HAVE you noticed yourself getting hairier over the years?
Fret not, the UK’s ‘hair removal queen’, Trish Coulton, explains what could be causing your excess hair growth, and ways you may wish to combat it.
Hair removal expert Trish Coulton shared the five reasons why you may be experiencing an increase in hair[/caption]
Speaking to Fabulous, Trish shared: “There are many reasons why you might be experiencing increased hair growth as a woman.
“Often, it is a result of natural hormonal changes, however it can also be a sign of underlying health or lifestyle factors.”
Here are five reasons why you may be experiencing more hair than usual…
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormone imbalance, also known as Hirsutism, is one of the most common causes of increased hair growth in women.
It is a hormonal imbalance involving an excess of androgens, which are male hormones such as testosterone.
Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can lead to higher levels of these hormones, causing hair growth in typically male-pattern areas such as the face, chest, and back.
If you’re noticing significant changes in your hair growth, especially alongside symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, or acne, it may be worth consulting a doctor to check for hormonal issues like PCOS or adrenal gland disorders.
Ageing and Menopause
This can trigger hormonal changes and increase hair growth in areas where hair was previously finer or less visible.
During menopause, estrogen levels drop, which can make the influence of androgens more prominent.
This can lead to more noticeable hair growth on the face or body.
For many women, this is a normal part of ageing, though it can be surprising if you’re used to having less hair during your younger years.
Your family history and ethnic background
This can play a significant role in how much body hair you have.
Certain ethnicities such as Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or South Asian ethnicity tend to have naturally thicker, darker, and more visible body hair.
If your female relatives also have a tendency toward thicker body or facial hair, it’s possible that your hairiness is simply a genetic trait, and not a sign of a medical issue.
Certain medications
Some medications can stimulate hair growth as an unwanted side effect.
For example, steroids can lead to an increase in body hair.
Some hormonal treatments, such as contraceptives or fertility treatments, may also affect your body’s natural balance of hormones, which can lead to more visible hair growth.
If you’ve recently started any new medications and have noticed changes, it’s worth discussing these side effects with your GP.
Ageing and menopause can trigger hormonal changes and increase hair growth[/caption]
Underlying Health Conditions
Conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome, which is a disorder caused by high levels of the hormone cortisol, can cause excess hair in women.
This condition, as well as certain tumours of the adrenal glands or ovaries, can cause a woman’s body to produce too many androgens, leading to abnormal hair growth.
Thyroid problems, which impact metabolic and hormonal regulation, can also cause changes in hair growth. If you’re concerned about a sudden or dramatic increase in hair growth, it’s essential to consult a Doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
How to tackle increased body hair
TO manage excessive hair growth, there are several options depending on the cause, according to the UK’s ‘hair removal queen’, Trish Coulton.
Lifestyle changes like weight management and treating underlying conditions can help regulate hormones and reduce hair growth over time.
For more immediate results, hair removal methods like shaving, threading, waxing, or hair-removal creams can provide short-term satisfaction, though they require frequent maintenance.
One of the most effective longer-term solutions is LED laser hair removal.
This treatment works by targeting hair follicles with laser energy, which damages them to slow down or stop hair growth.
You can even do this in the comfort of your own home, with devices like the Bondi Body V2 Laser @ Home, £299.
