Hirsutism is a hormonal condition characterized by excess facial hair in women and other male-pattern body hair growth. Women with hirsutism develop coarse, dark hair on areas like the face and chest – places where females usually have only fine, light hair. This is due to a hormone imbalance, typically an excess of male hormones (androgens) or hair follicles that are overly sensitive to these hormones. Hirsutism can be distressing, but it is manageable with proper treatment.
At HealthHub Clinics in Dubai, our Endocrinology department specializes in hirsutism care. We provide comprehensive evaluations, early diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans to address the root causes of this hormonal hair growth. Our endocrinologists provide effective hirsutism treatment in Dubai, helping patients manage symptoms and regain confidence. We combine medical therapy with guidance on lifestyle adjustments and hair removal strategies for a holistic approach.
Causes of Hirsutism
Hirsutism usually signifies an underlying hormonal issue. Common causes of excess hair growth in women include:
Puberty and hormonal changes: During puberty, rising hormone levels can increase body hair. However, excessive hair growth in a teen (beyond what’s normal for her age or family background) may signal a condition like PCOS or another imbalance.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is the most common cause of hirsutism. It causes an overproduction of androgens. Women with PCOS often have irregular periods and develop unwanted facial or body hair due to these elevated hormone levels.
Adrenal gland disorders: Problems with the adrenal glands can trigger excess androgen production. Conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome or congenital adrenal hyperplasia may lead to hirsutism. Rarely, an androgen-secreting tumor in an ovary or adrenal gland can cause sudden, severe hair growth.
Familial or genetic tendency: Some women simply have a family tendency to more body hair, even if their hormone levels are normal. This idiopathic or genetic hirsutism is often seen in certain ethnic groups.
Medications and other factors: Certain drugs can cause increased hair growth as a side effect. Other hormonal disorders (like thyroid or prolactin issues) might also contribute to hirsutism.
Symptoms and When to Seek Help
The main sign of hirsutism is excess coarse, dark hair appearing in a male-pattern distribution. For example, hair may grow on the upper lip, chin, chest, or back. Depending on the cause, other signs may include:
Irregular menstrual cycles: Infrequent or missed periods, especially when hirsutism is due to PCOS.
Acne or oily skin: High androgen levels can lead to frequent acne breakouts and oilier skin.
Virilization (rare): A very high androgen level might cause male-like changes (such as a deeper voice or thinning scalp hair). These symptoms are uncommon but require prompt medical attention.
Hirsutism can also affect emotional well-being, leading to self-consciousness or stress. Consult an endocrinologist if:
Unwanted hair growth is significant or worsening: If thick, dark hair appears suddenly or quickly spreads.
Other signs of hormonal imbalance are present: Such as irregular periods or other changes alongside the hair growth.
A teenager has unusual hair growth: If your daughter has excessive facial or body hair for her age, an evaluation is recommended.
Hirsutism Treatment in Dubai at HealthHub Clinics
We take a comprehensive, personalized approach to hirsutism treatment. Our endocrinologist performs blood tests to check hormone levels and may use imaging (like an ultrasound) to identify the cause. Once we know the cause, we tailor a treatment plan, which often includes:
Medications: We may prescribe hormone-regulating treatments such as birth control pills to regulate hormones or anti-androgen medications to block excess male hormones. These slow down new hair growth and improve related symptoms.
Lifestyle changes: If appropriate, we recommend diet and exercise adjustments. For example, weight loss can reduce androgen levels in women with PCOS and help lessen hair growth. Healthy lifestyle habits can enhance the effectiveness of medical treatment.
We monitor your progress with follow-up visits and adjust the treatment as needed. Most patients see noticeable improvement after a few months of consistent therapy. By treating hirsutism early, you can achieve a significant reduction in unwanted hair and improvement in quality of life.
We also address the cosmetic side of hirsutism. Alongside treating the hormonal cause, we guide patients on safe hair removal methods (like shaving or waxing) and can refer you for advanced hair reduction procedures (such as laser hair removal). By targeting both the internal cause and the external hair growth, our approach helps achieve optimal results and boost confidence.
Why Choose HealthHub Clinics?
Extensive Experience
Advanced Facilities
Affordable premium services
Trusted Al-Futtaim brand
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is hirsutism treatable?
Yes. Hirsutism can be effectively managed. Addressing the underlying hormone imbalance (with medications and lifestyle changes) slows new hair growth, and existing unwanted hair can be removed with cosmetic methods. Patients often see improvement within a few months.
Should a teenage girl with excessive hair growth see a doctor?
If a teenage girl is developing excessive facial or body hair, it’s best to have her checked by an endocrinologist. Some increase during puberty is normal, but excessive hair or other symptoms (like irregular periods) could point to PCOS. An early evaluation can identify the cause and ensure timely treatment.
What treatments are available for hirsutism at HealthHub Clinics?
At HealthHub Clinics in Dubai, our hirsutism treatment is comprehensive, from finding the cause to managing the symptoms. We conduct hormone tests, prescribe medications to correct hormone imbalances, and give guidance on lifestyle changes. For cosmetic care, we advise on hair removal techniques and can refer patients for laser hair removal. This plan addresses both the root cause and the unwanted hair.
Does having hirsutism mean I have PCOS?
Not necessarily. PCOS is the most common cause, but excess hair growth can also result from other hormone issues or even a family trait, so a proper medical evaluation is important to find the exact cause. If it is PCOS, we will treat it; if it’s something else, we’ll address that. In all cases, we focus on reducing the hair and treating the underlying condition.
Looking to reclaim smooth, confident skin? Book your hirsutism consultation with our expert endocrinologists in Dubai today—your journey to balanced hormones and lasting results starts here.