Hirsutism is a term which refers to excessive or abnormal
hair
growth. Just as baldness is a blanket term which may include pattern
baldness, alopecia, or trichotillomania, "hirsutism" is a blanket term
which applies to various conditions resulting in excessive hair growth.
Moderate and severe hirsutism is referred to as hypertrichosis, and may
include localized hypertrichosis (abnormal hair growth on one specific
part of the body), or generalized hypertrichosis (abnormal hair growth
on the entire body). Hypertrichosis can also be congenital (present
from birth), or acquired (developing over time).
Since there are many different types of hirsutism, there are also
many different causes of hirsutism. Here are some of the most common
causes of hirsutism or hypertrichosis:
Hormones: Testosterone
and estrogen are the two hormones which most directly impact hair
growth. These hormones are present in both males and females to varying
degrees. Mild hirsutism can often occur in older
women,
since females produce higher levels of testosterone as they age.
Hormone replacement therapy may be a viable option for those who suffer
from mild hirsutism caused by hormonal imbalance. Mild hirsutism can
also be treated by shaving, waxing, or electrolysis.
Genetics:
Although genetics account for a relatively small percentage of those who
suffer from hirsutism, it is one possible cause of hirsutism or
hypertrichosis. Some forms of generalized congenital hypertrichosis,
for example, are often linked to genetics. Since there is no "cure"
for genetic hirsutism,
treatments often include shaving, waxing, or electrolysis.
Medications: There
are many drugs and medications which result in hypertrichosis. Some
drugs, like minoxidil, are specifically used to grow hair. In other
drugs, hirsutism is an unwanted
side effect.
Drug-induced hirsutism has been linked to the following drugs and
medications: acetazolamide, cyclosporine, diazoxide, latanoprost,
psoralen, and streptomycin.
Porphyria: Porphyria is a systemic
disease which often occurs with exposure to certain chemicals.
Hexachlorobenzine, which is a chemical fungicide sometimes used in
agriculture, is one such chemical which may lead to hepatic
porphyria. Hirsutism is a common
symptom in some forms of porphyria, including hepatic porphyria.
Injury:
Some
experts
believe there is a link between cerebral injuries and some generalized
forms of hirsutism. Until recently, it was believed that phenytoin, a
drug used to treat brain injuries, was responsible for this type of
hirsutism. However, recent studies have found that generalized
hirsutism is common in patients suffering from brain injuries who have
never taken phenytoin.
Malnutrition:
Low-carbohydrate diets have been linked to vellus hypertrichosis, which affects the growth of
hair on the arms and legs. This form of hirsutism has also been linked to anorexia, bulemia, and other eating disorders.
Cancer: Specific types of hirsutism, such as localized acquired hypertrichosis, can be a
symptom of some forms of cancer.
With
so many various causes of hirsutism and hypertrichosis, it is difficult
to find a "cure" to this condition. In some cases, such as acquired
hypertrichosis, hirsutism may even indicate a more serious
health condition
such as cancer or porphyria. Therefore, before beginning any treatment
for hirsutism, it is a good idea to seek professional medical advice.
Author's Note: A very extensive and informative guide on the various forms of hypertrichosis can be found online at:
http://www.hypertrichosis.com
Sources: Hordinsky, Maria K.; Amy J. McMichael (2008).
Hair and Scalp Diseases: Medical, Surgical, and Cosmetic Treatments (Basic and Clinical Dermatology).
Clark, Jennifer (October).
http://dermatologytimes.modernmedicine.com/dermatolo gytimes/issue/issueDetail.jsp?id=10462
Milady's Standard
Textbook of Cosmetology (Milady Publishing, 2000).
