Which adrenal gland disorders cause facial hair in women?
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The adrenal glands, located just above the kidneys, produce hormones. In congenital adrenal hyperplasia, for example, an enzyme vital for the production of an important adrenal hormone is missing and in Cushing s disease, a person has higher than normal levels of the stress hormone cortisol. In short, these disorders impinge on how the body produces male hormones in a female body causing hirsutism. If you have excessive muscle weakness, high BP, high or low blood sugar, headaches, you may be suffering from adrenal disorders. So, go get yourself tested.
Which of these is responsible for causing facial hair or hirsutism in women?
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Hirsutism or the condition where women grow hair in places where they shouldn't be growing them- face: chin and upper lip, chest, stomach or back- runs in families. It can occur when a woman has higher levels of the male sex hormones like testosterone and /or she is on drugs that change hormone levels in her body like anabolic steroids. It s wise to not treat facial hair lightly as it can point to dangerous conditions like PCOS and tumors in the adrenal glands.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS is a big cause of female facial hair.
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PCOS is one of the commonest causes of hirsutism. Three out of every four hirsutism cases occur due to PCOS. In this condition, cysts form on the ovaries and these affect hormone production. More male hormones are produced while female hormonal levels dip causing hirsutism. If you have irregular periods, decreased fertility and have gained weight along with hirsutism and acne, it s time to fix an appointment with your gynecologist.
Combination birth control pills can manage PCOS and thus female facial hair.
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These birth control pills have both -estrogen and progesterone, the two female sex hormones. They help shrink the cysts on ovaries in PCOS. The estrogen is also able to reduce excess hair. This is one sure shot and long-term solution for hirsutism. You will most likely notice improvements after three to six months of combination birth control pill use, so be patient.
You can decrease facial hair by lowering your weight if you are a woman.
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Obesity can change the way the body produces and processes hormones. This is the reason why maintaining a healthy weight is able to correct your level of androgens or male hormones naturally, without any medicines. If your extra weight is due to PCOS, you will need medical treatment for PCOS first before you see any difference in your facial fuzz. Your doctor will prescribe drug therapy in the form of birth control pills and anti-androgen medicines to balance your hormone levels.
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