Do I have hirsutism or am I just genetically more hairy than other women?

Question

I am of Indian descent and I have excess hair in places women usually do not. I have recently started getting laser hair removal. However, I read some websites saying women getting laser hair removal who have hormonal imbalances will not benefit from laser hair removal. I don't have a deep voice or anything like that, I always thought the excess hair is just genetic. Is it only possible for women to have excess dark hair if it is a hormonal imbalance?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This is difficult to answer without an in-person evaluation. Women with hormonal imbalances, if that is the issue, can still have laser hair removal. Keep in mind, it will take a series of treatments to get improvement and some people need treatments to maintain. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

I advise you to check your hormonal balance to get diagnosis and try to determine the root to your problem. If you have hormonal imbalance, PCOS or hirsutism, then you will have to receive proper treatment. Anyhow, while your hormones are kept at balance, you can undergo lase hair removal and obtain great results. Good luck!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

I advise you to check your hormonal balance to get diagnosis and try to determine the root to your problem. If you have hormonal imbalance, PCOS or hirsutism, then you will have to receive proper treatment. Anyhow, while your hormones are kept at balance, you can undergo lase hair removal and obtain great results. Good luck!

Satya Kumar Saraswat, MBBS, MS, MCh · Answer

It is really important to understand the relation between hairs, hormones and lasers. Unless one knows one cannot comprehend what is going on.
  Extra hairs or male pattern hairs on a female's body can be due to the result of some male or male-like hormones ( like testosterone, DHEA) which get increased in her usually due to reasons like polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS). It is important to have a pcos profile blood investigation done if one feels that the reason for more hair can be apart from genetic. According to the rotterdam criteria of diagnosis of PCOS, we need to have two of the major criteria - clinical menstrual problems( oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea ), ultrasonological findings of multiple ovarian cysts with increased volume of ovaries and deranged blood investigations being the three concerns.Your clinician will guide you in this matter.
please visit a board certified clinician for the same.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and we understand your concerns.  You should probably have your hormone levels checked.With any hormone imbalance, PCOS & hirsutism, your struggle with hair will be an on-going battle but you should be able to see improvement.  Look for the best LHR equipment and experience that is medically supervised, rather than the cheapest price.Newer lasers have features built in (such as sapphire cooling tips) to make them more comfortable.  Some of the newer technology is also more efficient, allowing for lower energy settings to be used with better results and less discomfort.  For any laser treatment, safety is the most important consideration.   In our state, every new laser patient has to be seen by a medical practitioner.  At that point, they can determine if you can be safely treated with their laser.We recommend finding an experienced and reputable provider in your area with updated equipment.  Calibration and power of the laser is important for a safe, comfortable and effective treatment.  Find out what laser they will use and if it is under a maintenance contract.  If their laser isn’t calibrated on a regular basis or is underpowered, your treatment may be painful or inefficient. We can't comment on the laser you mentioned.  It doesn't have the power & features we required.

Do I have hirsutism or am I just genetically more hairy than other women?

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