Achieving Permanent Hair Removal: Effective Treatments and Medications
As a professional electrologist, women often ask me if there are additional actions they can take to achieve permanent hair removal for unwanted hair. In general, 40% to 55% of women who seek electrolysis have a medical condition. Many medications often help control excessive hair growth on the face and body.
Before trying medications, you should work with a doctor to diagnose the cause of the unwanted hair. Many oral contraceptives are prescribed to aid in reducing excess hair growth because they reduce male hormone secretions in your ovaries. The best contraceptives for this are ones that are higher in estrogen and lower in androgens.
Estrogen is considered a female hormone, androgens are considered male hormones, including testosterone. If a woman begins producing too many androgens, it can cause unwanted facial and body hair. This is because the effect of androgens on hair follicles may be intensified by a deficiency of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) produced in the liver and by conversion to more potent forms of androgens in fat cells.
The following is a list of oral contraceptives with high estrogen levels and lower androgens to help permanently lessen excessive unwanted hair:
Oral Contraceptives
- Mircette
- Modicon
- Ortho-Cyclen
- NuvaRing
- Ortho Tri-Cyclen
- Yaz
- Brevicon
Individual women respond differently to different contraceptives, so if one doesn’t work, move on to another. Suppose hair growth increases in women taking oral contraceptives. In that case, it is more often due to decreased levels of sex hormone binding globulin due to an estrogen dose that is too low rather than too high, as well as an androgen activity from the progestin. Approximately 10% of women will respond well, which significantly reduces hair growth. A combination of oral contraceptives and an anti-androgen drug is even more effective.
Many endocrinologists consider Flutamide (Eulexin) to be the best anti-androgen available. It works by blocking the binding of testosterone to its receptors while also affecting the hypothalamus and pituitary. The result is more regular menstrual cycles. A dosage of 125 mg pills twice a day is considered a low dosage that is very effective in treating hair symptoms, although some women might need a higher dosage.
Another option is a cream called Vaniqa, which the FDA has approved for treating unwanted facial hair. This cream is only to be used on your face. It blocks an enzyme that permits hair follicles to develop. However, it will not dissolve or eliminate the hair you already have. Vaniqa works for most women, and results start showing after approximately three months.
Always consult a doctor before taking or using any medication for permanent hair removal for women. Also, let your electrologist know any medications that you are on. Book your appointment today!
