Hair growth is a complicated process that’s closely connected to the body’s endocrine system. Whether you have excessive hair growth or you’re wondering about how hormones can impact your laser hair removal experience, this post is for you. We’ll cover everything you need to know about hirsutism, including what it is and its causes. Finally, we’ll explain how laser hair removal works when there’s a hormonal imbalance.
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Understanding Hormonal Hair Growth and Laser Hair Removal
Many of the things our body does are triggered by hormones. Hormones are substances that act like messengers in the body. They travel through the endocrine system, delivering messages about how different organs and cells should act.
We have many different types of hormones. Amongst them, our sex hormones are responsible for our sexual differentiation, which includes hair growth.
Androgens are the male hormones that regulate the hair growth cycle. They impact the stages of hair growth, rest, and shedding, which means they can lead to both hair growth and hair loss. Those who have higher levels of male hormones in their body are more likely to experience facial hair growth, body hair growth, and head hair loss.
What is Hirsutism?
Hirsutism is the medical term for excessive hair growth, or hair growth that isn’t consistent with female secondary sex characteristics. It results in coarse and visible facial hair on the chin or cheeks, as well as over areas of the body where women don’t usually experience noticeable hair growth, like the chest, stomach, upper arms, back, or upper thighs.
Hirsutism is often caused by hormonal imbalances, but it can also result from certain medications and other health conditions.
Excessive Hair Growth Causes
There are many and diverse causes behind excessive hair growth, many but not all of which are hormonal.
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and other conditions that lead to increased androgen levels
- Menopause
- Adrenal gland conditions such as Cushing’s and congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Genetic predisposition
- Nutritional deficiencies and eating disorders
- Increased DHT in the hair follicle unrelated to any specific causes
- Pregnancy or post-pregnancy hormonal changes
- Hormonal medications such as testosterone or anabolic steroids
- Hair growth medications such as minoxidil
Is Laser Hair Removal Good for Hormonal Hair Growth?
Yes! Laser hair removal is an incredible treatment for hormonal hair growth. Unlike shaving or waxing, laser hair removal helps target the root cause of unwanted hair. With a focused beam of light, it targets the hair follicle directly, to inhibit the production of new hair.
Studies show that laser hair removal can help significantly reduce unwanted hair growth in subjects with hormonal disorders such as PCOS. While the results may take a little longer to show, many women living with hormonal imbalances still find that laser treatments are the best solution for their hirsutism.
Thanks to laser hair removal, you can finally experience smooth, hair-free skin without constantly needing to shave or wax. It’s a full-body hair removal solution that creates lasting results, also helping you save money in the long run. It’s minimally painful, and appointments are surprisingly quick.
Can Hormonal Imbalance Affect Laser Hair Removal?
If you have a hormonal imbalance, it will probably impact your laser hair removal results. A 2014 study showed that patients with PCOS often need more sessions compared to patients without any hormonal imbalance, to see a similar level of hair reduction.
That said, most patients with PCOS or hirsutism still find that laser hair removal is well worth the effort, since there is no other treatment that can reduce hair for the long term in such a quick and convenient way.
Hormonal imbalances may also trigger regrowth in the years after getting laser hair removal. It’s especially common to see regrowth after major hormonal changes like pregnancy or menopause. We always recommend that our clients come in for yearly touch-up treatments in order to maintain their laser hair removal results, but it might be even more necessary if you have a hormonal disorder.
Banish Hormonal Hair Growth at SEV
If you’re ready to start laser hair removal treatments for hormonal hair growth, look no further than your nearest SEV. Across the United States, SEV med spas deliver a pampering laser hair removal experience with exceptional results and minimal pain. We use the most advanced technologies to guarantee effective treatment for clients with all skin tones. If you’re ready to kiss unwanted hair goodbye, go ahead and book your appointment.
