The presence of facial and body hair is normal for women. However, the amount and type of facial hair varies. Most of the time, they are very fine and light in colour, present above lips, on chin, chest, abdomen and back.
The presence of facial and body hair is normal for women. However, the amount and type of facial hair varies. Most of the time, they are very fine and light in colour, present above lips, on chin, chest, abdomen and back.
During puberty, there is likely to be an increase in growth of facial hair as well as hair in pubic region, corners of mouth, chin and underarms. Also, when women go through menopause, there is an unchecked growth of facial hair with gross change in texture and thickness. Medically termed as hirsutism, abnormal hair growth in face and other body parts is seen in many medical conditions. Some of them are discussed below.
Excessive production of androgen
Normally, women produce low levels of androgen. Hirsutism occurs if androgen levels get increased or if hair follicles are more sensitive to androgen.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
A common hormonal disorder which accounts for 85% of the cases of facial hair growth. In this condition benign cysts are formed in ovaries that results in the production of more androgen.
Adrenal gland disorders
Like cushing syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia and adrenal tumours cause abnormal production of cortisol and androgens by adrenal glands.
Obesity
Being obese, is another factor for increased androgen production, which gives rise to facial hair growth.
Medications
Anabolic steroids, glucocorticoids and testosterone are some of the medications that are responsible for abnormal hair growth.
All the above mentioned states are the foundation of the growth of dark and coarse hair on face, chest and sometimes back and may harm the delicate skin.
How to manage
Women try various ways to get rid of facial hair which are usually temporary. There are many ayurvedic remedies which are said to be painless, natural and provide permanent results.
FACE PACKS
Raw papaya and turmeric
Peel a raw papaya and grind it. Add turmeric powder to it and mix well. Apply the paste on the face and massage for 15 minutes, then wash it with water.
Potato and masoor daal
Soak some masoor daal overnight. Grate a potato and take out its juice. Now grind the masoor daal. Add potato juice, honey and lemon juice to it. Apply the mixture for about 10-15 minutes, until it dries. Scrub mildly and wash with water.
Lemon scrub
Make a scrub by mixing 2 table spoon of sugar, 1 table spoon of organic honey and 2 table spoons of lemon juice. Scrub this for 5 minutes on face and then wash.
Chickpea flour and yogurt
Take half a cup of chickpea flour, add 1 table spoon turmeric powder and 1 table spoon fresh yogurt to it and mix well. Massage the mixture on face and leave for 20-30 minutes. After it dries, rub it off in the opposite direction of hair growth.
Treatment of the possible cause
To deal with polycystic ovarian syndrome, firstly, shodhana procedure is performed in the patient to detoxify the body internally. Then internal medicine is started. Herbs that help in polycystic ovarian disease also work in reducing facial hair growth. These are shatavari, triphala, giloy, ashoka and haldi. They have antioxidant properties, boost metabolism, help in lowering insulin resistance and regularise menstrual cycle.
Abnormal hair growth due to obesity can be managed with physical activity, exercises, diet restrictions and herbs like guggul, trikatu, kalonji and chitrak. These herbs cause fat cells to breakdown, increase the body metabolism and also help reducing bad cholesterol. Similarly, adrenal disorders can be managed with brahmi, ashwagandha, shankhpushpi, good sleep, yoga and meditation. All these help in alleviating anxiety, enhance mood and help lowering the level of cortisol.
Conclusion
Abnormal facial hair growth is no doubt a cumbersome problem for females of this generation which also holds a huge psychological burden. The holistic approach to this common problem helps in reducing the clinical features by many ways. At the same time, it is better to consult the ayurvedic physician for better results.
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