EXCESSIVE BODY HAIR – GRUGS
These drugs are often taken by athletes to build up muscle tissue and improve performance in weightlifting and related sports. Women who take these may find that they have a virilising effect which interferes with their periods and leads to an increase of body hair.
Some forms of the contraceptive Pill contain one hormone which, when broken down in the body, forms androgen and women on the Pill can develop both acne and excess facial hair. Other forms of the Pill are more oestrogenic and can reduce both acne and facial hair.
The drug phenytoin, widely used in epilepsy to control convulsions, may lead to an increase in body hair in some women. The exact cause is unknown, although an increase in the activity of androgen or an over-sensitivity of the hairs to hormone is believed to be the reason.
Most women with hair problems do not consult their doctors, relying on self-treatment or the care of beauty salons or those who specialise in the removal of hairs. Those who do seek medical advice are usually concerned there might be a serious underlying reason for the hirsutism or because of a severe emotional reaction.
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