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Suggest Ways To Permanently Remove Facial Hair

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Posted on Thu, 6 Jul 2017
Question: is there any help for permanent removal of facial hair on upper lip and chin? Nothing so far has helped except a razor once or twice a day.
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (35 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Have you tried electrolysis or laser hair treatment? Laser treatment is quicker and can be more effective, but is pricier.

If you have not tried either of these, or you want to know more about these, let me know and I'll write further. If you have tried both of these and been unsuccessful, please let me know that too.

Also, have you had problems with facial hair all your adult life, or only since menopause?

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (4 hours later)
Yes, I've tried both. I am blond but the hair is thick and black or grey. It started during menopause. I have not had a period in over ten years. And I do go for my annual check ups. I have not done hormone therapy due to the risk of cancer. is there any other hope?
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Thoughts on this

Detailed Answer:
I'll just add that Eflornithine cream, which can slow hair growth is sometimes used to help the laser treatment be more effective. But you may have already gone down that road.

Many post menopausal women do resort to shaving, but needing to shave twice a day indicates to me that your problem may be greater than what the average woman experiences.

I recommend that you talk with your doctor to do an evaluation for excessive facial hair growth. Some medications can increase the risk of hirsutism but I see that you are not on any meds. So if you have not had your blood sugar checked with an A1C (to see the average levels), and a thyroid hormone/TSH checked, I would start there. Thyroid abnormalities can cause hirsutism as can insulin resistance. Your doctor may also want to check adrenal (cortisol) and pituitary function with various blood tests; also levels of androgens (male hormones). If hormonally related blood tests are abnormal, your doctor may next want to do imaging studies.

So, at this point, I think it would be reasonable to look into the possible causes of what is going on.

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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Suggest Ways To Permanently Remove Facial Hair

Brief Answer: Information Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX Have you tried electrolysis or laser hair treatment? Laser treatment is quicker and can be more effective, but is pricier. If you have not tried either of these, or you want to know more about these, let me know and I'll write further. If you have tried both of these and been unsuccessful, please let me know that too. Also, have you had problems with facial hair all your adult life, or only since menopause?