Medication and Pilosity
Did you know that certain medications can affect your hair growth ?
Treatments such as steroids, thyroid hormones or certain medications for endometriosis, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) or hirsutism can have an effect on hairiness, and in some cases, lead to increased hairiness.
Contraception and hair growth
Hormonal contraceptives, such as combined pills, patches or hormonal IUDs, can also have an impact on pilosity in some women. Depending on the type of contraceptive, the hormone dose and each woman’s sensitivity, hairiness may increase or decrease.
Medications and their effects
Effects vary greatly from one person to another. If you notice any changes in your hair growth or other side effects after a new treatment, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. Your doctor will be able to assess your situation and adjust your treatment if necessary.
Examples of drugs concerned
- Hormonal contraceptives : Combined oral contraceptives can sometimes increase hairiness, while others, such as progestin-only pills, can reduce it.
- Corticosteroids : Used to treat autoimmune diseases, allergies or respiratory problems, they can cause increased hairiness when taken in large quantities or over long periods.
- Medications for PCOS or endometriosis : Some treatments, such as GnRH agonists, can also influence hair growth.
- Immunosuppressants : These treatments, used in particular to prevent organ rejection after transplantation, can also affect hairiness.
- Other medications : Some treatments for severe acne, anticonvulsants or hormonal therapies for breast cancer can also affect hairiness.
Spironolactone : an anti-pilosity medication
Spironolactone, a diuretic that also acts as an anti-androgen, is often used to reduce excessive hair growth caused by high levels of androgen hormones, as in the case of PCOS. This treatment requires a medical prescription and thorough evaluation by a physician.
Lifestyle and Diet
In addition to medication, diet and lifestyle can also play a role. Stress and an unbalanced diet can aggravate hormonal imbalances, and therefore influence hair growth. A healthy lifestyle, with a nutrient-rich diet, can help limit these effects.
Hormonal fluctuations and life stages
Hormonal changes during different phases of life, such as puberty, pregnancy or menopause, can also modify hair growth. So it’s normal to see variations throughout life.
Non-medication options
For those who prefer to avoid drug treatments, natural solutions and changes in diet, as well as stress management, can help regulate hormones. Technologies such as laser hair removal are also a non-invasive, long-lasting option for hair reduction.
At Be.esthetic
Whenever we suspect a hormonal problem or the patient has excessive hair growth, we always recommend consulting our endocrinologist. The endocrinologist will be able to assess your individual medical situation, determine the underlying cause of the hairiness and recommend the most appropriate treatment for you.
As specialists in permanent hair removal, we offer solutions to suit every need, including :
- Permanent laser hair removal : A proven technique that uses a laser beam to target and destroy hair follicles, providing permanent hair reduction in many areas of the body.
- High-frequency electric hair removal : A precise hair removal method, ideal for hard-to-treat areas such as the face or for white hair, which uses high-frequency energy to eliminate hair follicles permanently.
Our decision to collaborate with an endocrinologist reflects our desire to offer our patients a holistic approach, combining medical treatments and aesthetic care, for long-lasting, personalized results. An interdisciplinary medical approach is often beneficial in effectively resolving health issues and helping our patients achieve their aesthetic care goals.
The entire Be Esthetic team welcomes you for a free hair diagnosis.
See you soon at Be!