All women have some facial and body hair, but some experience excessive growth of dark, coarse hair growth caused by a condition called hirsutism. Hirsutism is the medical term for excessive, unwanted, male-patterned hair growth in women on the face, chest, and back. It is a common condition affecting 5-10% of women. Typically, a woman’s ovaries produce male and female sex hormones, resulting in normal hair growth in the armpits and pubic area.
However, when there is an overproduction of male hormones (androgens) in women, hirsutism can occur. More than 70% of hirsutism is caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is the most common endocrinopathy in females, affecting 5%-10% of women of childbearing age. Other less common causes include idiopathic hirsutism (23%), nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia (4.3%), ovarian or adrenal androgen secreting tumors (0.2%), Cushing’s syndrome, acromegaly, hyperprolactinemia, and drugs.
Hirsutism can cause discomfort and embarrassment for women who are affected. Most women find it nothing more than an irritating nuisance but the unwanted facial and body hair can have a major effect on the emotional wellbeing, self-esteem and confidence of women at social gatherings or at work.
There are a variety of cosmetic treatments that have been used to manage hirsutism: shaving, waxing, depilatory creams, electrolysis, and laser hair removal. It is important to note that these hair removal processes are only temporary and can lead to skin irritations, discolorations and even infections.
DKT Nigeria has introduced Dianofem, a new-generation oral contraceptive pill which is considered to be the First line therapy for hirsutism in all women including premenopausal women. It is highly effective in reducing excessive circulation of androgens and stops androgens from causing new hair growth in the affected areas. Women can now enjoy smoother, clearer skin with this solution that stops excessive hair growth permanently.
This innovative treatment also has the advantage of treating acne and it also provides reliable contraception for women who seek to delay pregnancy for a short time.
DKT Nigeria directly serves thousands of retail outlets as well as private and public medical facilities and is the largest contraceptive and reproductive healthcare provider in the country with the largest product portfolio.
