Hairiness in women

Extra-responsiveness to hormones. Women often worry that hairiness means that they have male hormones and are not fully female. In fact, all women have a small amount of the ‘male’ hormone, testosterone, circulating in their bodies. It is produced mainly by the adrenal glands, which are situated over the kidneys. If the skin is extra-responsive to it, testosterone encourages hair growth on the upper lip, chin, chest, lower abdomen. The hormone levels are normal; the problem is that the skin is too responsive to testosterone. Women with this problem gradually develop more body hair from puberty until the menopause, after which the amount of body hair slowly lessens – except for facial hair, which continues to increase.

There are many reasons for this extra-responsiveness to normal amounts of testosterone.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is the cause of hairiness in some women. This syndrome is usually caused by an imbalance between the pituitary and adrenal glands with cysts on the ovary. As a result, the level of male hormone rises. It usually develops in the late teens or early 20s and there are usually other symptoms as well as excess hair. Polycystic ovary syndrome sometimes runs in families. It is diagnosed by blood tests and, usually, an ultrasound scan of the ovaries. It can be treated with medication. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome are often obese, and the hirsutism (hairiness) improves if they lose weight.

 

Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome

Tumour. Very occasionally, a tumour of the ovaries or an adrenal gland can be responsible for the excess male hormones, but this is very rare.

Lose weight if you are overweight. This may greatly improve the problem.

 

Bleaching is a good way of disguising upper lip hairs or ‘sideburns’ unless your skin is dark. Hydrogen peroxide cream for bleaching is available from pharmacists, but it can cause severe skin irritation.

 

Depilatories (hair-removing creams) do not leave stubble, but can irritate the skin. Test beforehand by applying a small amount to the inside of your wrist. If there is no reaction the next day, it is probably safe to use the cream. Weaker creams for use on the face are available.

 

Plucking, waxing, sugaring or threading will deal with the problem temporarily. These all work by pulling out the hairs. If you pull out a hair, a new hair immediately starts to grow in that follicle. (If you shave a hair, it may be in its resting phase and will not grow for some time.) So plucking, waxing and sugaring may have to be repeated quite frequently.

 

Plucking can be used to remove a few long hairs on the chin, but in general it is not a good idea for the face because it can easily cause scarring. Never pluck hairs on the nipple or the surrounding pink area (areola), or on a mole. In waxing, strips of hot wax are placed over the hairy area and pulled off, taking the hairs with them. This is painful, and difficult to use on the face. Sugaring is similar, but uses a special sugar paste obtainable from pharmacies.

 

Shaving will need to be done every day. In spite of the old wives’ tale, it does not make the hairs grow back more quickly (British Medical Journal 2007;335:1289). However, shaved hairs will be stubbly, so they may be noticeable if shaving is not repeated daily.

 

Laser treatment is quicker and less painful than electrolysis. It works best on dark hair with pale skin, because the dark pigment helps to transmit the laser energy down the hair shaft to the bottom of the hair follicle, where it damages the lining of the follicle so the hair cannot grow properly. The results can be very good, but there are also a few problems.

Electrolysis is probably the best method of getting rid of the unwanted hair long term (possibly permanently). Electrolysis is a slow process, because each hair is dealt with separately and it may take months or years of treatment before all the unwanted hairs disappear.

 

A fine needle is inserted into the hair root, which is then destroyed by a chemical reaction and by heat.

Try spearmint tea. A research study has suggested that drinking 2 cups of spearmint tea daily can reduce levels of testosterone in women, and might reduce hairiness (British Medical Journal 2007;334:482). This research involved only a small number of women, so its results need to be confirmed.

See your doctor if any of the following apply:

Polycystic ovary syndrome. If this is a possibility, your doctor will refer you to an endocrinologist (hormone specialist). The endocrinologist will check for other problems, such as diabetes, that can sometimes accompany polycystic ovary syndrome. The medication used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome is effective, especially if you also lose weight; greasy skin and acne clear up in about 6 weeks, but it can take 12–18 months for maximum improvement in the hirsutism (hairiness).

 

No hormone abnormality. If there is no hormone abnormality, and the hirsutism (hairiness) happens simply because your skin is especially responsive to testosterone, your doctor may prescribe the combined oral contraceptive pill containing the progestogens desogestrel, gestodene or norgestimate. Both the oestrogen and progestogen in the combined pill have an effect, so the progesterone-only pill would not be as effective in reducing hair. About 1 in 10 women will see an improvement, but it may take 12–18 months.

 

If this does not help, your doctor may decide to try a combination of ethinyloestradiol and cyproterone acetate (Dianette) or drospirenone (Yasmin), which stop testosterone having an effect on the skin. It will take about 3 months before there is any improvement, and 12 months to achieve the full effect. After this, the drug is stopped. Hair may regrow about 6 months later, in which case another course of the drug can be given.

 

If none of these treatments work, your doctor can refer you to a hospital dermatologist or endocrinologist who could suggest other medication.

 

Laser treatment and electrolysis. In the UK, some hospital dermatology departments provide laser or electrolysis treatment under the NHS, but this is usually available only for individuals with a great deal of excess hair, or who are particularly distressed by it.

 

Eflornithine (Vaniqa) is a cream that slows hair growth. Applied twice a day, it reduces hair growth in about 60% of people who use it (American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 2001;2a:197–201). It contains a chemical called eflornithine, which blocks a key enzyme in the hair follicle. Because it does not destroy existing hairs, it may take several weeks (or even months) before you see any result. It is probably best used after hair has been removed by another method (such as laser), to slow down the return of unwanted hair (American Family Physician 2002;66:1907–11). Eflornithine is not a permanent method of hair removal; when you stop using it, the hair will regrow, usually within about 8 weeks. The cream can cause a burning or stinging sensation and acne. It is not suitable if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
 

Written by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Edited by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Last updated: Monday, March 15th 2010

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Comments on this article

Posted by bianca on 17/03/2010 at 07:09:10 pm

i would be so much happier if i could not worry about my hairy body and i could wear bathing suits or wear a dress that shows a little of my back it makes me so frustrated that i have to worry about what i wear.

Posted by Optional on 16/03/2010 at 10:25:39 pm

Hey girls ! Well i also have the same problem, and yes I have the same problems. I literally have hair every where on my body. And honestly I get so depressed over it. But i have a partner who Ive been with for 3years. He is older then myself by about 7-8years (im 18) and yet he has seen me in the light, no light, naked, clothes on etc. And he loves me for who I am. I want you girls to know that this problem shouldn't run your lives. There are people in this world who love you and will support you. Try talking to a loved one and maybe get some help. But DO NOT LET IT RUIN YOUR LIFE ! good luck ldaies, and keep your head up high , everyone is beautiful in there own way.

Posted by Optional on 16/03/2010 at 02:15:51 pm

Wow! Girls - it's okay :) We're normal! We're people! It is such an awful thing though. I first noticed my hair during puberty... and it's gotten worse. I lost a bunch of weight a year ago, but it didn't affect my hair (all over, like you). I sometimes worry about dying and no one will shave my face and I'll be a bearded-lady, dead and unable to hide my secret! I finally worked up the nerve to go to a doctor and I'm 27!!! So happy I'm taking this step. Girls who are younger - get to a doc now! Your hair can get worse and peach fuzz gets turned into terminal hair (the thick stuff) which is much harder to treat. The important thing is to love yourself no matter what! And invest in one of those Mach 5 razors - they'll shave you silky smooth. I'm all about shaving my face, chest, stomach... wherever. I have too much hair to grow out and wax, I don't have a ton o cash and creams burn my skin. As far as boys go - yeah, that's a tricky one. I love to touch my bf's face, but I jump away if he tries to touch mine. It hurts to have that distance... to feel like I'm lying to him in some ways. I figure I'll trick him into falling in love with me, then he'll be blinded and it won't matter ;) Much love to you girls - and best of luck.

Posted by Optional on 10/03/2010 at 02:15:10 pm

i thought i was lone until i didnt read these coments.as i hav hair on my chin upper lip chest stomch arms n legs and its depressing as it dosnt feel feminen. i do epilate and they return in abwt 2 wks.may god grant all our wish 2 b hair 4ree 4ev amin

Posted by sara on 09/03/2010 at 10:52:21 pm

i feel like crying because for once in my teenage life i actually feel normal thankyou

Posted by Anonymous on 07/02/2010 at 02:28:00 pm

hi there, i started to suffer from excessive hair growth from about 13 i was too embarrased to go to the doctor and used to cover up everything which was a night mare in the summer as longsleeved tops and trousers used to make me boil!! i also only went out with my frinds if we were staying in or if it was dark cos naturel sunlight seemed to illuminate my hair, any way when i was 16 i finally went to the doctor and it turned out i had pcos all though both parents are fairly hairy too so that doesnt help. i was prescribed dianette which i believe has reduced the growth and you can be prescribed this if you havent got pcos you just need to ask your doctor, all though reduced i still have noticable hair and having tried various methods of trying to hide it. i have finally found something that i find effective and not to time consuming. so here it is, 1st of all i reccomend a tan because hair on tanned skin is far less noticable than on light milky skin obviously fake tan is less damaging, 2nd is boots own brand hair lighting cream i use tis on my back stomach face arms and hands i find boots own is easy to use and doesnt leave an odd blonde colour it looks naturel, and well thats it i never thought it could be so simple, i normally do this once a week and tan and lighting takes about 2 hours all together far less time than i used to spend worrying about it!! i shave/wax my legs but thats it, i dont shave the rest of my body as it irritates my skin to much and once you start you have to do it every day, not fun!!! any way hope this is helpful xx

Posted by Summer on 04/02/2010 at 12:08:00 pm

Is it normal at all for girls to have very little hair on the side and on upper lip...cos i do though its not so visible until u look very closely

Posted by Anonymous on 02/02/2010 at 09:17:00 pm

I have thick dark hair on my face, on the outside of my nose, neck, all over my back,around my nipples and chest stomach, hands,bottom, legs, toes...basically all over! I would love to have children but would hate to pass this hairiness onto them as I was bullied alot all throughout school. Does anyone with excessive hair have children and did they pass this onto their child? I need to know if this is something i could risk passing on as I would not want my child to go through what i went through in school.

Posted by annonymous on 19/01/2010 at 12:57:00 am

im 18 and ive been hairy all my life. ive been teased and called all the names (caveman,ewok,warewolf) you name it.I have long dark hairs everywhere my upperlip and chin. i have really bad sideburns and eyebrows,on my stomach which i have shaved in the past and nw it is spicky, my lower and upper back, my chest and nipples, my bikini line is very dark and coarse and when i wax it i just get a bad rash, my bum crack has long thick hairs and my legs. i have to shave my legs everyday because they grow back straight away. they are very very spiky and its very embaressing for anybody to touch them. ive been with my boyfriend for 2 years and hes never seen me naked. i am embaressed for him to touch me in places bcoz i dont feel femanine. ive never talked to anybody about it but its good to know im not alone out there. i want to go on medication!!!

Posted by mercury on 07/01/2010 at 01:28:00 am

i was surprised theres other ladys like me out there. wow. im hairy. and its nastyy.

Posted by Anonymous on 05/01/2010 at 05:29:00 pm

Hi Girls, Like all of you, I am extremely hairy and have been all my life. I decided a long time ago I wouldnt let it completely ruin my life. At school I was slightly bullied but then I jus began shaving everywhere. My arms were like a monkey's so i decided to shave them which was a bad idea coz now i have to do it everyday which is tirering. Just to let u know that dont let it affect you not gettin a boyfriend. I have had loads and although it is hard at first it gets better. If you let it affect urself it will effect them. To be honest they are blokes and they dont care about a little bit more hair. All my exs never have had a problem wth it they love u for u and the hair is just on u, it doesnt make u u! i do get very down about it coz its hard waking up extra early to pluck and make sure u have no hair to remove. Iv been on holiday in a bikini and just ignored ppl that look or pretend its not my hair they r looking it.I think the sun is great as it bleaches them. I use bleach cream for my stomach and face which makes a huge difference. We all need to be strong and accept it and move on and least wen ur with someone who doesnt care u no they r right for u. if they say nething they r not the person u shud b with. xxx

Posted by Anonymous on 04/01/2010 at 08:06:00 pm

I never had any hair problems until I hit puberty, I am 15 now still and covered in long black hairs on my arms, fingers, toes and legs. My back, tummy, breasts and chest are completely concealed under a blanket of thin, short black hairs and I have very pale skin so, it really shows. I have not spoken to a single person, face-to-face about this 'problem'. Am I to young for them to find out what is wrong with me? I also, have never had a boyfriend-but it does not bother me a great deal, yet. Furthermore, normally I am definatly not a person constantly worried about my body but this excess hair really knocks my self-esteem! I want to sort it out some way and get back to the way that I was-sooooo badly. Furthermore no female in my family at all has so much as a hair upon their arms! Also half of my family is fair haired the other half dark haired so I am truly curious about where my hariness has developed from and my mother has only got upper lip, leg and toe hair-thats it and she doesnt wax or shave 'the other bits' she only shaves her legs and toes. I hope i find a solutions before I get into my 20's because that is when I will truly become worried!:s Good luck to all and I hope everyone finds the perfect partner who will lift your self-esteem and support you in your serch for the solution! :)

Posted by Anonymous on 23/12/2009 at 11:17:00 pm

wow this info helps me a lot because im 14 yrs old and i dnt like to show my vody in school when i get dressed and its really embarasing my friend has it to but not as bad as me i have it all over and huge sideburns and i dont like it so when im 18 im going to get laser surgery!!!! at least i can be confident in myself then!! :) this stuff helps me a lot because its nice to know im not the only girl out there that is horrified bu this :)

Posted by sian on 13/12/2009 at 12:28:00 am

hiya! im 17 and i have had a hairy back and tummy for ages! but recently i have noticed some on my neck! iv become overly depressed and dicideed to tell my sister about it she was so comfting about it! and were going to see the doctor. and its such a great relief to know im not the only one and i can be treated with laser!!! or medicine!! please go to a doctor and dnt suffer alone! x

Posted by jay on 27/11/2009 at 03:18:00 am

i have hair round nipple on chest. only have histrectomy and only have one over that works some times. can you tell me what i can do to so they dont grow.

Posted by Anonymous on 21/11/2009 at 03:18:00 pm

I'm 16 and it's so reassuring to hear that there are other people who have the same problem as I do.. The hair is everywhere and I'm sure its getting worse. Nobody knows about it because its too embarrasing.. Noone in my family suffers with the same problem as me. I don't think that I have POS.. I used to feel so depressed about it because it was so noticeable, and, in the summer, I tend to use hair removal cream but it irritates my skin and sometimes i get ingrowing hairs. So now, I'm just living with it and, at the moment people don't notice because I make sure that I pluck the hairs above my lip and my eyebrows which are horrendous. But, I've noticed hair at the sides of my face now and sometimes I still get really upset about it. I still date and I still do ordinary things and, being a teenager, I know how hard it is especially being around other girls who don't suffer with the same problem. I'm going to go to the doctor soon because it's becoming unbearable but I'm not going to let it ruin my life. I think we all need to try and stay strong and I know that sometimes it can get us down, but think about the good things about yourselves. :) smile xx

Posted by Anonymous on 17/11/2009 at 07:21:00 pm

I am 44 and have always been hairy but just recently it is getting worse. It's been a revelation finding out that there are other girls just like me! I have always had hair on my upper lip, chin, tummy, bum, back, arms etc but it is slowly spreading especially on my face and now I have almost a full beard which is creeping up onto my cheeks. This has scared me especially as my hair is now thinning at the front. I have been to the doctor in the past, in my early twenties, when it wasn't so bad but it was so very embarrassing and I felt like a leper. I came off all the pills when I hit 30 as I thought I'd see what my body did by itself. For almost 10 years the hairyness was managable with home waxing, nair and plucking (but there is so much plucking takes an age). Now I simply can't cope with the amount of hair so I am about to go back to the doctor. Wish me luck! The one thing to remember is we are all unique and special and just because we don't conform to the 'norm' doesn't mean we shouldn't be valued for who we are not what we look like. I've had a lot of abuse over the years cos of my hair, people are very small minded at times but it's their problem really isn't it? I like who I am, I'd just prefer to be less hairy.

Posted by Anonymous on 31/10/2009 at 10:26:00 am

I am a 21 years old and have managed to cope with my hair problem until now!! It's started to get thicker and darker and growing faster :( . It gets me down so so much. At first I just used to shave the bits that were to unbearable to wax, but now it's growing places that I would of ratherd stayd feminine as poss. All I can say is thank god for my mother who helps shave places I can't reach, disgusting?? I know, but, there's no way I could go without it. As a result I feel I have no dignity, and it causes a load of arguments between me and my partner, who has never seen me naked with a light on. It's a little comforting to know that I'm not on my own with this ghastly problem! Let's all chin up girls xx

Posted by Anonymous on 26/10/2009 at 11:02:00 pm

I have had heavy facial hair, abdomen, upper thigh and light chest hair since i was about 15 yrs old, im 20 now and have never had a boyfriend because I am too embarrassed by my hair. I have always kept my hair long to cover the sides of my face. Recently my scalp has started to thin as well, my doctor thought it was pco but all my blood tests came back normal, extremely healthy. Nobody else in my family, extended or otherwise, has this problem, even my brother has no facial hair or anything. It really upsets me because I don't understand why Im like this when my family are all good-looking people. I hope for all of us that we can one day find something that will get rid of this hair permenantly. Stay strong!

Posted by Dee on 23/10/2009 at 12:29:00 pm

Im so glad im not the only girl with this problem. I have really thick dark hair on my tummy, i told my mum when i was 15, but since then it has become worse. I hate my bf touching my tummy and i only undress in the dark. We are going on holiday in 3 weeks and im going to be so scared getting in that bikin, i am going to have to pluck and shave every day :(. I want to see a doctor but i am to embarrased.

Posted by HOPE on 09/10/2009 at 10:21:00 am

THERE IS HOPE! I just wanted to say that I know how you feel. I've an excessive hair problem for so many years. Its everywhere, I practicially had a beard! I had it allover my tummy, lower back, allover my legs and arms...EVERYWHERE!!! It stopped me from doing everything!!! I dreamed of the day that I could just wear a short skirt or not cover my face with a scarf! I used to wax, but my skin was so sensative that it became itchy and sore as the new hair came up, worse than that was the uneven and multiple hair growth, I had ingrowns, small hair wax couldnt pick up and inflamed pores. It was so terrible I never showed my skin. I would wear long sleeve tops and pants in the middle of high summer. THE THING THATS WORKED - Laser, Ive been having laser for years. Its reduced my hair by over 70%. Im still pretty hairy but its evened out the growth and my skin isnt affected as much. Its helped me alot. Its exepnsive but sooooooo worth it. I have saved enough money and am now working on a plan to do it every 6 weeks. I hope it works. GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE I really understand how traumatic it is.

Posted by Tillyliz on 06/10/2009 at 01:06:00 pm

Hi, I am a 15 year old girl who is covered in dark hair. It is on my face, chest, stomach, adomen, back, shoulders, legs, feet, toes, fingers and neck. It is really embarrasing and I have had it for as long as I can remember, though it got worse once I hit puberty. I have been to the doctors and was checked to see if I had a hormone imbalance and it came back negative. I have ruled out POS. A lot of the women in my family are hairy, but no where near as hairy as me. I just want to be seen as normal and not judged by someting I can't control. It makes it so hard to meet boys and as a result I have never had a boyfriend. It also has effected my self-esteem dramatically. I know I shouldn't worry about it, but i can't help it. Is there anything I can do???? It is so good to hear I am not alone and I feel for everybody who suffers this.

Posted by Anonymous on 01/10/2009 at 07:18:00 pm

I am 18 and I have lately started to notice excessive hair all over my body as well. It used to be just my arms and legs and with a some fine hair on my forehead but just last year my abdomen and bikini area started to grow hair as well. I haven't told anyone about it and I've been waxing my legs and shaving my body whenever it becomes obvious. I've went to quite a lot of websites to read up on this but it seems like the only few options are like waxing, shaving, laser treatment and electrolysis. There are also tablets that might help though, such as Thuja Cm. You can take a look at this website: http://abchomeopathy.com/forum2.php/26863/ This problem is affecting me quite a lot and I'm kinda scared it'll worsen, esp when I haven't dared to tell anyone about it. Nevertheless, I'm not giving up, I'm gonna save up for laser treatment. Don't give up, people! You are not alone (:

Posted by mira on 29/09/2009 at 07:14:00 pm

I AM A VERY HAIRY PERSON. I'M MORE HAIRY THEN MY FRIENDS. I GOT HAIR ALL OVER MY BODY NOT THICK BUT IT JUST RUNS EVERYWHERE. WHEN I WAX MY LEGS TO THE THIGHS NOT THE BIKINI AREA YOU CAN SEE WHERE IT STOPS. IT LOOKS LIKE I 'M WEARING SHORTS. I NEED HELP

Posted by Anonymous on 14/09/2009 at 03:00:00 am

I have Polycystic ovary syndrome. The first treatment was a total fail and now 6 months later, I am on a new set of pills. Disappointed? Yes. Hopeless? Not a chance. I am not going to lose hope. I just want everyone (who's going through this horrible experience) to know, you can keep your head up high. Keep praying and looking for positive results. Everything's for the best and goodluck with your treatment.

Posted by a on 14/09/2009 at 01:20:00 am

I've got dark hair and light skin and I've noticed in the last 2 years or so I've got more bodily hair. It's so thick and dark and really noticible I shave my entire body whenever I see my boyfriend and parts that are going to be shown when I'm with anyone else. I have noticible hair everywhere, back, arms, stomach (not just under my belly button all over), bottom, inside bottom, face (even on the outside of my nose), arms, legs, chest. It really gets me down and I worry about going on holiday and living with my bf because he might see it. I use cream on my top lip and I've waxed parts of my body before but I've never tried anything else and I'm too embarassed to tell anyone.

Posted by Anonymous on 09/09/2009 at 01:26:00 am

After reading these comments I've realised I'm not alone. I'm sad for everyone with this problem as it can really affect you badly as I've found. For the last ten or so years my body hair has increased to the point where I feel so insecure and ashamed and unfeminine. I get really down about it. I've never worn a bikini because I have hair everywhere. The few partners I've had I never let them see me undressed in the light or touch me properly. I'm too scared to use wax or creams coz the one time I did made it worse. I doubt I'll ever afford electrolysis. I just want it all to go away and be able to have a carefree (hairfree?!)life.

Posted by Hope on 18/08/2009 at 11:58:00 am

My partner is gorgeous with wonderful soft skin that is unfortunately sensitive to hormones and so more hairy than she would like. But I wanted to say to others here who feel self-conscious that it didn't stop us getting together and I honestly feel it's part of her and I love her and find her really sexy - if you find the right partner they will feel like I do. Love to all.

Posted by E on 11/08/2009 at 09:28:00 pm

Just read a few of the comments below and noticed there was one from a girl saying she has contemplated suicide. I feel exactly the same! I hate it SO SO much! I just feel like I'll never get a partner and like life is pointless. I need to get help for this as it's making me really depressed. :( This site has helped me so much though!

Posted by Dani on 11/08/2009 at 04:26:00 am

Wow, I thought I was a loner when it came to being hairy almost everywhere! Being Italian, hairy arms aren't SOOOO terrible (even though I'm too scared to shave them, I wish they'd disappear)but having hair on my chest area and lower stomach area along with chin freaks me out! I have to shave regularly and use cover-up to make it look normal. Probably not a candidate for the POS, because even though I am not considered skinny, I am not obese; and my periods are pretty regular. I'm glad I found this website and I wish the best of luck to all the women going through this unfortunate thing.

Posted by Anonymous on 08/08/2009 at 12:36:00 pm

omg I'm glad to hear there are others that suffer the same thing as I do >o< Thought I really was the only weird one coz none of other other friends have this problem. I really want to wear pretty girly clothes but I can't coz of the hairs on my chest & back =[ It's very noticeable since my skin is white & the hairs are black. Can't shave either coz I can't reach the back... -sigh-

Posted by - on 03/08/2009 at 08:47:00 pm

im 15 and have hair on my stomach. its so embaressing and finally told my mum. it surprisingly stops me from wearing and doing alot of things. im very aware and annoyed at it, but im going to see a doctor. atleast we aren't all alone, good luck ladies!

Posted by Anonymous on 20/07/2009 at 10:34:00 pm

hello girls, you are not alone. a lot of women have this same problem and we know how you feel. trying birth control pills might help you. if creams upset your skin, pluck the hair or wax it off. try different things and best of luck to all of you, its an embarrasing problem that none of us deserve!

Posted by Joanna on 17/07/2009 at 12:14:00 pm

I have had this problem on my bum lower back, arms and fingers it is so embarassing i have never spoken about it. I cannot bear the thought of having a long term relationship as i feel like a friek. I was watching the tv the other day and there was a product called sheer skin. It's a pad and you move it in a circular motion on the hair and it takes it of the skin and the hair grows back finer and takes longer to grow back. It costs 29pounds but i have ordered it on the internet and got it for 5.85p . Sheer skin should be posted soon so i will let you know how i get on, look it up. THANK GOD FOR THE INERNET ITS SO NICE TO SHARE THIS BURIED UGLYPROBLEM.

Posted by Anonymous on 13/07/2009 at 03:46:00 am

i have the same problem.i am tan skinned and my hair is very dark. i feel embarrased talking to anyone about it and i dont know what to do.

Posted by Anonymous on 07/07/2009 at 11:41:00 pm

I have excess hair all over my body- upper and lower arms/legs, bum, stomach, chest, back, nipples, upper lip, chin, knuckles. I have ruled out pcos because I am not overweight and my periods are regular. This really has lowered my self esteem I hate how I am forced to cover up all year round especially in summer. I do not have the option of laser hair removal because my skin is dark. I am considering going to my doctor but am very sceptical. It would be helpful if someone who has been to the doctor and used treatment could answer my questions I would be very grateful. 1)What treatment were you prescribed? 2)How quickly did you start to see results? Did you see results in all areas of excess hair? 3)Was there a major difference in hair regrowth when combined with hair removal such as waxing? 4)Were there any side effects? Any answers are greatly appreciated Thanks.

Posted by Anonymous on 16/06/2009 at 11:03:00 pm

iam only 22 and have excess hair on my face, my chest and my stomach. I am black therefore the hair is very black and thick and very noticeable. I have tried hair removal creams-which was bad for my skin. threading- gave me spots and now i shave every morning like a man. it is very embarassing and horrible.

Posted by Anonymous on 08/06/2009 at 06:26:00 pm

I've just happened upon this site and read all the comments below ...it really is a dreadful affliction. I've suffered since a teenager too, I'm now in my late 30's. I've been on Dianette in my early 20's which controlled the problem in conjunction with Electrolysis (costly but effective) but came off it as it caused high blood pressure, then got referred to an excellent gynaecologist specialising in the problem who put me on spironolactone - which is extremely effective and I would recommmend it. I came off it when I started to try for children and after having two children, I've still not got round to going back on it. I'm interested to read about the inhibiting cream above.. worth trying it out after a having a depilatory treatment. I have my legs, and belly waxed monthly, and after the first intitial embarrassing treatment, where i always explain the condition, it becomes much finer and much easier to live with... so much better than shaving or hair removal creams. As far as the hair on face, chin, neck etc goes, I have Epil Pro treatments every 2 weeks - about 20 minute session. It's about

Posted by Margaret on 08/06/2009 at 04:26:00 am

It is so relieving to know that there are other women who are experiencing this problem as well. I have been suffering with excess hair growth for years and have tried countless amounts of measures to get rid of it. I have to take time out of every morning to pluck my chin and sideburn hairs, which makes sleeping out difficult. I also have have hair around my areola as well as my stomach, bum, and upper thighs. There are a few stray hairs on my chin and chest and cheeks from time to time. It is a problem that has kept me from being able to get close to any guy. I am still looking for an answer to this nightmare of a problem...

Posted by Danni on 05/06/2009 at 12:50:00 pm

I have got polysystic ovaries and have to deal with dark hair on my lip, neck, chin, cheeks, forehead, stomach, hips, back, tops of my legs, arms, boobs and my chest. I use nair hair removal cream for the face, it works well but its only reccomended to be used every 3-5 days, my hair is so bad, it grows back nearly a cm a day, so i have to use nair every day, i get such bad spots, and i am overweight. All my life i have been bullied and i only have a tiny amount of friends because of it, my doctor has recently put me on the contraceptive pill (yasmin) and i think its slowly started to help my facial hair, it doesnt feel as prickly. I think that it is probably the best thing that would help with the unwanted hair, used with nair cream too, it makes me more confident and i feel slightly more happier.

Posted by kld on 02/06/2009 at 11:16:00 pm

I went went to the doctor the other day & was told I have cysts on my ovaries. I have been noticing hair on my chin and neck that have never been there before. Any suggestions?

Posted by em on 23/05/2009 at 11:51:00 am

I have excess hair in my bottom and back. it is very noticable and is causing me great distress. i cannot go on beach holidays as i cannot wear a bikini and wont let my partner see me. its got so bad i have considered suicide. please help, i dont know how to get rid of it!

Posted by Anonymous on 22/05/2009 at 02:46:00 pm

I have a really embarassing problem in that I have a problem with nose hair. Its really gettin me down and i dont know what to do. Please help. i feel so abnormal

Posted by Anonymous on 26/04/2009 at 07:03:00 pm

I didn't realise there were other people who had hair problems too.. I feel so wierd and different to other girls. I'm 15 and I've got really dark hair over my backand tummy and it's awful. I use hair removal creams, but I come out in really bad rashes which sometimes bleed, but I hate having the hair so much that I use it anyway. No one knows about it- not even my friends, but I have recently seen it over my chest area, upper lip and shoulders. I wax off the upper lip, and at the moment the chest and shoulder areas aren't too noticeable but I think it's getting worse, but I'm not sure if that's just because I'm looking out for it more and being more aware. I don't know what to do about it and I feel so self-conscious. I'm slim, but my periods have always been irregular- sometimes I used to be on really heavy for three weeks at a time and then not come on for ages, or othertimes I'd come on the next week, so my Doctor put me on the pill for that. What can I do about the hair though? I don't want to talk to anyone about it- it's so embarrassing!

Posted by Elaine on 22/04/2009 at 07:14:00 am

I have always been slim and hairy. I have it mostly on the upper lip & arms. I've never even worn t-shirts never mind a bikni! The hair on my arms are thin & long but alot. I've been going to an electrolysis for 14 years. She told me i'm her longest client!

Posted by ac on 21/04/2009 at 09:46:00 pm

I have it everywhere too. I feel so unattractive. My hubby doesn't mind it, but I do. I have also tried everything. I waxed my chest just yesterday and it is so irritated and it hurts. I have gone to the doctor and nothing has been done. I feel like I'm just wasting my time and money. It just plain sucks. I have been diagnosed with PCOS and have taken treatment with no results. I have lost 20 pounds and nothing. I hope someday soon someone comes up with a permanent solution for all of us.

Posted by c on 16/04/2009 at 01:08:00 am

i have it really bad under chin i have to pluck every day as i would die if boyfriend saw it, or anyone else. i hate it if any one touches me there as it spikey. i've been to doctors and he wants me to grow it and take a picture and send it to him! wtf? no way am i growing it! so i have to suffer withit as with most treatments u have to grow it first. it really depresses me, i just want it to go!

Posted by Anonymous on 15/04/2009 at 05:49:00 pm

Im v. self consicious about my body im not fat im tall and quite skinny,but i am very hairy on my upper chin boobs arms hands and especially my stomach, it gets me down alot as im constantly spening my life bleaching my upper lip i wanna wear a bikni ths summer but its getting really bad im only 13 im meant to havenice fine blonde hairs no? it get me down . My mum says it looks fine but she covering up the fact it is bad my friends pointed it out on my chest and it was really embaressing someone help me i dont want to spend half of my life covering up :(.

Posted by Teen girl on 03/04/2009 at 06:50:00 pm

I am very self concious about my body hair,, before it wasnt so bad as i was mainly concentrating on my weight but now ive sorted that this seems to be the next thing i need to tackle,, i have really pale skin and dark hair on my stomach,shoulders,back,chest and face. i am allways bleaching it or using hair removal creams at home waxing kits never work and i cant afford/am too embarrased to go to a salon.

Posted by female on 01/04/2009 at 08:20:00 pm

i have it everywhere too. It is absolutly horrific. lower back, legs, hands and arms i can deal with ... but bum boobs stomach and face? ITS HORRIBLE. i want to be able to wear a bikini this summer but i just dont have the confidence. Any cheap suggestions that dont make it grow back thicker?

Posted by young girl on 01/04/2009 at 08:59:00 am

im only 15,ive got alot of un wanted excess hair, on my hands,my belly,above my lip, my chest. its black and very visable. i feel like i want to die i cant go in the light in a low cut top, or anything a girl of my age could be wearing. ive shaved and waxed which has made it worse i know but im just so depressed, someone please get back to me! :(

Posted by Anonymous on 27/03/2009 at 07:00:00 pm

I'm 16 and have very hairy arms thats are dark and coarse for as long as I can remember. Recently I have noticed that I have had upper lip hair growing through darker and more coarse. I have also got a lot of dark and coarse hair coming on my hands and fingers. I am so down from it and offer get hrorrible remarks from a lot of people. I dont know what do do anymore because I want to be normal, but my mum said I should just Ignore it. Please help

Posted by Alex on 20/03/2009 at 05:47:00 am

I am totaly embarassed but even more frustrated with having eccessive hair on my face,arms,bum,breast and lower back.I especially hate the comments people make...which makes it all worst.

Posted by Unhappymum on 03/03/2009 at 10:13:00 pm

I cant believe that there are so many others who feel the same as me, i thought i was the only one who was abnormal. Like others, I have excess dark hair growing everywhere, i even got more hair on my chest, back,tummy, groin and shoulders than my husband. Im dreading the summer, i used to love wearing strappy tops, but not anymore. I have to wear my hair long so that it hides the hair on my collar bones, and chest. Again like others, the doctors cant or wont help, and am currently saving for some laser treatment, and that is taking at least year, and just hope the price doesnt go up. If anyone has any other suggestions im sure this would be gratefully received. I have tried, shaving, plucking, electroylis, sugaring, creams, the list just goes on..

Posted by Anonymous on 03/03/2009 at 08:05:00 am

It is the #1 thing I hate about myself, actually the only thing I hate about myself, and it has wreaked havoc upon my self esteem. I have wicked sideburns and under chin whiskers. Around my nipples, my lower abdomen, legs. Since I switched from birth control pills to a non-hormonal IUD, about 2 years ago, the hair thickness has gotten worse. Now that I read this I understand why a bit more. I am on the chubby side and have recently adopted a life style change, so I shall see if getting to and maintaining a healthy body weight helps. I wish it did not matter so much to me. This body is just a vessel to the next point in my journey. It doesn't change who I am inside! Sadly I can not accept my advice to self.....

Posted by livmcdarry on 27/02/2009 at 08:38:00 pm

it is so embarrasing i have hair everywhere, its really getting me down. my lower back, bum, thighs, arms and boobs are the worst im only 15 and im so insecure about it i havent even started properly having fun yet and i wont be able to having this depressing me all the time :(

Posted by Anonymous on 27/02/2009 at 01:29:00 pm

tell our doctor to send you to see an endocrinologist. from there you will want to discuss taking such medications as spironolactone. that will be your main weapon. in time that alone can get you from one extrem to another. finasteride has also had success with this. make sure it's healthy to take though (there should be finasterid for woment and men). medications for prostate problems such as "saw palmetto" help aswell. I myself am looking for more natural alternatives for finasteride so if anybody out there has some ideas.. please post.

Posted by Anonymous on 24/02/2009 at 11:30:00 am

I have suffered with excess hair since giving birth to my 3rd child (a girl). I noticed hair on my top lip & chin was getting longer and some hairs are quite dark. I also suffer with hairy arms. This problem really gets me down, I hate wearing short sleeved tops. I have been to see an endcrinologist and they have tested me for hormone levels etc. Everything was normal, they did prescribe Vaniqa cream. You can't get it! Its a cream that is forbidden!!! So I'm left now with this problem, What next? I don't know.

Posted by Taya on 22/02/2009 at 08:21:00 pm

I have had this problem for 15 years (since early adulthood) and now am real worried cos suddenly i am losing hair from the sides of my scalp too? This comes at a time my body hair is going especially crazy. I don't feel feminine, I don't feel attractive and I have not risked being in a relationship for 7 years. All I will risk, like Claire, is random sexual encounters - fast ones where the chap will not have time to realise the extent of the problem. Every day I check various body spots to see where new things are growing. Chin, nipples, tummy, groin area, butt cheeks, armpits, everywhere. Doctors have not been able to help. I often feel suicidal.

Posted by embarassed on 16/02/2009 at 11:39:00 pm

I have hair on my lower back, my breats, the rest of my torso, my bum and my hands! It's so embarassing I don't feel like a woman and it is really ashaming! I want a treatment tht will get rid of my excess hair forever!

Posted by Anonymous on 12/02/2009 at 07:59:00 pm

i have been looking on the website for a solution for permanent removal for excess hair on my face.i have been diagnosed with pcos and have tried to deal with the problem for several years and nothing seems to work.ive tried dianette,plucking and even bought a laser to remove the hairs,i have persisted with it for several months but the hairs are coming back thicker!i have to use it every day as they grow straight back.i am not overweight and my hormones are normal so cannot see why the hair is getting worse.i have spoken to doctors about the problem but they arnt helping me.is there any medication that i can take perminately as i was told dianette was good but doesnt work for me.a doctor told me that it can cause thrombosis too.please help it seems a never ending problem,its getting me down.thankyou.

Posted by Anonymous on 11/02/2009 at 02:03:00 am

I feel so disgusting and embarrassed. I am seeing a doctor tomorrow about this problem and others and I was too embarrassed to talk to my husband about it. I reckon I could grow a beard if I left the hairs alone. YUK! This can not be normal!

Posted by ... on 08/02/2009 at 10:48:00 pm

i have excessive body hair on my face and body, i have a low self esteem because if it, i hope one of these methods will permanently remove all of my hair with no side effects,

Posted by Claire McKnight on 04/02/2009 at 05:04:00 pm

I have a real problem with facial and body hair. It makes my self esteem so low that I have to sleep around with random men to make me feel more attractive.

Posted by ... on 03/02/2009 at 05:13:00 pm

i have dark hairs everywhere, upper lip, arms, hairs, the whole of my torso, and i get really upset about it and dont know what to do about it. i dont feel normal....:(