Not all unwanted hair growth is simply cosmetic. It can be symptomatic of serious underlying medical conditions which can impact health, well-being and even the reproductive health of many women.
In electrology offices across the country women are seeking a permanent solution to what they believe is a cosmetic problem¦unwanted hair growth. There is no doubt that the unwanted hair they see is simply genetic or, in many cases, a problem only because we live in a western culture.
But, there are others. These women grow unwanted hair in a much different manner. They have far more than the usual, culturally-challenging hair growth. Their facial hair growth could rival that of a man™s. The hair distribution and density on both the face and body is unfeminine and much of their lives becomes about trying to look as though this weren™t the case. This kind of unwanted hair growth is not cosmetic. It is a symptom of a condition which requires medical attention. Yet, they seek the same solution: Electrolysis. Not surprisingly, electrologists are often the first professionals these women see.
Well educated electrologists of today can truly offer a first line of medical defense when a client enters his/her office with the kind of hair growth that indicates an underlying problem. These electrologists are trained to recognize the tell-tail signs of the various conditions which cause hair growth and their initial consultation, which includes a medical history, can tell them the rest.
Among the conditions which can cause unwanted hair growth are:
- Temporary methods of hair removal (tweezing and waxing stimulate hair growth)
- Heredity (genetics)
- Normal physiological changes (puberty, pregnancy, menopause)
- Medications (birth control pills, cortisone, seizure drugs, high blood pressure medications)
- Endocrine system dysfunction (thyroid, ovaries, pituitary, adrenals)
- Stress (overworked adrenal glands can stimulate fine hairs to grow thicker and more pigmented)
When an electrologist recognizes that her client™s unwanted hair growth could be due to a serious medical issue, he/she will very likely refer her to her primary care physician, or an endocrinologist for evaluation. The most effective treatment for these clients is to continue electrolysis to treat the symptom, but to address the problem at its origin¦medically.
Please contact the American Electrology Association, www.electrology.com for more information.
American Electrology Association
Sharon Ortiz CPE, President, 509-663-6874
presaea@electrology.com