insulin that are usually seen with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Insulin is a hormone that controls the change of sugar, starches, and other food into energy for the body to use or store.  For many women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome their bodies have a problem using insulin so that too much insulin is in the body. Excess insulin appears to increase production of androgen. This hormone is made in fat cells, the ovaries, and the adrenal gland. Levels of androgen that is higher than normal can lead to acne, excessive hair growth, weight gain and problems with ovulation.




enlarge 3.) Another cause is of excessive hair growth is Hypertrichosis (also know as werewolf syndrome) which is caused by certain medications; this form of excessive hair growth is non-androgenic. Medication Induced Hypertrichosis is the most important to correctly diagnose because it is the most treatable.

The medications commonly associated with Hypertrichosis include:

•    Phenytoin (Dilantin) that is used in the treatment of epilepsy. Usually produces excessive hair growth within 2 – 3 months of use. It occurs in 5% - 12% of cases and affects females more that males. Excessive hair growth is usually seen on extremities of the limbs, the face and trunk.
•    Streptomycin an antibiotic remedy used for Tuberculosis. Excessive hair growth starts on the extremities of the upper limbs and spreads to the back and lower limbs. Generally the neck, elbows, knees and gluteal areas are not affected.
•    Acetazolamide a drug used for treating children with Glaucoma causes excessive hair growth on the back of the legs. It also occurs in adults when the medication is taken as an adjunct to antiepileptic medication. In women it causes growth of long dark hair on the back and lower legs.
•    Cyclosporine is given to patients after organ transplantation and is a major cause of excessive hair growth in them. Estimates vary from 24% - 94% of such patient population. It is seen in 95% of patients with diabetes mellitus treated with this medication.

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enlarge •    Photo sensitising agents, like Psoralen used for treating patients with Psoriasis and Vitiligo may cause excessive hair growth in areas exposed to light. The hair growth is more prominent on the face and extremities.
•    Vasodilators like Diazoxides are a well-known cause of excessive hair growth. This medication affects 50% - 100% of the children treated but only 1% of adults
•    Minoxidil is another vasodilator used for treating severe Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), which causes excessive hair growth in almost all patients treated with the medication and affects male and females equally.
   


4.) Menopause is a result of natural changes and this stage usually occurs in women between the ages of 45 and up to 55 years of age it is a result of natural changes within your body. It is a time when your menstrual periods will stop – many say thankfully – and other important changes in your body will occur.  The changes aren’t just physical - emotional swings and physical alterations can occur and be triggered by symptoms of menopause.  These can include your reproductive system oestrogen levels, bones and emotions.


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enlarge How menopause affects your oestrogen & progesterone levels? 
Prior to menopause the primary source of oestrogen & progesterone is the ovaries.  When this is depleted testosterone can begin to increase therefore causing excessive hair growth. After menopause the ovaries produce less of these hormones and the body responds accordingly. Small amounts of oestrogen continue to be produce in the adrenal glands which can also produce (excessive hair) fatty tissue and the brain.

Even women who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome can have excessive hair growth even after menopause and this will need to be treated by our Class 4 Medical laser.

The specific symptoms you experience and how significant (mild, moderate or severe) varies from woman to woman.




enlarge How menopause affects your oestrogen & progesterone levels? 
5.) The main hormone stimulating hair growth is called “Androgens”. Androgens are commonly called “male hormones” but this is somewhat misleading, as androgens are normally produced by both the adrenal glands and ovaries in women and have important actions in normal healthy women.  The most well known androgen is testosterone. Testosterone is converted into oestrogen in the ovaries and body fat. Women cannot make oestrogen unless they can first make testosterone or adrenal androgens.  The skin and hair follicles convert DHEA and A to testosterone therefore high levels of these weak androgens can cause acne irregular periods and excessive hair growth unless treated by permanent hair reduction by our Class 4 Medical Laser.


enlarge •    Hair follicles in certain parts of the body are more sensitive to the influence of androgens and are called the hormone or androgen sensitive areas of the body. These areas include the upper lip, sides of the face, chin and central chest and around the nipples, lower abdomen, back, upper arms, pubic region and inner thighs.  In contrast, the arms and lower legs are less sensitive to the affects of hormones.


enlarge •    Androgens not only stimulate hair growth in the hormones sensitive areas by increasing the speed of hair growth but also increase the pigmentation (darkening) of hair and the thickness of the hairs. Thus androgens convert fine unpigmented hair into coarser dark more rapidly growing hair.


enlarge •    The testosterone and androgen that stimulate the development of male secondary sexual characteristics are the principle source of these hormones usually in the testis but they are also secreted by the adrenal cortex and ovaries in small amounts in women excessive production of androgens give rise to masculinization. 

Puberty begins with the development of pubic and underarm hair. This sexual hair starts to appear when the adrenal glands ‘switch on’ and produce amounts of androgens at the onset of puberty we do not know what triggers this initial phase of maturation by the end of puberty there is considerable variation between the amount of body hair between individuals.  As women age, their overall amount of coarse body hair tends to gradually increase, again with a wide range of variation.



6.) Cushing’s Syndrome - Women will usually have excess hair growth (hirsutism) on their faces, necks, chests, abdomens, and thighs, which can be treated with Permanent Hair Reduction by a Class 4 Medical Grade Laser. Their menstrual periods may become irregular or stop (amenorrhoea). Men have decreased fertility with diminished or absent desire for sex.

    * Cushing's disease specifically refers to a tumour in the pituitary gland that stimulates excessive release of cortisol from the adrenal glands by releasing large amounts of ACTH.
    * In Cushing's syndrome, ACTH levels will normally drop due to negative feedback from the high levels of cortisol.

All forms of Cushing's are correctly called Cushing's syndrome.


enlarge Cushing's syndrome occurs when the body's tissues are exposed to excessive levels of cortisol for long periods of time. Cortisol helps maintain blood pressure and cardiovascular function and is responsible for helping the body respond to stress.

Many people suffer the symptoms of Cushing's syndrome because they take steroids such as prednisone for asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other inflammatory diseases, or for immunosuppression after transplantation. Prednisone is well-known for a "bloating" look that it gives people who take it.

Others develop Cushing's syndrome because of overproduction of cortisol by the body due to a tumor on the pituitary (usually an adenoma or benign tumour of the pituitary glands) or adrenal glands, or elsewhere in the body Adrenal cancers, or other adrenal abnormalities may be the cause of Cushing’s Syndrome as well.

Most people have severe fatigue, weak muscles, persistent hypertension (due to the aldosterone-like effects) and insulin resistance, leading to hyperglycaemia (high blood sugars), which can lead to diabetes mellitus. Patients frequently suffer various psychological disturbances, ranging from euphoria to frank psychosis. Depression and anxiety, including panic attacks, are common.



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enlarge 7.) Birth Marks are also a place where abnormal hair growth can occur.  We can treat Birth Marks for Permanent Hair Reduction by our Class 4 Medical Laser. The area may range from a very small in size to a very large in size any where on the body. Indeed this example is rather extreme.

8.) CAH – Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia also known as Adrenogenital Syndrome.

CAH is a form of adrenal insufficiency in which the enzyme that produces two important adrenal steroid hormones, cortisol and aldosterone, is deficient. Because cortisol production is impeded, the adrenal gland instead overproduces androgens (male steroid hormones). Females with CAH are born with an enlarged clitoris and normal internal reproductive tract structures. Males have normal genitals at birth. CAH causes abnormal growth for both sexes; patients will be tall as children and short as adults. Females develop male characteristics, and males experience hormonal development.

In its most severe form, called salt-wasting CAH, a life-threatening adrenal crisis can occur if the disorder is untreated. Adrenal crisis can cause dehydration, shock, and death within 14 days of birth. There is also a mild form of CAH that occurs later in childhood or young adult life in which patients have partial enzyme deficiency.

CAH, a genetic disorder, is the most common adrenal gland disorder in infants and children, occurring in one in 10,000 total births worldwide. It affects both females and males. It is also called adrenogenital syndrome.

CAH is an inherited disorder. It is a recessive disease, which means that a child must inherit one copy of the defective gene from each parent who is a carrier; when two carriers have children, each pregnancy carries a 25% risk of producing an affected child.

In females, CAH produces an enlarged clitoris at birth and masculinization of features as the child grows, such as deepening of the voice, facial hair, and failure to menstruate or abnormal periods at puberty. Females with severe CAH may be mistaken for males at birth. In males, the genitals are normal at birth, but the child becomes muscular, the penis enlarges, pubic hair appears, and the voice deepens long before normal puberty, sometimes as early as two to three years of age.

In the severe salt-wasting form of CAH, newborns may develop symptoms shortly after birth, including vomiting, dehydration, electrolyte (a compound such as sodium or calcium that separates to form ions when dissolved in water) changes, and cardiac arrhythmia.

In the mild form of CAH, which occurs in late childhood or early adulthood, symptoms include premature development of pubic hair, irregular menstrual periods, unwanted body hair, or severe acne and sometimes infertility.

There is no cure for CAH, but the disorder can be managed very well with medications and excessive hair growth can be treated successfully with laser hair removal treatments using the Lightsheer Diode Laser a Class 4 Medical Laser.