Insecure and unhappy with the tiny hairs on your chest? The occurrence of hair on the chest of girls is pretty common and normal. But why do you have those hairs in places where they shouldn’t be? Check out the reasons behind that unwanted tiny hair on the chest and what can be done about it?
Unwanted Hair in Women and Hirsutism
The growth of such unwanted hair in your body is due to a medical condition, known as, Hirsutism. A fact to keep in mind is that all girls and women have some hair on their bodies known as, vellus hair or peach fuzz.
The peach fuzz found in our body is fine and light in color. But if you have darker and coarse unwanted body hair, you most likely are suffering from hirsutism.
What Triggers Hirsutism?
Did you know that about 5 to 10 percent of females suffer from hirsutism? Now the question arises, why does hirsutism occur?
1. Genetic Disposition
You most probably have unwanted hair because it runs in the family. If your mother and your sisters have it, you will have some growth as well. Hirsutism has some racial influence as well.
2. Hormones
Hormone levels have a direct link with hair growth anywhere in your body. The imbalance of the hormone levels can cause undesirable hair growth, acne outbreaks in your skin, etc. The imbalance of hormone levels in the body leads to certain medical conditions such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome, tumors in the adrenal glands, and other related conditions.
3. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS
This is one of the most common causes of Hirsutism. In this condition, benign cysts or follicles form in the ovaries. These cysts may sometimes be filled with fluid. The presence of such cysts hampers the menstrual cycle.
Why does PCOS occur? There is no clear-cut answer to that but it is evident that you are most likely to suffer from PCOS if it runs in the family.
What Triggers Hirsutism
The symptoms for this mostly start to appear during the first menstrual period on attaining puberty. But not necessarily because PCOS may develop in a later stage of life as well.
Androgen levels in the body increase which is the main reason behind male-like appearances such as facial or chest hair, deep voice, acne outbreaks. Another prominent symptom of Polycystic ovarian syndrome is the irregular period along with mood swings, pelvic pain, sleep issues, and weight gain.
4. Effect of Medication
Taking some medicines can affect the production of hormones in your body. And as you can see, hormones play a vital role in hair growth. Following medications can trigger the growth of hair in your chest –
- Minoxidil, which is commonly found in Rogaine.
- Medication that contains anabolic steroids
- Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant used to prevent organ transplant rejection.
- Danazol is used to treat endometriosis and fibrocystic breast disease.
5. Adrenal Glands Disorders
The function of adrenal glands is to maintain our metabolism, immune system and secrete hormones such as cortisol in response to stress and other factors.
Some possible disorders of the adrenal gland triggering the hirsutism are –
- Adrenal cancer
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Adrenal tumor
6. Cushing’s Disease
Cushing’s disease is a condition that increases the production of the stress hormone, Cortisol. This disease is caused as a result of tumors in the pituitary gland. A study has revealed that Cushing’s disease can lead to Hirsutism due to the production of high levels of Adrenocorticotropic Hormones or ACTH in the body. This ACTH, in turn, influences the increased production of cortisol.
Adrenal gland disorders and Cushing’s disease are rare medical conditions but are possible. Thyroid hormone imbalance can also cause hirsutism in some cases. In short, females suffering from Cushing’s disease are prone to the growth of unwanted hair.
Is the Doctor’s Appointment Necessary?
If you think that the hair on your chest is prominent then, to be on the safe side, a consultation with the doctor is important. The doctors will examine you and if required some hormone tests, ultrasound, MRI scans will be done for evaluation and treatment.
How to Get Rid of Unwanted Hair on the Chest?
We girls are always conscious of our bodies, and how it looks. On top of that, if we have some unwanted hair on our chests, it is just unacceptable and depressing for some of us. Thing is, all of us have some hair but it should not be too visible and prominent. If it is, talk to someone with whom you can share freely and if required seek medical help.
If you want to get rid of the hair on your chest, there are several hair removal treatment options available nowadays that you can opt for. Also, if you are suffering from any underlying medical condition, after recovering from the condition, the hair on your chest will minimize.
Take care♥
Also Red: Laser Hair Removal