Can Men Have Hirsutism?
Abnormal hair growth can occur in both men and women. Understandably, the amount of hair that is noticeable on any person’s body can vary greatly from one person to the next. While there are more women than men who raise concerns with their physician about excess hair growth, Hirsutism in men is a real issue and one we will explore in more detail in this post.
What exactly is Hirsutism in Men?
Male Hirsutism is typically determined by an excessive growth of thick, coarse, dark hair. The most common areas that it can affect are the chin, chest, cheeks, lower back, stomach, and the fronts of the thighs.
Hirsutism is not a hereditary condition, although it is possible that members of the same family will be affected by the condition.
What Can Cause Male Hirsutism?
There are two primary causes of Hirsutism in men; an increased sensitivity in the skin to androgens or elevated levels of androgen production. A man with Hirsutism can be afflicted with either or both of these issues. Although androgens are often referred to as male-only hormones, they are actually produced by both men and women.
Very rarely, male Hirsutism can be brought about because of taking steroids, and there are some other very uncommon hormonal disorders that may also cause this to occur. Another highly-rare cause of Male Hirsutism can be found when there is a tumor present, and it secretes androgens. If this is the case, a person will suffer from a very rapidly presenting and severe care of Hirsutism.
Note: If you have the signs of male hirsutism, and you start to notice any of the below changes, make sure to seek professional medical assistance.
Treatments for Hirsutism in Men
In this section, we outline the different courses of action that can be taken to treat male Hirsutism. However, if there is any underpinning hormonal disorder that has triggered the onset of this condition, then the underlying disease would need to be treated.
Self-Care Treatment Options for Hirsutism in Men
If you want to try and combat the impact of male hirsutism without medical intervention, there are a few things you can do yourself.
Waxing – This is an effective treatment for some people. However, waxing can sometimes be slightly painful and also cause irritation of the skin in some cases. If you are trying to treat male Hirsutism on the face, it is important to get proper guidance and use products that have been specifically developed for the face.
Shaving – This is a very short-term solution, and for many, the stubble that occurs when the hair regrows is not desirable.
Bleaching Creams – For people with very dark hair, bleaching creams can work to lighten the color of the hair. However, with all chemical-based products, there is a risk of irritation to the skin
Depilatories – These are different types of hair removal cream that will dissolve the shafts of the hair and leave no stubble behind. Again, there is a risk that some crease could cause irritation of the skin, so patch testing is always advised.
Physical Treatment Options for Hirsutism in Men
Laser / IPL – Intense Pulsed Light and Laser treatments work beneath the skin to permanently destroy the root of the hair. The cost of these treatments has been significantly reduced in recent years, and it is still a procedure that will need to be carried out under the supervision of qualified professionals. Some of the potential side effects of these treatments include a general darkening or lightening of the skin, scaring, and a temporary redness in the treated area. They are described as uncomfortable, but bearable, and in most cases, you will need a course of treatments in order to remove the hair permanently.
Electrolysis – This treatment for male Hirsutism involves passing an electric current through the follicle of the hair, with the aim of destroying the root of the hair on a permanent basis. While this treatment is time-intensive, it is effective at removing unwanted hair. As with the first option, you need to ensure that you deal with a qualified professional. Reported side effects of this treatment include scarring and a redness of the treated area.
There are also medical options that your doctor can discuss with you.
Conclusion
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to treating male Hirsutism. For anyone who is affected by this condition, the severity of the problem, along with the impact this is having on a person’s life will often dictate which treatment option is best. For some, taking the self-care treatment options are enough to resolve any concerns, and for others, the physical or medical treatments are more appropriate.
If you experience any symptoms of male Hirsutism, make sure to get in touch with your doctor, as they can help you to find out more about it, and together you can discuss treatment options for you.
