Hirsutism is the excessive hairiness on women in those parts of the body where terminal hair does not normally occur or is minimal - for example, a beard or chest hair. It refers to a male pattern of body hair (androgenic hair) and it is therefore primarily of cosmetic and psychological concern. Hirsutism is a symptom rather than a disease and may be a sign of a more serious medical condition, especially if it develops well after puberty. The amount and location of the hair is measured by a Ferriman-Gallwey score.
Hirsutism can be caused by either an increased level of androgens, the male hormones, or an oversensitivity of hair follicles to androgens. Male hormones such as testosterone stimulate hair growth, increase size and intensify the growth and pigmentation of hair.
The following may be some of the conditions that may increase a woman's normally low level of male hormones:
Laser hair removal involves a light that uses special wavelengths to damage the end of the hair or the hair follicles. The strength of the light is adjusted so that just enough damage is done to prevent or reduce the amount of hair that grows back. The light used in the hair removal procedure targets the high pigmented colors of the hair.