Excessive body hair, what should I do?

Question

I'm Italian and have very dark (almost black) hair and eyes but pale skin. I have dark hair on my stomach, between my breasts, and on my back, and it's very noticeable. Is this normal? Is there something wrong with my hormones (although I have regular periods so I don't think so)? I tried to shave it which was a huge mistake as it just grew back thicker and darker.

Answer 1

Excessive hair growth in women is usually from too much male hormone (androgen). A common cause is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). In most cases, however, the specific cause is never identified. It tends to run in families. In general, hirsutism is a harmless condition. But many women find it bothersome, even embarrassing.

If hirsutism develops suddenly and is accompanied by other typical male features, such as deepening voice, acne, or increased muscle mass, it may be caused by a more serious disorder. These causes, such as hormone-secreting tumors or cancer, are rare.

Rare causes include:

* Tumor or cancer of the adrenal gland.
* Tumor or cancer of the ovary
* Cushing's syndrome
* Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
* Hyperthecosis
* Medications (testosterone, danazol, anabolic steroids, glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, minoxidil, phenytoin)

Answer 2

Some Italians can be hairy...it's just genetic. Then again some aren't. Is anybody in your family hairy?

I'm pretty hair too, some girls are just like that. However you are correct it could be a hormonal imbalance. PCOS is one syndrome that can cause excess hair, however irregular periods are also a syndrome. I suggest you don't try and remove the hair as you've already discovered, and see your doctor for a hormonal check-up. You're probably just naturally hairy though.

Answer 3

yeah, i heard that happens to some women... (actually my cousin has very dark arm and back hair) you can bleach it, but the hair will still be there, your best bet unless you are willing to spend the money and take the risk is laser surgery but waxing is probably the best way to go. dont shave it...as a man, i know from my face, it grows back corse and itchy and doesnt stay away for nearly as long if you were to wax it off. from what other people said, if I were you I would get it checked by your doctor, for nothing else, for peace of mind or maybe they can give you something or tips or whatever, but it doesnt seem like anyhting to stress over. I am not 100% sure, but it is probably just a genetic trait you picked up...like my cousin, but like Isaid, I would see a doc for peace of mind.

Answer 4

Shaving does not make it grow back thicker, it just grows back at the thickness of the root that was already there. It may be healthy and normal, but I would get it checked out to see if you need a hormone adjustment. If you are healthy there are laser and electronic hair removal.

Answer 5

You most likely have too much testosterone. This isn't uncommon whatsoever. Many woman have this in common with you. You need to activate the right hormones in your body. You can do this by getting on birth control. It will eventually make the hair lighter and less thick and the whole shabam. Nothing is wrong with you.

Answer 6

TAN. Your hair will be much less noticable. I'm Italian and the same way. That's the easiest way to do it. If you start waxing and all that crap all over, it's a lotta work and a lotta pain.

Answer 7

Yes, this could be related to a hormone imbalance but the only way to find out for sure is to see your doctor for further evaluation of the situation to see what they think could be going on.

Answer 8

I'm sure this is nothing as hair just grows in different places for men and woman.

But if your still worried go and have a chat with your doctor.

He'll sort you out

Good luck!

Answer 9

Electrolysis-

It is quite normal for meditarian women to have excessive hair, so i would seek out a good electrolysis/hair removal establishment.

Good luck!!!

Answer 10

I date a Sicilian and she has excessive body hair, nothing wrong with your hormones.