Hirsutism is a term used to describe excessive growth of hair. It can be a genetic trait as well as a hormonal trait, but can still be treated regardless. You may be more 'naturally hairy' then your friends, but that doesn't mean that you are naturally predisposed to always be more hairy. Some doctors may cite factors such as racial background or genetic makeup as factors in hirsutism, but I don't think this is always the case. Genetics do come into play, however there are many more factors involved in the way your body produces hair.
A large factor of why your body makes hair is stress. Your body puts out catecholamines, or 'stress hormones' when you are in dire straits or in a rough situation that speeds up your body's processes. But since your adrenal glands also make androgen, more stress can increase the androgen that is already present in your bloodstream. If you are a naturally hirsute person, do what's in your best interest to try and live as stress-free as possible, consider doing away with vices such as smoking or drinking. These habits actually make your body more stressed than you would be without them, and are bad habits to have in general. Some of us are simply wired with hair follicles that are more sensitive to androgens, so the best way to counteract and be sure that you avoid the risks of hormonal imbalance is prevention as well as understanding.
Thyroid disorders are also a factor that can cause or make hirsutism worse. The thyroid is one of the largest endocrine glands in your body, it controls how your body uses energy, makes protein, as well as controls how your body's sensitivity to other hormones. It produces hormones that affect the rate of your body's metabolism as well as effects the growth and rate of function of many other parts of your body. Naturally, you should have your thyroid function checked often to avoid problems or disease. If your doctor discovers a problem with your thyroid, it is fairly likely that no new hair would be stimulated and your hirsutism would subside once you get treatment.
Treatment for Hirsutism
A small percentage of people can be predisposed to hirsutism, and they are diabetics. Overuse or improper use of insulin can actually cause hirsutism. Diabetics have to be very careful with insulin monitoring due to the possibility of insulin resistance. This is when your cells stop responding to the insulin your pancreas makes. If you are diabetic and notice an onset of hirsutism, please consult with your doctor as you may be experiencing hyperandrogenic-insulin resistant-acanthosis nigricans syndrome. This can be treated by more closely monitoring your insulin intake, or changing the methods in which you receive insulin.
Much unwanted hair growth occurs as a result of hormonal imbalances, which thankfully are correctable, sometimes with natural treatment. Aldactone, or Spironolactone is a diuretic that seems to stop the effects of androgen hormones in the skin. It has proven to be effective in controlling unwanted hair even when hormonal levels are relatively normal. It is a medication that you gradually increase over time. Patients are usually instructed to drink 16 or more ounces of water a day, and it can take up to 9 months to see a positive change.
Hypertrichosis is a excess growth of hair in males and can be seen on all parts of the body, but is usually more prominent on the back, chest, and ears. If you find that you are not hirsute, but simply are experiencing a large frequency of hair on these areas, consider boosting your intake of the b6 vitamin. It can help your body regulate glucose levels as well as to help break down starch more efficiently, which will reduce the amount of unwanted hair you have. Also, cutting back on the amount of refined carbohydrates you eat, and eating low glycemic load foods such as whole grains and nuts can also help.
Non-meat sources of b6 vitamins such as bananas, carrots, red bell peppers, tomatos, and watermelon can also help improve these symptoms as well. For full blown hirsutism, you can try natural treatment like vitamins and herbal supplements such as saw palmetto or ginkgo biloba. Saw palmetto is a homeopathic medicine that fights hormonal imbalances and can even out your metabolism as well. Avoiding exposure to topical steroids can also help avoid hypertrichosis as well. Eating disorders in men such as anorexia can also lead to hypertrichosis as well, so make sure you follow a healthy diet and involve a caloric intake that is large enough to support your body's daily functions.
Hirsutism and hypertrichosis are diseases that may be difficult to find treatment for, for some, but understanding why you may be predisposed to it is important as well as beneficial to your health in your efforts to control it. While it may be true that some races may have more factors stacked against them, making the necessary changes is more often easier than not and can improve your health and wellbeing for your entire life, and what you learn you can pass on to others as well. The body is a complex computer that has many events and functions and learning as much as possible is what benefits not only you, but can also benefit others.