Hirsutism is the growth of coarse, dark hair on the face, chest, or back of women in a pattern more typical of men. For many women in Ahmedabad, this is a deeply personal concern that affects self-esteem and daily confidence. It is also more common than most people realise, with hormonal imbalances being the most frequent underlying cause.
What Causes Hirsutism
The most common cause of hirsutism in women is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal condition in which the ovaries produce higher-than-normal levels of androgens (male hormones like testosterone). Elevated androgens stimulate hair follicles on the face and body to grow thicker, darker hair.
Other causes include adrenal gland disorders, thyroid imbalances, certain medications (such as steroids or some blood pressure drugs), and in rare cases, tumours of the adrenal glands or ovaries. Genetics also play a role, and some women of South Asian descent naturally have more visible facial hair due to hair follicle sensitivity to androgens, even without elevated hormone levels.
Idiopathic hirsutism - where no underlying cause is found - is also relatively common. In these cases, the hair follicles are simply more sensitive to normal levels of androgens in the body.
Signs and Symptoms
Hirsutism presents as thick, pigmented (dark) hair growing on the upper lip, chin, cheeks, neck, chest, lower abdomen, or inner thighs. It is distinct from hypertrichosis, which is generalised excessive hair growth all over the body.
Women with hirsutism due to PCOS may also experience irregular menstrual cycles, acne, oily skin, or difficulty managing weight. If you have these accompanying signs, a hormonal evaluation is an important first step before beginning cosmetic hair removal treatment.
Our Approach at Lavish Aesthetique Clinic
At Lavish Aesthetique Clinic in Satellite, Ahmedabad, our doctors take a two-track approach to hirsutism. First, we assess whether an underlying hormonal condition needs to be addressed through appropriate medical management or referral. Second, we offer laser hair removal to permanently reduce unwanted facial and body hair.
Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in each hair follicle with concentrated light energy, damaging the follicle and significantly reducing future growth. Multiple sessions are needed because hair grows in cycles, and only follicles in the active growth phase respond to laser treatment. Our clinic uses devices suitable for all Indian skin tones, ensuring safe and effective results without damaging the surrounding skin.
Related Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many laser sessions are needed for facial hair caused by PCOS? A: Most women need six to eight sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, to achieve significant and lasting hair reduction. Because PCOS-related hirsutism is driven by ongoing hormonal activity, occasional maintenance sessions may be needed over time to manage any regrowth.
Q: Can laser hair removal be done on dark Indian skin safely? A: Yes. At our clinic in Satellite, Ahmedabad, we use laser technology appropriate for darker skin tones, which targets hair pigment while protecting the surrounding skin. A patch test and skin assessment are always done before beginning full treatment.
Q: Does treating the hormone imbalance stop facial hair from growing back? A: Managing the hormonal cause - for example through medication for PCOS - can slow the growth of new terminal hairs and improve response to laser treatment. However, hair that has already been established in follicles does not disappear with hormonal treatment alone; laser hair removal is needed to address existing growth.
To find out which treatment is right for you, book a consultation at our clinic in Satellite, Ahmedabad.