Hirsutism

First, the cause of the increased hair growth needs to be clarified for successful therapy. If a hormonal disorder or a tumor exists, the doctor treating the patient will decide on the therapy. With an increased level of androgens - e.g. through polycystic ovary syndrome - anti-androgens are also used, e.g. Cyproteronacetate or Spironolactone. An ovarian tumour, however, will be surgically removed. Through these therapy approaches, attempts are made to reduce the level of androgens. Current hair, however, often only reacts to such a therapy with a certain time delay, within 6 - 12 months. Consequently, accompanying methods for hair removal are necessary.

In order to remove the hair permanently, there are a number of different methods available that can be carried out at home or at the dermatologist's practice or in cosmetic institutes. The simple methods that can be used at home include e.g. shaving, plucking, waxing and depilation. Dermatologists frequently offer hair removal via laser. The bleaching of hair with bleaching creams is a method to make hair appear less noticeable. Since 2004, there has also been a drug on prescription, containing the active ingredient Eflornithine, for the treatment of hirsutism on a woman's face. Eflornithine slows down the hair growth so that other hair removal methods (e.g. shaving) do not have to be used so often.