A woman is supposedly a symbol of flawless beauty and complexion but sometimes this blesses may be taken away by a very normal phenomenon of hair growth. A female is designed to have sparse body hair revealing the fair tone beneath, but hormonal imbalances may convolute and present with abnormal growth ruining even the admirable.   Hair seemingly normal and beautiful when planted on wrong places can become a curse; medically the condition of excessive body hair in females is termed as a hirsute. Here most commonly a female adopts male pattern of growth i.e. over the beard, moustache and extremities.

The condition majorly arises due to the excess of male hormones within a female anatomy leading to the secondary effects. Also researches reveal a higher sensitivity of the hair follicles of such females to even the slightest of male factors. Also it runs in families predominantly showing up in teenage and progressing with time.

The following is an array that may result in hirsutism:-

• Oral contraceptives
• Tumours / cancers that produce higher levels of male hormones will result in excess of hair
• Genetic disorders
• Allergies / infections
• Certain drugs may also initiate the process namely streptomycin, cyclosporine, interferon etc

The condition presents with constant worry and anxiety. Marked apprehension with self de evaluation attributed to the cosmetic reasons is obvious with the involvement. There may be heaviness of voice observed with male pattern baldness. A female may report infertility in form of inability to ovulate. Menstrual irregularities with acne are also seen.

As the problem is primarily cosmetic the treatment lies to fade of the extra hair. Laser techniques adopted to remove is a prominent segment to be under taken. Apart from the costlier laser treatment lesser troublesome versions such as shaving, bleaching, waxing and plucking also are practiced by a large number of hirsute.

Hormonal therapies to settle issues are a long term action to be adopted. The balance restored with these therapies after a while / few months begin to act and decrease new hair growth promoting female patterns. Administrations of females hormones adequately help settle issues. Here shedding weight also help suppress the male hormone action and restore harmony. The weight losing process triggers the desired and takes a step forward in the treatment and forms an integral part. A blend of reducing the extra weight with hormonal therapy and cosmetic equipments a hirsute can surely combat. The treatment is long, time consuming and requires a lot of effort.

Though the sessions involve undertaking treatment under strict medical guidance with long intervals and medications but there may be a few signs which must be pondered over immediately:-    

• If there is sudden enhancement observed in the hair growth, may be any region face, limbs or back all must be mulled over
• If the voice is turning harsh, if the patient observes deepening
• The pattern of menses should be watched carefully and vigilantly, if an irregularity is experienced then professional help must be sought.

Being a hirsute is a serious issue but there is hope with wise choices and guided treatment.