There is a lot of discussions these days about body hair and the various ways that women choose to remove it. Some people feel very strongly about the topic, while others couldn’t care less. However, what a lot of people don’t know is that there is more to body hair than just aesthetics. Different types of body hair can provide us with valuable information about our health. We’ll discuss the various ways that body hair is related to our health and what it could mean for you. Plus some things that are worth knowing.
Hirsutism
For this article, hirsutism will be defined as excessive hair growth in areas where it doesn’t typically grow. The most common location for hirsutism is on the face and chest. Other common locations include the lower back, buttock, thighs, belly button, shoulders, stomach, fingers, and toes. Hirsutism can affect both women and men. However, it is more common in women than men because menstrual cycles are regulated by testosterone production in women compared to men who produce testosterone every day.
There are numerous causes of hirsutism including but not limited to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Cushing’s Syndrome, tumors of the adrenal gland or ovaries, medications such as certain deficiencies in insulin or other hormones. If you experience excessive hair growth accompanied by any of these symptoms, see your doctor for a check-up. Hirsutism occurs in about 5% of women in the United States.
Side Effects From Medication
Different types of medication have different side effects. One of the major ones is hair growth, especially in unwanted areas. If you are experiencing hair growth when you didn’t before, it could be a sign that something in your body is out of balance. This hair may also feel coarser or thicker than normal hair. Again, talk to your doctor if you suspect that the medication you are taking might be causing this excess hair production.
Problems With Your Ovaries
Your ovaries produce hormones and eggs. Along with producing these important things, your ovaries also produce extra hair. If you experience excess hair growth in unwanted areas accompanied by pain or bleeding, it could be a sign that there is a problem with one (or both) of your ovaries. This article does not mean to scare women. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, report them to your doctor right away so they can check for possible problems.