Hair and more hair

Tree Hugger · 09-25-2004, 03:30 AM

Ok, this is what I am wondering and as it is much to late to call my mom... because she would know.. I will ask it here.
EVER since I started having a period... so ... 4 years ago, when I was 16, I started noticing I was getting more body hair, and it was getting darker. I am 20 now and I dont THINK its getting WORSE still, but DANG am I a hairy girl!! I am wondering if this is "normal"
I mean my mom... she has a 'mustache' well... she gets it lasered... but 'should' have one... and she has very fair skin, just like me and really dark body hair, arms etc.. and i dont think i have ever seen her stomach.... come to think of it...
my stomach is the WORST for me.. I have my ways of taking care of the facial hair and those 2 really thick ones that come out of my neck once and a while... MAN what is THAT???
When I was 17 tho I told my friend about my stomach and she was like "just shave it"
so I did DUH!!!!
And let me tell you in the past 3 years it has retaliated in a way that is beyond being able to bare!!! and im not talkin JUST a thin treasure trail, im talkin a good two inches wide and from belly botton down! The hairs are coars.. but not AS course as say my husbands stomach hair! (which THANK GOD I found a good man who loves me and all my hairy ways

)
But do you think i have a hormonal imballance or are some women REALLY just HAIRY!!! And does it get worse with age?? does it make sence that it would start with the period...?
IS anyone else out there WAY too hairy for their own good??
Maybe its because i have only 2 good girl friends and they are blond and fair and have NO hair troubles... but I am SO self concious about it and I dont know if its normal because NO one out there talks about it and man, do I wish I didnt have to either...
anyone? anything??

BorderGirl · 09-25-2004, 11:07 AM

Its entirely possible you have a hormone problem. I don't normally recommend lying to doctors, but if you tell them your mom has the same problem they will absolutely dismiss it as hereditary (instead of considering that the abnormal hormones might be hereditary). No doctor would check my hormones for years because I have an Italian grandmother. They were wrong!! Hormonal imbalances you can't believe...
I'd try an endocrinologist if possible. I'm using two prescriptions right now to help. Spironolactone, which prevents new hair from sprouting, and Vaniqa. Vaniqa is only approved for facial hair, but my endo and dermatologist both say its safe for me to use it elsewhere.
Some women are that hairy naturally. Which does have a lot to do with heredity. Even then, I'd think meds could help. But it sounds like you're suspicious about hormones and I say follow your instincts. Especially if it gets worse with time. It will help convince them if you have any other symptoms, like weight gain, acne, or irregular periods.

whatamess@35 · 09-25-2004, 01:39 PM

I agree it sounds hormonal!! Without getting into all of your personal business here...You may want to check out symptoms os pcos..polycistic ovarian syndrome...stop shaving as you have rwealized your only makin it worse!!!...try nads or nair...

Tree Hugger · 09-25-2004, 01:43 PM

Thanks!
I went to that site yesturday about the PCOS and it couldnt be any farther from my symptoms! I dont have any of the other things mentioned what so ever!!
thank you though for the idea!

Libbyanne · 09-27-2004, 01:53 PM

Hirsutism (excessive hair growth) is usually hormonal in nature and is also hereditary. Either the hair follicles are sensitive to male hormones (yes women have them too) or you have a high level of testosterone. I read that birth control pills can cause hirsutism (not a common side effect obviously) If your mother has a lot of hair then that's probably it. Go see your physician and see if there is anything you can do medically.