Excessive body hair can be the harbinger of insecurity for some men, giving rise to body image issues. Usually not a cause for concern, a sudden increase in hair growth in certain body parts can be worrisome; this change may result from genetic factors or hormonal imbalances.
Additionally, excessive body hair can result from metabolic disorders like porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT), characterized by painful, blistering lesions on sun-exposed skin; it can also be a side effect of certain medications, says Dr Ritika Shanmugam, consultant, dermatology & cosmetology, Manipal Hospital, Malleswaram, Bangalore.
Causes of excessive hair growth in men
The primary reasons for uncontrolled body hair growth include:
♦ Hormonal imbalance
Hormones play an important role in regulating hair growth; any imbalances in such chemicals can cause hair to grow abnormally. Dr Shireen Furtado, senior consultant, medical & cosmetic dermatology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, says, “There could be a sudden increase in body hair due to the development of tumors in the glands or overproduction of hormones from such glands.”
♦ Genetic factors
Excessive hair growth in the body is inherited in some cases, which occurs due to increased sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens; it’s referred to as androgenetic hair growth, says Dr Satyam Chakraborty, diabetologist & endocrinologist, Fortis Hospitals, Kolkata. This can become bothersome for a few, as it might affect their physical appearance.
♦ Medications
Dr Furtado says medications often prescribed for certain conditions or after an organ transplant can cause excessive hair growth as a side effect. Additionally, those who take steroids to increase muscle mass can also face this issue.
♦ Early onset of puberty
Premature puberty can cause abnormal hair growth in adolescent males, as their bodies start producing sex hormones earlier than usual. In addition, Dr Chakraborty says it can lead to tumor formation under the skin due to increased testosterone levels. Besides hair growth, this phenomenon also results in the development of other secondary sexual characteristics like voice change, a sudden increase in height and the development of sexual organs.
♦ Rare genetic disorders
Genetic disorders such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia (a condition that hinders the production of adrenal hormones), Prader-Willi syndrome (characterized by extreme hunger and behavioral issues) and Angelman syndrome (which mainly affects the nervous system) can trigger puberty earlier than usual. These are autosomal recessive disorders that run in the family. Such conditions are prevalent in communities practicing consanguineous marriages.
Addressing excessive hair growth in men
While there shouldn’t be any stigma associated with body hair, a family history of any hormonal disorder should be recorded with a healthcare professional, says Dr Furtado. In severe cases, men might have to undergo hormone tests or MRI screenings to detect tumors under the skin. Some measures that one can take to address excessive hair growth include:
♦ Creams and lotions
There are certain medically advised creams and lotions that can slow down hair growth in the body.
♦ Hair removal
According to experts, men can also opt for laser therapy or traditional hair removal techniques like shaving and bleaching. Dr Furtado says electrolysis, which involves the removal of hair follicles with an electric current, could be more of a permanent solution that requires multiple sittings.
Takeaways
- Excessive hair growth in men is usually not worrisome. However, a sudden increase of the same in certain body parts can be a cause for concern.
- The primary causes of abnormal body hair growth in men include hormonal imbalance, genetic predisposition, metabolic disorders or medication side effects.
- Opting for certain creams or lotions and hair removal techniques can help address uncontrolled hair growth.
