Dark, thick hair on the chin, upper lip, and cheeks – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Dark, thick hair on the chin, upper lip, and cheeks Diagnosis & Treatment in Dubai

Dark, thick hair growth on the chin, upper lip, and cheeks, especially in women, is known as hirsutism. While some facial hair is normal, excessive or coarse hair in these areas can be a concerning symptom. Understanding the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options is crucial for managing this condition.

Causes:

Hirsutism is often linked to elevated levels of androgens, male hormones that are present in both men and women, but typically in higher amounts in men. Common causes include:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It often causes irregular periods, ovarian cysts, and elevated androgen levels, leading to hirsutism.
• Idiopathic Hirsutism: In some cases, hirsutism occurs without any identifiable underlying cause. This is known as idiopathic hirsutism. It may involve increased sensitivity of hair follicles to normal androgen levels.
• Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH): CAH is a genetic disorder that affects the adrenal glands, leading to overproduction of androgens.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as some steroids, can cause hirsutism as a side effect. Tumors: In rare cases, tumors of the ovaries or adrenal glands can produce excess androgens, leading to hirsutism.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis typically involves a medical history review, physical examination, and sometimes, blood tests:

• Medical History: Discussing the patient’s symptoms, including the onset and progression of hair growth, menstrual cycle regularity, and any other relevant medical history.
• Physical Exam: Examining the hair growth pattern and looking for other signs of hormonal imbalances.
• Blood Tests: Measuring androgen levels (such as testosterone and DHEAS) and other hormone levels to identify potential underlying causes like PCOS or CAH.
• Pelvic Ultrasound: May be recommended to evaluate the ovaries for cysts associated with PCOS.

Treatment:

Treatment approaches vary depending on the underlying cause and the severity of hirsutism:

Lifestyle Changes: Weight loss, if overweight or obese, can help regulate hormone levels and reduce hirsutism associated with PCOS.

Medications:

• Anti-androgens: Medications like spironolactone can block the action of androgens and reduce hair growth.
• Oral Contraceptives: Birth control pills can help regulate hormone levels and reduce hirsutism.

Hair Removal Techniques:

• Shaving, Waxing, or Plucking: These methods provide temporary hair removal. Electrolysis or Laser Hair Removal: These methods can provide more permanent hair reduction.

It’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Addressing the underlying cause is essential for long-term management of hirsutism.

Related Treatments

• Hirsutism