Getting Rid of Facial Hair

Hairy Situation

Question:

What are the causes of female facial hair and what can be done to rid oneself of the problem?

Answer:

It is very possible that the unwanted hair may be from having too much adrenal or ovarian androgens (male hormone precursors). There may also be a genetic cause. Thus, you would have normal testosterone and androgen blood levels. Though I am going to list treatment options, I would strongly suggest that you see a gynecologist, or better yet a reproductive endocrinologist, for initial blood work to look for a cause of the hair growth.

If testosterone excess is the culprit, it can have other affects on your gynecological health. Also, once a hair follicle is stimulated by testosterone, it will never totally regress -- the follicle must be killed for permanent eradication.

Lasers may work (depending upon your skin tone and hair color). Electrolysis (which permanently kills the hair follicle) will work. Aldactone, a potassium-sparing diuretic, works to prevent new coarse hairs from growing -- but it will not get rid of current ones. Even birth control pills will decrease the levels of excess testosterone and blunt new coarse hair growth.

A new prescription cream, Vaniqa, used twice daily, dramatically slows the growth of new coarse hair. Most of the options that actually prevent hair follicles from being stimulated take 8-12 weeks before any improvement is noted.