The normal amount of body hair for women varies. Most of the time, a woman only has fine hair, or peach fuzz, above the lips and on the chin, chest, abdomen, or back. If you have coarse, dark hairs in these areas, the condition is called hirsutism. Such hair growth is more typical of men. Many women find this condition annoying and even embarrassing.
Women normally produce low levels of male hormones (androgens). If your body makes too much of this hormone, you may have unwanted hair growth. A common cause of hirsutism is polysystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Other causes of unwanted hair growth include:
- Tumor or cancer of the adrenal gland
- Tumor or cancer of the ovary
- Cushing syndrome
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Hyperthecosis (a condition in which the ovaries produce too many male hormones)
- Use of certain medicines, including testosterone, danazol, anabolic steroids, glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, minoxidil, and phenytoin
Lavender and Tea Tree Oil Study
A study was performed to investigate the viability of essential oils lavender and tea tree for treating mild idiopathic hirsutism in ladies. This study proposed that lavender and tea tree oils may have anti-androgenic activities. One group of women received the oil spray containing Lavender and Tea Tree oils while the other group received a placebo. They sprayed twice a day for 3 months in areas affected by hirsutism.
The results were a statistically significant decrease of hirsutism total score and of hair diameter was found in the Lavender and Tea Tree oil group while the placebo group experienced no significant difference.
The researchers concluded the use of Lavender and Tea Tree oil sprayed on the skin could decrease unwanted hair development on the face and other parts of the body in women. How wonderful to have a safe, economic, and practical treatment for hirsutism and possibly essential oils for hair removal in general.
Study Link
