Hirsutism - Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, July 2008.
Answers to questions about hirsutism
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email. This section will expand over time.
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- Can men get hirsutism?
- My GP has said that I should stop taking anti-androgen medicines if I want to try to get pregnant. Why is this?
- Are there any complementary therapies that can be used to treat hirsutism?
Can men get hirsutism?
Answer
No, only women get hirsutism. However, there is a different condition called hypertrichosis which can affect both men and women. If you have hypertrichosis, you will have excessive growth of hair compared to other people of the same age. Hypertrichosis isn't related to overproduction of androgen or increased sensitivity to it. It may be caused by certain medicines or as a result of a fault developing with one of your genes.
Explanation
Before birth, all babies are covered with a layer of fine, soft hair called lanugo hair. In most people, this falls out before birth, and the usual hair that you have on your head and body grows. However, for some people this doesn't happen and lanugo hair carries on growing after birth and throughout life. This type of hair can grow very long. This is congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa. It's not known what causes this, but it's likely to be a result of a fault developing with one of your genes.
If you develop this type of hair growth later in life, it's called acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa. This may happen as a result of another illness such as certain types of cancer, anorexia nervosa or as a side-effect of some medicines.
Hypertrichosis can be treated in the same ways as hirsutism.
Sources
- Hypertrichosis and hirsutism. The Trichological Society. www.hairscientists.org, accessed 2 June 2008
- Hypertrichosis. DermNet NZ. www.dermnetnz.org, accessed 2 June 2008
My GP has said that I should stop taking anti-androgen medicines if I want to try to get pregnant. Why is this?
Answer
Unborn male babies can be harmed by anti-androgen medicines. Continuing to take them while you are pregnant can cause problems in your baby's development.
Explanation
Anti-androgen medicines are used to treat hirsutism because they reduce the level of male sex hormones (androgens) in the body. If you become pregnant, these medicines can cross the placenta and affect the baby in your womb. This can be particularly dangerous if your unborn baby is a boy because he needs androgens to develop the male sexual organs and physical characteristics. If you are taking anti-androgens while pregnant, they can lead to feminisation of your male baby. This means the sexual organs may not grow fully, your baby may not develop the usual pattern of male hair growth and in adulthood his voice may not be as low as usual.
It's important to speak to your GP if you are taking anti-androgens and wish to get pregnant. He or she may be able to suggest alternative treatments for hirsutism that you can take instead. You also shouldn't take anti-androgen medicines if you are breastfeeding.
Sources
- Hypertrichosis and hirsutism. The Trichological Society. www.hairscientists.org, accessed 2 June 2008
- Hypertrichosis. DermNet NZ. www.dermnetnz.org, accessed 2 June 2008
Are there any complementary therapies that can be used to treat hirsutism?
Answer
There doesn't appear to be any evidence that complementary therapies are helpful in reducing hirsutism. However, it's possible that spearmint tea may lower androgen levels.
Explanation
It's possible that you may wish to use complementary therapies such as aromatherapy or homeopathy to treat your condition. There is currently no scientific evidence to show that any of these are effective in reducing hirsutism. Speak to your GP before trying any complementary therapies.
There is some research to show that drinking spearmint tea may help to reduce the level of androgens. In one study, groups of women who had hirsutism as a result of PCOS drank two cups of spearmint tea for 30 days. After this the level of androgens in their blood was reduced compared to women who drank a placebo (dummy) tea. When they were asked about their quality of life, the women who drank spearmint tea said they felt that the tea had helped to improve their condition.
Sources
- Grant P. A randomised clinical trial of the effects of spearmint herbal tea on hirsutism in females with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Endocrine Abstracts 2008; 15:282
- Minerva. British Medical Journal. www.bmj.com, accessed 3 June 2008
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Dr Mike Ardern-Jones, BSc, MBBS, MRCP, DPhil, Consultant Dermatologist; Southampton University NHS Trust and Spire Southampton Hospital, and by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: July 2008.
Hirsutism factsheet
Visit the hirsutism health factsheet for more information.
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