Humans have an average of 5 million hairs on their bodies, with up to 100,000 visible on the scalp at any one time. Hair colour, texture, and quantity vary depending on gender, ethnicity, and body location.

Hair growth on the face and body is normal, and everyone has it unless they have a medical condition that causes it to stop growing and fall out.

Even though the hair growth may not be considered abnormal, many people may be uncomfortable with it and wish to remove it.

In females, male pattern hair growth can occur due to endocrine disorders and increased sensitivity of the hair follicles to circulating androgens such as testosterone in the blood; this is known as Hirsutism.

A general overgrowth of what would be considered normal hair in men and women due to genetic and racial tenancies, along with increased follicle sensitivity to circulating androgens in the blood circulation, is known as Hypertrichosis.

Hair growth can occur during puberty, pregnancy, menopause and during times of prolonged intense stress. For some, the hair that grows may feel unsightly. In some cases, such as pregnancy, it is essential to wait until after the birth for hormones to settle before deciding whether to treat these hairs, as often the hair can stop growing and disappear on its own.

Hormone disorders that can lead to excess body hair include:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) /Stein Leventhal syndrome.

• Acromegaly

• Diabetes

• Adrenogenital syndrome

• Archard Thiers Syndrome

• Cushing’s Disease

• Thyroid Disorders

• Hyperprolactinemia

• Anorexia Nervosa

In some cases, if the underlying cause of excess hair growth is treated and well-regulated, resulting hair growth will subside and disappear. If this doesn’t happen, unwanted hair growth can be treated with Electrolysis or laser. In many cases, excellent results can be achieved, but sometimes treatment can be much slower and will help to minimise the impact of unwanted hair growth.

Other reasons for excess hair growth include:

• Some medications – although this is rare.

• Androgen-releasing tumours

• Stimulation and friction of the skin, e.g., plaster casts- although once removed, hair generally returns to how it was previously.

• Areas that are highly vascularised, such as moles and birthmarks.

Sometimes, there is no known cause for unwanted hair growth, which can be called idiopathic hirsutism. In this situation, doctors will have excluded all known possible causes.

It can be very difficult to decide what counts as excessive face and body hair, and it is essential to remember that it is natural for a female to have fine hair all over her body and face. Some hairs on the stomach and chest can be a little darker and thicker. Regardless, it is important to consider an individual’s feelings about their own bodies. Some people are quite happy with the face and body hair they have. Others can feel dysphoric about it. In these situations, visiting your GP to discuss your concerns is essential.

In many cases, hair removal methods such as shaving, waxing and depilatory creams can be used to remove hair temporarily; however, there is a risk that some of these methods could encourage the hair to become darker or trigger further growth.

Laser is a great way to reduce unwanted hair growth but is limited in the types of hair it can treat. It can also cause paradoxical hypertrichosis in a small percentage of people. Your practitioner will explain this and other considerations during your consultation for treatment.

Electrolysis is the only permanent method of hair removal and can treat any hair anywhere as long as it can be reached.

Abigail Best MBIAE