Excess hair growth or hair in the “wrong place” is a concern of many young women. Although we are born with fine hair covering our bodies, individuals experience changes in hair growth at the time of puberty. It is completely normal to have development of hair under the arms, in the pubic region and on the upper thighs. Some girls even experience lengthening and darkening of hair on the arms, face and legs as a normal part of puberty. Changes of this sort depend on each person’s natural expression of skin and hair color, and some families are genetically predisposed to more hair than others.
In certain circumstances, excess hair growth may be abnormal, however. A young woman’s body may make too much of certain hormones called androgens. Androgens are normally made in the adrenal glands, which are two walnut-sized organs that sit on top of the kidneys. In a few instances, the adrenals produce an excess of androgens or the ovaries can start producing androgens that lead to excess hair growth. On the occasions, women can develop hair in “male” patterns on the chin, upper lip, chest, back or in the navel area. These hairs are typically long, dark and thick in appearance.
Symptoms such as irregular menses, acne or change in skin color on the neck and under the arms may coexist with the excess hair growth. This condition is known as polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS. In PCOS, the ovaries contain many small fluid-filled cysts that secrete hormones leading to increased hair and other symptoms. In PCOS, not all symptoms are present, but your doctor can still make a diagnosis with simple blood tests or a pelvic ultrasound of the ovaries.
If such a diagnosis is made by your physician, treatment with hormone pills can be started to prevent the symptoms from increasing, although it is important to know that much of the hair already present will not decrease. After beginning appropriate therapy, one can also discuss options for managing “unwanted” hair. Although shaving is recommended for leg and under arm hair, it is not the best method for other areas. There are several other methods available such as bleaching and electrolysis, but these should only be undertaken after a full evaluation by your doctor.
The best way to know the cause of your excess hair growth and any accompanying symptoms is to talk with your physician. Together you can discover the cause for the changes as well as make a plan for treatment.
You're not alone. Take a look at a few of the questions related to this topic that other teens have asked us.
I am 17-year-old girl and I have hair everywhere – on my arms, back and face. Is there anyway I can get rid of it so it doesn’t grow back?
I'm a female and I have hair between my breasts. What should I do?
Posted 1-2-04
