New Treatment Options Can Control Unwanted Hair, But Women Should Seek Medical Advice First

NEW YORK, Jul 30, 1999 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Most men sport some kind of facial hair, whether it is a beard, mustache, goatee or sideburns. Women, on the other hand, do not unless they suffer from hirsutism -- a condition in which a woman grows hair in places where only a man would, such as the face or chest.

Speaking today at Academy '99, the American Academy of Dermatology's summer scientific meeting in New York, dermatologist Amy McMichael, M.D.,Wake Forest University, discussed the latest treatment options for hirsutism and the causes of this distressing disorder.

Hirsutism is caused by the overproduction of androgens, which are the hormones responsible for masculine qualities in either sex. While all women normally have some facial hair, hirsutism is characterized by excessive or rapidly growing hair in traditionally male areas of the body. If hirsutism is accompanied by other symptoms such as acne, amenorrhea, deepening of the voice, increased muscle mass or loss of breast tissue, this may signal a hormonal abnormality.

"Women who experience hirsutism may not even realize they have the disorder, and their first instinct is to get rid of the hair either by shaving, plucking or waxing," said Dr. McMichael. "But women with unusual hair growth that is accompanied by other symptoms need to consult their dermatologist because it could be a sign of a more serious, underlying illness."

Hirsutism can develop at any age, but most patients begin experiencing symptoms during their childbearing years. In young girls who have not yet reached puberty, hirsutism is serious and could be a sign of a hormone- secreting tumor. During menopause, hirsutism is characterized by the thinning of underarm and pubic hair with gradual hair growth in other parts of the body. In post-menopausal women, sudden or severe hirsutism could be caused by an androgen-secreting tumor.

Oftentimes, women who experience unusual hair growth may dismiss the condition as hereditary and not seek medical advice if their mother or siblings have excessive body or facial hair.

"All women have a certain amount of facial hair that is considered normal," explained Dr. McMichael. "But with hirsutism, the hair can grow rapidly and often there are other symptoms present including acne or alopecia. While it is imperative to seek medical attention to rule out diseases such as polycystic ovarian disease, hirsutism can be treated for those bothered by excess hair."

In addition to oral contraceptives, spironolactone is currently beingused by doctors with much success in treating hirsutism. Spironolactone actsby decreasing production of and blocking the effects of androgens in areas of the body that men typically grow body or facial hair.

Another temporary solution in treating unwanted hair that has gained popularity in recent years is the use of lasers. Most lasers work by using light to generate heat, which then destroys the surrounding hair follicle. Patients who undergo laser hair removal typically require several treatments to remove the unwanted hair.

"Anyone considering laser hair removal to treat hirsutism should consult a dermatologist first, as factors such as a person's skin type and hair color play a role in the success of this treatment," said Dr. McMichael. "Some people simply make better candidates for laser hair removal thanothers."

Another possible future treatment for hirsutism is finasteride, a drug currently approved by the FDA in treating hair loss in men. Although finasteride is not FDA approved for women yet, preliminary studies being conducted in Europe show promising results. Finasteride works by blocking the formation of male hormones responsible for body and facial hair while allowing scalp hair to grow normally.

The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership over 12,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the science and art of medicine and surgery related to the skin; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care; and promoting a lifetime of healthier skin, hair, and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM or www.aad.org .