Unwanted hair growth: causes, tests and real solutions
Unwanted hair isn't just a cosmetic hassle — sometimes it's a clue your hormones or meds are off. If facial or body hair appears suddenly or gets heavier, don’t assume it’s just aging. Asking a few simple questions and running a few tests can point you toward treatment that actually helps.
Why this happens and what to check first
The most common reasons are hormonal: ovaries or adrenal glands making extra androgens (male hormones). Conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and Cushing’s can cause noticeable hair growth. Some medicines — anabolic steroids, danazol, testosterone, and even topical minoxidil — can also trigger extra hair. Weight gain and insulin resistance can make hormone symptoms worse.
What to ask your doctor: get blood tests for total/free testosterone, DHEA‑S, LH/FSH ratio, TSH, and fasting glucose or HbA1c. If scores look off, an ultrasound of the ovaries or adrenal imaging might follow. Bring photos or notes showing how fast things changed — that helps your clinician decide next steps.
Practical treatment options that actually work
Medical options focus on the cause. If hormones are driving the growth, birth control pills or anti‑androgens like spironolactone can reduce new hair growth over months. These need a doctor’s prescription and monitoring. Eflornithine cream (applied twice daily) slows facial hair growth and works best when combined with other methods.
Removal methods range from short-term to permanent. Shaving and depilatory creams work immediately but need frequent repeat. Waxing and epilation pull hair out for weeks but can cause ingrown hairs. Bleaching hides fine hairs without removal. For long-term results, laser hair removal reduces hair growth after multiple sessions and works best on dark hair and lighter skin, though newer lasers handle darker skin tones better. Electrolysis is the only FDA-recognized permanent method — it treats single hairs at a time and takes patience.
Combine approaches for faster, longer relief: use eflornithine to slow regrowth and laser to reduce density. If you’re trying anti‑androgen drugs, expect 3–6 months before you see major changes. Track progress with photos every month.
When to see a specialist: sudden rapid hair growth, deepening voice, male-pattern balding, missed periods or fertility worries, or if hair growth is causing real distress. See a dermatologist for removal options and an endocrinologist for hormone testing and treatment. And always check with your provider before starting any hormonal medicine — some treatments aren’t safe in pregnancy or have side effects that need monitoring.
Bottom line: unwanted hair has many causes but also many solutions. Get a few tests, pick a treatment that fits your life, and combine therapies when you want faster, longer results.
