What to Do About Embarrassing Hair Problems

Sure, you may be embarrassed by some extra hair on your upper lip, chin or breasts, but you don’t have to be! The dilemma- which affects thousands of women – is ofttimes caused by a hormonal disorder, and is usually treatable. Top ways to solve the problem include:

1. Getting a diagnosis.

Unwanted hair growth may be the first – or only – sign of a medical problem such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), an adrenal gland disorder, or insulin resistance. As soon as the cause is established, your doctor can select the best course of treatment, which may include something as simple as taking a medication to suppress hormones called androgens that increase hair growth and make hair coarser.

2. Taking the pill.

Birth control pills also curb the ovaries’ output of androgens. A new form of the pill, Yasmin, contains an anti-androgen that may make hair finer. But don’t worry, it won’t thin out the hair on your head.

3. Getting rid of as little as five or ten pounds can improve insulin sensitivity, and, in turn, decrease the production of trouble making androgens, which are stored in fatty tissue.

4. Asking for the miracle cream.

Embarrassed Distressed by hair on your face? The prescription cream Vaniqa may be for you. Studies have shown that it inhibits hair growth in 60% of users in just two months. Although Vaniqa was developed specifically to treat facial hair, a lot of dermatologists prescribe it to reduce hair growth in other areas as well.

5. Should You visit a doctor? Yes if your excess hair growth is due to a hormonal problem. How can you tell? If it’s hormonal, the hair growth is typically accompanied by one or more of these telltale signs: Irregular periods, very oily skin and/or acne, fertility problems, the development of masculine traits like a deepened voice or frontal balding.