Hormones and where to treat?

Question

Okay, I'm an American female. Ever since I was about 16 years of age I've had some hormonal stuff goin' on. As in, growing nasty facial hair and at various other places of my body which is becoming rather rough to 'treat'. I don't have medical insurance nor am I loaded with money. Another problem is, I'm not exactly sure on where to go to see what exactly is wrong with me at.

So, I'm wondering if anyone has had the similar problem as me? Should I go to a place like Plan Parenthood or be in major debt by going to an Endocrinologist?

Answer 1

Well, at least the facial hair problem is easy enough to address -- a very large percentage of American women shave every day.

When you reach around 25 your estrogen levels begin to drop and if you've got skin that's sensitized to testosterone AND you have moderate to high testosterone levels, your hormone balance shifts towards testosterone-dominated.

Most guys are OK about women with, for example, a slight moustache.

If you do decide you have to do something, then there isn't a simple answer.

Facial (and also body) hair on women comes about in the same way as on men because of

1) your body being sensitized, before you were even born, to testosterone -- doesn't happen to all girls, but does to many

2) your body producing high levels of testosterone

The growth rate and coarseness of the hair depends on just how much testosterone is circulating in your bloodstream.

Steer clear of bleaching -- when someone sees you against the light you'll look as if you have a glowing moustache and/or beard.

As far as removing it is concerned it's worth remembering that

* Waxing, plucking, threading, epilating all pull the hair out by the roots and where the growth is hormonally-driven can actually stimulate a dormant follicle into producing more hair quicker. They also distort the root if done repeatedly, leading to hair growing at strange angles. And you've got to let the hair grow to quite a length before you can repeat the exercise. It can also damage the skin and discolor it. Long-term use of waxing also causes bad wrinkles.

* Chemical depilatories strong enough to remove the hair are very likely to burn the skin, cause swelling and cause long-term discoloration of the skin.

* Laser is also liable to cause burning and discoloration and in any case only works effectively on a dark hair/light skin combinantion.

* Electrolysis is very liable to cause scarring and discoloration of the skin.

Which, like it or not, leaves shaving which does not damage the skin. Best done with a men's-style electric razor, the best of which, for women, are probably those from the men's range of Norelco razors (Philishave outside the US). Most women who try a men's Norelco wonder why nobody ever told them about it before.

Answer 2

Overall the decision of whether to see someone about this lies with you - how much does it bother you vs. how much it will cost to get it seen to. For this type of complaint you will not be able to get help from Planned Parenthood.

It sounds that you may possibly have a condition called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). This causes overloads of hormones at various times of the month, one of which is testosterone, resulting in hair growing where you would rather it didn't, but also in a range of symptoms such as bloating and pain during ovulation, irregular periods and occasionally problems conceiving. The fact that your problems started during the end of puberty seems to further support this idea.

The problem with PCOS is that there is a limited range of options for treatment, even with a definative diagnosis. Some women find that going on the contraceptive pill can help as it regulates hormone production, though others do not, and obviously this is not a solution if you are trying to conceive.

If you can, I would go and see someone about this - try to get more info as my diagnosis may be incorrect - but whatever is wrong, hopefully the doctor can suggest a treatment to alleviate if not cure the symptoms.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Your only 16 so you should be eligible for healthcare through your state, at least till the age of 18 or possibly 21, have your parents go to the family independence agency and get you on medicade.
I'm curious to know if you have any other symptoms, irregular periods, mood swings, things of that nature. You should think of anything that your experiencing, even if it doesn't seem related to something else and incluce it in your list of symptoms. Everything can lead up to a bigger picture.
If you want contact me and let me know any of your other symptoms.

Answer 4

first get some kind of medical insurance!

every needs some kind of insurance!

even some of the poorest people i know have some kind of insurance!

when you get insurance on the card is a number that you can call. Tell them your problem, they will tell you who you need to talk to. Where to go. Who's the doctor you will see, even arrange a appointment.

for facial hair, take feminine pills. Shaving only makes it come back thicker so use wax. At the nail salon they will wax it for you.

Answer 5

Planned parenthood would only be helpful with reproductive hormones. Adrenal problems can cause facial hair, I would recommend finding a good endo.

Answer 6

You may have polycystic ovary syndrome/disease. I do know that this will cause excess hair in places females shouldn't have hair. I suggest going to planned parenthood. If they can't help you they should be able to refer you to a gynecologist that can.

Answer 7

Some women naturally have an overload of male hormones. I have several friends with this prob. They have dealt with it with hair removal products. Just wanted you to know this is normal in some people and not to worry.