Hirsutism in Women: Causes and Effective Treatment Options

Every woman has body hair. However, the thickness of the hair is more in some women as compared to others. Some of them may also have facial hair. This is known as hirsutism. Excessive body hair and facial hair are considered to be a sign of polycystic ovarian syndrome - PCOS. This is a common condition associated with infertility.

What is PCOS?

PCOS is a condition marked by higher than normal levels of male hormones - androgen and testosterone and lower levels of female hormones - estrogen and progesterone. The ovaries in the women suffering from this condition are typically enlarged and have small cysts on the edges. The abnormal hormonal level affects the development and release of eggs by the ovaries. Thus, it may cause missed periods or irregular periods. Without the timely release of a healthy egg, it is very difficult for a woman to conceive a child. It also increases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, depression and endometrial cancer. Boiled down to essentials, excess body hair is a symptom of female infertility as it could be an indicator of PCOS.

Fertility Treatment

As excess facial hair on women is considered a symptom of infertility, many women seek treatment for PCOS or hormonal imbalances in the early stages. While the condition cannot be cured completely, medication can help manage the symptoms. Hormone supplements and oral medication may also be prescribed to regularise ovulation cycles.

Many women suffering from PCOS are unable to conceive naturally despite medication. In such cases, in-vitro fertilisation or IVF may be advised for the couple. This involves fertilising a harvested egg with sperm in a laboratory and re-introducing the fertilised egg into the woman's uterus. The remainder of the pregnancy then continues as in a normal pregnancy.