Coarse, dark hair where it shouldn’t be. At least you think so. At any rate, you wish it would just stop coming back. We all have to pluck the odd dark hair from the chin area or have a moustache wax. But how much hair is too much? 

It might be more important to ask this question than you think.

What we know

Hirsutism or excessive growth of both facial or body hair on women is associated with a surplus of male hormones or androgens in the body. And it can be debilitating – Many women with hirsutism become self-isolating. So depression and extreme anxiety go hand in hand with it. 

But if you’ve tried everything from shaving and depilatory creams to waxing and any number of lengthy, painful and expensive treatments, there’s a chance there’s a deeper underlying condition.

New insights

New research shows a strong link between hirsutism and a common ovarian health condition knows as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). How common? Doctors think about 1 in 10 women could have PCOS.

Hirsutism is, in fact, one of the most common symptoms of  PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). In fact, 60–83% of women with PCOS experience hirsutism, often along with other symptoms which can include acne, infrequent, absent or heavy periods and weight gain. 

I have hirsutism. Should I be worried? 

Hirsutism can certainly be a challenge to manage both physically and psychologically, but there’s no need for panic. We all have hair growth, and we all pluck or wax. 

But, if you feel debilitated by hair growth and you also notice acne, menstrual irregularities and or weight gain add to your struggles, please don’t suffer in silence. There’s no need to hide or be embarrassed. PCOS can be diagnosed treated – ask your doctor or gynae.

And, in fact, this friendly message is brought to you by Lamelle Pharmaceuticals, who’ve just launched an all-new product that helps promote ovarian health in women with PCOS.