As a woman, how can I deal with excessive hair?

Just as hormones influence hair loss in women, they can also cause an overgrowth of hair. It often occurs around the time of menopause because of increased androgen levels.

Temporary measures: Shaving, plucking, waxing, and depilatories are the traditional approaches. Contrary to rumor, none of these approaches stimulates heavy regrowth.

Permanent treatments: Electrolysis, which uses a shortwave electrical current to destroy the hair follicles, can be used safely on most parts of the body except the underarms, where there is an increased risk for bacterial infection, and the delicate skin under the eyebrows. Lasers are also fast and safe. A single laser treatment can destroy up to 30% of follicles in the area treated. Hairs that do grow back are thinner and softer. However, lasers eliminate only dark-pigmented hair, so are ineffective on blond, white, and gray hairs.