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Whilst it is normal for women to have some facial hair, when this is excessive, it is termed hirsutism. Though harmless, many women are self-conscious and desire to remove unwanted hair through various methods.

Hirsutism is caused by a change in hormone levels, specifically androgens (male sexual hormones). This leads to unwanted hair growth in a pattern similar to how it appears in men, i.e. on the upper lip, chin, chest, abdomen, lower back, buttocks and thighs.

Available treatments at Quick Meds are Vaniqa, which contains the active ingredient eflornithine, and unlike hair removal creams, targets the hair growth pathway, reducing hair's ability to grow. In doing so, it directly targets excess hair growth. Vaniqa is a prescription-only medicine. Your symptoms must be assessed by a clinician as part of a consultation, following which the cream may be prescribed if it is clinically appropriate.

Other ways to remove unwanted hair include shaving, waxing, hair removal creams and electrolysis or laser hair removal. With so many options available, it can be valuable to speak to your doctor or healthcare professional for tailored advice.

Understanding unwanted facial hair

The difference between hirsutism and fine, light unwanted facial hair is the pattern in which it grows. In hirsutism, the growth follows a 'male pattern' (i.e. the way hair would generally grow on a man). The hair growth in hirsutism is also thicker, coarser and darker.

Whilst it does not physically affect health, unwanted excess facial hair can affect you emotionally and socially. It can lead to emotional stress, anxiety and depression.

Treatment is a personal choice, with some women learning to live with the unwanted facial hair, whereas other women opt for medical intervention.

Why does facial hair develop?

Excess facial hair in women is more likely to occur when hormone levels are affected by medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menopause, or inherited conditions like congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Being overweight can also raise the risk, as can having a Mediterranean, Hispanic, South Asian, or Middle Eastern background. In addition, certain medicines, including steroids and some treatments for epilepsy, may trigger unwanted hair growth.

Red flags to look out for include a sudden onset or rapid progression of unwanted hair growth, a pelvic or abdominal mass or signs of virilisation. Virilisation is where women develop male characteristics such as a deeper voice, decreased breast size, increased muscle development and of course, excess hair growth. These may point towards an adrenal tumour, which requires prompt investigation.

Facial hair removal treatments available

Prescription support at Quick Meds

With so many different facial hair removal options, it can be difficult to assess what is best for you. At Quick Meds, our clinicians are optimally placed to provide a safe and regulated route to prescription treatments such as Vaniqa, whilst offering advice on other ways which may help based on your circumstances.

As a prescription-only treatment, you will need to complete an online consultation before placing your order. This allows clinicians to review your health and determine whether the treatment is suitable for you. They may contact you for further information if necessary. Once approved, your order will be carefully packaged and discreetly delivered to most UK-based addresses as soon as the next day.

As a GPhC-regulated pharmacy, you can be assured your health is in good hands. All regulatory information is clearly visible on our website for your reassurance. We source all medicines from MHRA-compliant suppliers, ensuring all treatments are genuine and safe.

Non-prescription approaches

Non-prescription methods of hair removal include:

• Weight loss if overweight - helping to control hormone levels

• Physical methods to remove hair - such as shaving, threading, waxing, plucking, hair removal creams

• Methods used to lighten hair, such as using bleach

These are relatively inexpensive and can safely be done without having to consult a doctor. However, they may not be suitable for those who have sensitive skin or hair growth in difficult-to-reach areas of the body. Plucking and waxing are perhaps more long-lasting compared to other methods, as this pulls hair roots out of hair follicles rather than just at the surface.

Other possible treatments are electrolysis or laser hair removal. These methods are long-lasting compared to methods used at home. However, they are more expensive and may not be permanent.

All of these methods, whilst effective at removing hair, do not address the growth of new hair. Prescription treatments such as Vaniqa directly impact hair regrowth. A combination of treatments may be preferred by some women to simultaneously remove unwanted facial hair first and then use Vaniqa to prevent regrowth.

Safety and medical advice

If you experience excess facial hair or excess hair growth in other parts of your body which occur suddenly or progress rapidly, you should see your doctor. Additionally, for women who develop male characteristics such as a deep voice, increased muscle size with decreased breast size, these may point towards an adrenal tumour, requiring medical attention.

It is important to speak to a clinician before starting prescription treatment, as a clinician is optimally placed to advise on your specific circumstances. The most common cause of unwanted hair is related to hormone imbalances caused by certain medicines, medical conditions or being overweigh,t but it may be due to another more sinister underlying cause.

Here at Quick Meds, our clinicians can assess your health and determine if you are suitable for treatment. If not, we can suggest alternative methods such as hair removal creams or refer you to your doctor for a prompt medical assessment.

How Quick Meds can help

As a GPhC-registered pharmacy, we pride ourselves on offering accessible, clinically appropriate advice and treatment at every step of your journey. Our prescribers are UK-based and held to the same high standards as your doctor would be.

When an order is approved, it is packed in suitable, discreet packaging and sent through tracked shipping methods straight to your door.