Fluctuations in hormones often bring a host of unwanted side effects, including weight gain, changes in skin quality, hot flashes and mood swings. Changes in hormones can also mean changes in hair quality – the hair on your head thins, while the hair on the rest of your body seems to grow faster! If you are suddenly experiencing hair in places you don’t want it because of a hormonal unbalance, it’s time to talk to Dr. Christy Walker, a gynecologist and cosmetic surgeon serving patients in Dallas-Fort Worth.
What Causes Changes in Hormone Levels?
When you think about changes in hormones, the first thing that comes to mind is probably menopause. It’s true that menopause and aging affect your hormone levels, as do puberty, pregnancy and perimenopause, the transition period that occurs several years before menopause begins, during which your body slows down estrogen production.
Hormonal changes also develop because of some lifestyle choices and behavior factors, using certain medications, and some health conditions like thyroid disorders and polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS.
Why Do Hormonal Changes Increase Body and Facial Hair?
Hormonal changes increase the development of body and facial hair because if estrogen is very low, testosterone becomes dominant and causes body hair to grow in areas like the face, back and chest. Increased body hair in these areas or any other area you don’t want hair can be frustrating and embarrassing.
How Can I Get Rid of Unwanted Body Hair Caused by a Hormonal Imbalance?
The good news is there are a few ways to remove unwanted body hair, such as waxing, plucking, shaving and depilatory creams designed to melt hair away chemically. The downside of using these methods to get rid of unwanted body hair is that results are only temporary, and some methods are painful and can leave you with ingrown hairs and skin irritation.
There’s Another Option
Walker provides a long-lasting alternative to these methods through Intense Pulsed Light laser hair removal. IPL laser hair removal helps to reduce unwanted hair growth caused by hormonal imbalances or other reasons. IPL treatment uses a broad-spectrum laser with the ability to focus energy to target specific areas, such as the chin or upper lip. IPL laser hair removal is an excellent option for many patients and can be used for all skin types. Results of IPL laser hair removal last six weeks, giving you smoother skin and less to worry about.
Are you struggling with excess body hair? Call our office today to schedule an appointment to discuss your options at 469-238-8084.
