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Internal or Systemic Causes of Unwanted Hair Growth

Discover the internal factors contributing to unwanted hair growth, including natural hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, as well as more serious systemic conditions like PCOS, Cushing’s Syndrome, and Adrenogenital Syndrome. These factors can cause excessive hair growth in areas like the face and body, which can be distressing for many individuals.

Managing these internal causes requires an understanding of how hormonal imbalances, medications, and even emotional stress can impact hair growth patterns. By addressing the root cause—whether it’s a hormonal disorder like PCOS, or medication-induced changes—effective treatments can be developed to reduce and manage unwanted hair. Through targeted therapies, like Valeda’s Electrolysis Blend Valeda Holistic Combination Mode (EBVHCM), alongside lifestyle changes, these factors can be effectively controlled, helping you to regain confidence and control over unwanted hair growth.

Normal Systemic Changes

Unwanted hair growth during certain life stages, such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, is often the result of natural hormonal changes that occur as part of the body’s development and aging process. These fluctuations in hormones, particularly androgens like testosterone, can lead to an increase in hair growth in areas such as the face, body, or other hormone-sensitive regions.

By understanding these hormonal changes, individuals can better predict how hair growth might evolve over time and take proactive steps to manage it. Recognizing the normalcy of these changes, whether during adolescence or later in life, is key to effectively managing unwanted hair growth through appropriate treatments like electrolysis, laser treatments, or hormonal therapies.

Puberty, Pregnancy and Menopause

These life stages—such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause—are closely associated with natural hormonal changes that can significantly affect hair growth patterns across the body. The degree to which these hormonal fluctuations impact hair growth depends on an individual's sensitivity to hormones, particularly androgens, which is often hereditary. This means that even members of the same family may experience varying hair growth patterns based on their individual sensitivity to these hormones.

For example, some women may notice an increase in body hair growth, particularly on the arms or legs, without experiencing any changes to their facial hair. On the other hand, others might develop facial hair growth, such as fine hairs appearing on the upper lip or chin. In all these cases, it’s important to understand that even normal levels of testosterone-the hormone most commonly associated with hair growth-can still influence these changes, particularly in areas sensitive to androgen stimulation.

Recognizing that these changes are natural and often hereditary can help women make informed decisions about managing their hair growth during these life stages.

  • Puberty and Hormonal Activity:

    Puberty is a critical stage of development where hormonal activity significantly increases, leading to noticeable physical changes in both men and women. During this time, hormonal changes stimulate the ovaries in women and the testes in men, resulting in the production of androgens—the hormones primarily responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics.
    In women, androgens produced by the adrenal cortex are responsible for the development of pubic and axillary (underarm) hair. These hormones also influence other areas of hair growth, and while some hairs may be fine and barely noticeable, they can become more pronounced depending on an individual's sensitivity to androgens.
    Typically, the fine hairs that appear during puberty shed naturally over time, aligning with the body’s hormonal balance. However, certain hair removal methods, such as tweezing, waxing, or threading, can inadvertently trigger a transformation in these hairs. When repeatedly pulled from the root, these fine hairs may develop into thicker terminal hairs, which are more robust, darker, and coarser than the original vellus hairs. This is particularly common in hormone-sensitive areas where the body responds to the physical trauma of hair removal by increasing blood flow to the hair follicle, stimulating further hair growth.
    Understanding this natural progression and the potential effects of hair removal during puberty can help individuals make more informed decisions about managing hair growth during this life stage.

  • Pregnancy:

    Pregnancy is another life stage where significant hormonal fluctuations occur, particularly with the rise in androgen levels. These elevated hormone levels, including testosterone and other androgens, can lead to an increase in temporary hair growth, especially on areas like the face, abdomen, or other parts of the body where women typically don’t experience noticeable hair growth. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as pregnancy-induced hair growth, and while it can be alarming for some, it is usually a natural and temporary occurrence.
    The fine hairs that develop during this stage are often referred to as vellus hairs, and they typically shed naturally after childbirth, as hormone levels gradually return to normal. Once the body's hormonal balance is restored post-pregnancy, the excessive hair growth diminishes without the need for intervention.
    However, if these fine hairs are further stimulated by hair removal methods like threading, waxing, or tweezing, they can potentially transform into thicker terminal hairs. This is because hair removal methods that involve pulling hair from the root can increase blood flow to the hair follicles, providing them with additional nourishment and causing the fine hairs to grow back thicker and darker. Therefore, it’s important to be cautious with hair removal during pregnancy to avoid unintentionally triggering longer-lasting hair growth.
    Understanding the natural hair growth cycle during pregnancy can help women manage this temporary change without resorting to methods that may exacerbate the condition.

  • Menopause:

    Menopause typically begins around the age of 40 and is marked by a significant decline in estrogen levels, which leads to a host of changes in a woman's body. One of the more noticeable effects of this hormonal shift is the increased production of androgens—male hormones like testosterone—which occurs due to the stimulation of the adrenal cortex. As estrogen levels decrease, the body's ability to regulate androgen production weakens, and this can lead to the development of unwanted facial hair, especially in areas like the chin, upper lip, and cheeks.
    The lack of estrogen control during menopause also leads to hyperstimulation by pituitary hormones, which exacerbates the problem. The pituitary gland, responsible for regulating hormones, increases its activity to compensate for the reduced estrogen, causing further androgen production. As a result, many women may notice the growth of coarse, darker hairs in areas where they previously had fine or no hair at all. This increase in facial hair growth is a common symptom of menopause and can be distressing for many women.
    Understanding the role that hormonal imbalances play during menopause is crucial for managing unwanted hair growth. Treatments that target androgen production or restore hormonal balance can help reduce the severity of hair growth during this stage. Additionally, methods like electrolysis or laser treatments can offer long-term solutions for women seeking to manage facial hair growth during menopause.

Abnormal Systemic Changes

Abnormal systemic changes refer to underlying medical conditions that can lead to excessive or abnormal hair growth in areas where hair is not typically prominent. These conditions, often related to hormonal imbalances or metabolic disorders, require specialized diagnosis and treatment to properly manage their effects on hair growth. At Valeda, we understand that these conditions can be both physically and emotionally challenging, which is why we incorporate the treatment of abnormal systemic hair growth into our comprehensive care plans.
Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Cushing’s Syndrome, and Adrenogenital Syndrome can cause excessive hair growth, particularly on the face and body, which can significantly impact an individual’s self-esteem and quality of life. In such cases, traditional hair removal methods may not provide long-lasting solutions, as the underlying systemic issue continues to stimulate hair growth. At Valeda, we take a holistic approach to treating these conditions, addressing both the root cause of the hair growth and providing effective, permanent hair removal options.
By combining medical expertise with our unique Electrolysis Blend Valeda Holistic Combination Mode (EBVHCM), we are able to treat unwanted hair at the source, providing tailored treatments that not only remove the hair but also manage the systemic conditions responsible for its growth. This comprehensive approach ensures that our clients receive the specialized care they need for long-term solutions to abnormal hair growth.

  1. Pathological Changes

    • Cushing’s Syndrome:

      This condition is characterized by the overproduction of cortisol, often referred to as the "stress hormone". Symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome include rapid weight gain, particularly in the face and upper body, high blood pressure, and the growth of coarse hair in unusual areas, such as the face or body. The excessive cortisol disrupts the body’s normal hormonal balance, leading to these physical changes. Effective medical management is crucial to control these symptoms, including managing the unwanted hair growth that may occur as a result.

    • Adrenogenital Syndrome:

      Adrenogenital Syndrome occurs due to the overproduction of androgens—male hormones—by the adrenal glands. This hormonal imbalance can lead to masculinization in females, resulting in increased body and facial hair growth. Women with this syndrome may develop more pronounced hair in areas typical of male-pattern hair growth. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment are essential to manage these symptoms and control hair growth effectively.

    • Archard-Thiers Syndrome:

      Also known as the "diabetes of bearded women", this rare condition combines symptoms of both diabetes and hirsutism, leading to excessive facial hair growth in women, particularly those who are post-menopausal. The facial hair growth associated with this syndrome can be distressing, and it often requires specialized treatment to manage the effects.

    • Stein-Leventhal Syndrome (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - PCOS):

      PCOS is a common condition characterized by multiple ovarian cysts and hormonal imbalances, leading to symptoms such as irregular periods, weight gain, and increased hair growth, particularly on the face and body. The hormonal imbalance, particularly the elevated androgen levels, is the primary driver of the excess hair growth associated with PCOS. Managing the hormonal imbalance is crucial to controlling the unwanted hair growth that often accompanies this syndrome.

    • Acromegaly:

      Acromegaly is caused by the excessive production of growth hormone, which leads to the enlargement of facial features, the thickening of soft tissues, and the development of unwanted hair growth. Because this condition involves the overproduction of growth hormone, it requires medical intervention and regular monitoring to effectively manage the symptoms, including the hair growth changes.

  2. Surgical Changes:

    • Ovariectomy (Surgical Removal of the Ovaries):

      The surgical removal of the ovaries induces artificial menopause, resulting in a significant decrease in estrogen levels. Without estrogen control, the body compensates by increasing androgen production through the adrenal cortex, leading to facial hair growth. This hormonal shift causes hair growth patterns to resemble those typically seen in young males, with thicker, more noticeable facial hair.

    • Hysterectomy (Removal of the Uterus):

      A hysterectomy, or the surgical removal of the uterus, can also contribute to hormonal imbalances, especially when the ovaries are left intact. In some cases, this can lead to elevated androgen levels, resulting in increased facial and body hair growth, similar to the effects seen in menopause.

    • Adrenalectomy (Removal of the Adrenal Glands):

      The adrenal glands are responsible for producing hormones like cortisol and androgens. Surgical removal of the adrenal glands, known as adrenalectomy, can disrupt the normal hormonal balance in the body, potentially leading to abnormal hair growth in unexpected areas as the body adjusts to the loss of adrenal function.

    • Thyroidectomy (Removal of the Thyroid Gland):

      Thyroidectomy, the surgical removal of the thyroid gland, can result in hormonal imbalances that affect hair growth. The absence of thyroid hormones can lead to hair thinning on the scalp, while causing unwanted hair growth on the face or other body parts, as changes in androgen levels affect the hair growth cycle.

  3. Medicinal Changes:

    • Hormonal Medications:

      Certain medications, including corticosteroids and birth control pills, can cause abnormal hair growth, particularly on the face. While birth control pills may temporarily suppress hair growth by balancing hormones, their discontinuation can often lead to the reappearance of hair, sometimes even more prominently than before. Corticosteroids, on the other hand, may stimulate androgen production, contributing to increased hair growth in areas typically not affected.

    • Anti-Seizure Medications:

      Drugs used to manage epilepsy and other seizure disorders, such as phenytoin, are known to cause excessive hair growth or hirsutism. This side effect typically appears on the face, arms, and legs, making the hair more visible and difficult to manage with temporary removal methods.

    • Immunosuppressants:

      Certain immunosuppressive medications, such as cyclosporine, which are used after organ transplants or to treat autoimmune disorders, can lead to excessive hair growth. These drugs stimulate hair follicles, leading to the appearance of thicker, more noticeable hair, particularly on the face and body.

    • Blood Pressure Medications:

      Some blood pressure medications, like minoxidil, are known for promoting hair regrowth on the scalp but may also lead to unwanted hair growth in areas like the face and neck. While beneficial for treating hair loss, these medications can cause unwanted side effects in areas not targeted for hair growth.

  4. Emotional Changes:

    • Emotional Stress:

      Stress has a profound impact on hair growth by stimulating the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline. This increase in adrenaline can lead to heightened androgen levels, which in turn stimulate hair growth, particularly in androgen-sensitive areas like the face and body. Historical observations have shown that extreme stress, such as the kind experienced by women in concentration camps during World War II, led to the development of unusual hirsutism.

    • Anxiety and Depression:

      Chronic anxiety and depression can disrupt the body’s hormonal balance, leading to increased cortisol and androgen levels. These changes can trigger excessive hair growth, especially in androgen-sensitive areas. In some cases, antidepressant medications may also contribute to abnormal hair growth, making it essential to monitor both emotional health and its impact on the hair growth cycle.

    • Emotional Trauma:

      Severe emotional trauma, such as grief or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can increase the production of cortisol and other stress hormones. This prolonged hormonal imbalance may cause thicker, coarser hair to develop in unwanted areas, particularly on the face and body, as the body reacts to stress by stimulating hair follicles.

    • Sleep Deprivation:

      Lack of sleep, which is closely tied to emotional well-being, can disrupt the body’s production of melatonin, affecting the natural hair growth cycle. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to hormonal imbalances, such as increased levels of cortisol and androgens, which may stimulate unwanted hair growth.

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) / Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOD or PCOS is a common hormonal disorder in women that can lead to excessive facial and body hair, irregular periods, and other metabolic issues. Due to hormonal imbalances, particularly elevated androgen levels, women with PCOD/PCOS often experience unwanted hair growth (hirsutism), which can be both distressing and difficult to manage. Dr. Seema Bali, with her extensive expertise, understands the challenges faced by women with PCOD/PCOS. At Valeda, the unique Electrolysis Blend Valeda Holistic Combination Mode (EBVHCM) is tailored to provide effective permanent hair removal while considering the underlying hormonal factors. Valeda’s holistic approach not only treats unwanted hair but also supports overall hormonal balance, offering comprehensive care for women struggling with PCOD/PCOS.

PCOD or PCOS, as termed for polycystic ovarian conditions, involves the development of multiple ovarian cysts, which can lead to excessive testosterone production and subsequent hair growth. However, not all cases with ovarian cysts result in elevated testosterone levels or excessive hair growth. The pattern and distribution of body hair, along with other characteristic symptoms, are crucial for confirming the contribution of a polycystic ovarian condition to excessive hair growth.

Medications like Aldactone or Spironolactone are commonly prescribed to manage hirsutism. These medications block free testosterone in the body, attempting to reduce hair growth in testosterone-sensitive areas. However, the efficacy and benefits of these drugs are often limited, and their impact varies from person to person. For many women, PCOD or PCOS is often used as a blanket term to explain excessive hair growth, but endocrine profiles frequently show testosterone within normal ranges, questioning the condition's role as a major cause of unwanted hair growth.

Additionally, lifestyle factors such as diet, weight management, and exercise play a significant role in managing PCOD/PCOS. Women who incorporate a balanced diet and regular physical activity may find improvements in hormonal balance and a reduction in unwanted hair growth. Insulin resistance, commonly associated with PCOS, can also exacerbate symptoms, which is why managing blood sugar levels is an important aspect of treatment.

At Valeda, our treatment approach involves addressing the whole person, recognizing that unwanted hair is often just one symptom of PCOD/PCOS. By combining holistic therapies with our permanent hair removal treatments, we aim to provide not just relief from hirsutism, but also a path to long-term hormonal balance and overall health.

For further clarifications on PCOS and its effects, you can watch Dr. Seema Bali’s TV interviews and YouTube recordings here. The Holistic Combination Electrolysis Blend Mode at Valeda Skin and Hair Clinic ensures the best results, even in challenging cases.

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