Hirsutism is a very unpleasant pathology, which is accompanied by hair growth on the face and body of a woman according to the androgenic type. According to statistics, almost 30% of the fair sex face a similar problem in one form or another. What to do in such cases? Why do women have chest hair? Should I worry about this? How to get rid of unnecessary vegetation on the body? Our readers will find the answers to these questions in the article.
Why do women have chest hair? Physiological reasons
To begin with, it is worth saying that the appearance of vegetation in uncharacteristic parts of the body is not always a cause for concern. The girl's chest hair can appear during puberty - during this period significant hormonal changes occur in the body, which often leads to the appearance of a similar symptom.
Pregnancy is another physiological reason. According to statistics, during gestation due to hormonal changes, body hair becomes thicker and darker. About the same situation is observed in women before the onset of menopause.
Risk Factor Information
But, speaking about why women grow hair on their breasts, it is worth noting that the reasons are not always associated with physiological hormonal changes. There are other possible risk factors:
- diseases of the endocrine system;
- genital diseases;
- hereditary predisposition (especially when it comes to women with hard, dark hair);
- chronic systemic diseases;
- taking medications that can affect the hormonal background.
If hair has appeared on the nipples, which grow very quickly, while the cover itself is too thick, then you should consult a doctor immediately.
Polycystic ovary: basic information
If the hair grows around the nipples, then this may indicate the presence of diseases of the genital organs. In particular, hirsutism is one of the symptoms of polycystic ovary. This pathology is associated with infertility. At a certain stage of egg maturation, a malfunction occurs - the follicles mature, but do not burst, as a result of which they, together with the never-released egg, turn into small cysts.
The results of medical studies suggest that in most cases the development of polycystic ovary is associated with hormonal disruptions and endocrine diseases. A certain role is played by genetic heredity, infectious diseases and emotional overstrain.
Of course, male-type hair growth is not the only symptom of polycystic. Pathology is accompanied by menstrual irregularities, rapid weight gain, pain in the lower abdomen and lower back.
Male sex hormones increased
Male type hair is sometimes the result of hormonal imbalance. For one reason or another, the level of male sex hormones in the body of a woman rises, which, in fact, control the growth of body hair.
Such violations are not an independent disease, they only indicate the presence of a particular pathology. For example, the same polycystic ovary is often accompanied by a jump in the level of androgens. The list of causes includes adrogenital syndrome and various adrenal tumors. Sometimes the level of hormones rises due to malfunctions of the hypothalamic-pituitary system. The lists of reasons include constant stress, taking certain medications, bad habits, and much more.
By the way, hair on the nipples or in the areola area is not the only symptom of hormonal imbalance. Signs also include acne and other changes in the condition of the skin. Of course, an increase in the level of androgens affects the functioning of the reproductive system, leading to malfunctions of the menstrual cycle and problems with pregnancy.
Should I see a doctor?
We have already figured out information about why a woman has hair growing on her chest. Sometimes this phenomenon goes away on its own. In other cases, a similar problem is a symptom of a serious illness.
Hirsutism is just something that should not be ignored. In any case, it is better to consult a doctor. You will need a gynecological examination and consultation with a gynecologist. If a specialist suspects something is amiss, he will refer you to additional tests. It will be necessary to conduct an ultrasound of the pelvic organs and check the level of hormones in the body.
Girl's chest hair: can it be removed at home?
If it is only a few hairs, then you can remove them yourself at home. Of course, this can only be done after consulting a doctor, when during the diagnosis it was possible to confirm that the growth of hair on the chest is not associated with any serious illnesses and serious hormonal failures.
Ways to remove body hair:
- Remove unwanted vegetation with tweezers. You just need to gently grab the hair and pull it sharply. Of course, this is relevant only if there are only a few hairs, and they are quite tough.
- Sometimes women get rid of unwanted vegetation with a razor. Of course, this is a simple and painless method, but it is extremely ineffective. The razor cuts off only the upper part of the hair and it begins to grow the very next day, while becoming tougher and darker. The procedure often causes skin irritation, especially when it comes to delicate skin around the nipples.
- Another possible option is a depilation cream. This is a special tool that begins to destroy hair immediately after application. It should be understood that such creams often cause allergies and irritation, and the skin on the chest and decollete is extremely sensitive.
Salon treatments
If hair appeared on the nipples of a woman, then you can contact a cosmetologist. Experts offer more effective methods to combat unwanted vegetation.
Salon hair removal methods:
- Waxing or sugar hair removal - the procedure is very effective, albeit painful. A soft wax or sticky sugar paste is applied to the skin, covered with a cloth and abruptly torn off as soon as the mass hardens. In this case, the hair is pulled out along with the follicle, which, of course, is accompanied by very painful sensations. On the other hand, the effect of the procedure lasts longer, sometimes the skin remains clean for several weeks.
- If it is a permanent result, then the cosmetologist can offer laser or electrolysis, the features of which will be discussed below. It should only be noted that such procedures with the right approach can get rid of hair for many years.
Laser hair removal
The most popular method for controlling unwanted vegetation is laser hair removal. The essence of the procedure is simple - under the influence of a laser beam, the hair follicle is destroyed, as well as the hair itself. It is worth noting that to achieve maximum results, 4 to 10 repeated procedures are required. Laser hair removal is not suitable for removing light and gray hair (without pigment).
Electrolysis for smooth skin
Separately, it is worth mentioning electrolysis. This is a very effective, albeit complex, procedure that requires special equipment. A very thin needle is inserted into the cavity of the hair follicle, through which an electric current is supplied to the tissue. The hair bulb coagulates and collapses, and the hair falls out. Of course, about 6 to 10 sessions are required for complete hair removal, and the procedure itself is often accompanied by not very pleasant sensations. On the other hand, this makes it possible to permanently get rid of hair.
Traditional medicine recipes
We have already reviewed information on what hirsutism in women is, causes and treatment, risk factors and salon procedures. But what if, for one reason or another, there is no way to consult a cosmetologist, and a razor and depilation cream cause irritation? You can try to cope with the problem using traditional medicine:
- In the fight against vegetation on the body, hydrogen peroxide will help. It must be diluted with water (in equal proportions), and then treat those areas of the skin that are covered with unwanted hairs. Naturally, this will not help get rid of vegetation. Nevertheless, the hairs gradually lose color, become thinner and brittle, almost invisible.
- You can prepare a more aggressive solution. Three tablespoons of medical alcohol are mixed with a teaspoon of ammonia, the same amount of castor oil and a few drops (not more than 5) of iodine. The composition needs to be treated twice a day in the area of hair growth. Over time, the vegetation becomes lighter and thinner, ceases to catch the eye and cause aesthetic discomfort.
- Some folk healers recommend treating the skin with a decoction of walnut shells.
Once again, it is worth recalling that the appearance of hair on the chest should not be ignored. It is always better to consult a doctor and undergo a complete diagnosis. If hirsutism is the result of a disease, then therapy should be started immediately.