WARNING: The Embarrassing Bodies website contains images of an explicit medical nature and nudity in a medical context.

Embarrassing Bodies , 7:00pm Sunday 21st March 2010 on Channel 4. Catch up for free »

Conditions

Hirsutism

Excessive hair

In ancient Greece, the young brides of Argos would fix false beards to their chins on their wedding night, so as to be in no way inferior to the men with whom they shared a bed. However, when the fun and games of the consummation were over, these Argive women knew they could remove the beard and embrace femininity again. But for modern women suffering from hirsutism – when females grow too much body or facial hair in a pattern seen normally occurring only in men – facial hair can be embarrassing and a cause of great distress. Furthermore, removing such facial and bodily hair requires treatment, such as physically removing the hairs; taking a course of anti-androgen drugs; or having courses of electrolysis or laser treatment. Excessive hairiness in women can be caused by abnormally high androgen levels (male hormones), which is sometimes due to an underlying medical condition, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Comments and Questions

The EB doctors have been looking at your comments and have answered some of the common questions below. Remember that it is always best to check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.

You can share your experiences and thoughts with other Embarrassing Bodies site-users below. Comments & Questions are reviewed by moderators, but if you see anything on the site that worries you, please report it and one of our moderators will look at it as soon as possible.
Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.

i am 20 and extremely hairy!it has caused much depression for me to the extent where i have lost boyfriends and i never allow them to even touch my skin because i feel like a freak. i wont go swimming, wont wear t shirts showing my arms, nor wear anything showing the skin.i have low confidence because of it. i know this may sound extreme to some but i have been shunned for years and never felt helped. i get hairgrowth on my chest, hands and feet and my stomache, face,neck and back! its really bad and is virtually black hair too so it is hideous. i just want a clear hairless stomach and will do anything to get rid of i. it really does get me down, and i fear that im never going to be able to have a happy future as i am really not happy with myself. it makes me really depressed, it has been like this for as long as i can remember. i was wondering if there waas anything i could do about getting laser surgery on the nhs as i really cannot afford it, and it really is bad. ive been to my doctor and they just always say, nothing we can do. please please help!!! how do i go about this?





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.


Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

Hello! I am 24 I have had very bad stomach and chest hair since I was 14. I had my 2nd child 4 months ago and my face is now getting thick dark hairs. I have been to the doctors several times they wanted to put me on the pill. I went to the doctors 2 weeks ago and finally I'm been referred to a specialist. So fingers crossed something will be done. Don't give up keep bugging your doctor!





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.


Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

I.m 32 and although and have started getting worse hair on my face and breats but since teenage years I have had hair all over the tops of my legs, stomach and worst of all my bum which is extremely embarrassing also to top this off I also have excess sweating..I really do think I should have been born a boy !! I too was told that this was just my 'normal' hair growth but seriously as a woman its horredous like everyone else I don't go swimming I hate hot whether i've not done the jobs I would have loved to.... I've luckily found a man who loves me and my hair but its still embarassing good luck to everyone on here..I am looking into laser surgery but can anyone recommend a good one ??





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.


Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

hi i thought u was me thn cuz i have the same problem in exactly the sae places i know its nt nice i know how you feel it gets be down thinking about it n would love to get laser cuz i just want it gone any idea how much it costs tara

i've been going to my local GP for years. i'm nearly 20 now and have been getting hair growth on my stomach for nearly 5 years now and nothing they "suggest" helps. it has caused much depression for me to the extent where i have lost boyfriends and i never allow them to even touch my skin because i feel like a freak. i used to love swimming but can't go any more. at first they said i would grow out of it, then they told me to shave, pluck, wax, any of the "natural" ways of hair removal. all leave my stomach blochey, bleeding or in little cuts and there solutions meant that they are now ingrowing and more spread out. beforehand i could at least dye them. i have low confidence because of it. i know this may sound extreme to some but i have been shunned for years and never felt helped. i get hairgrowth on my chest, hands and feet but my main issue that i want to get rid of is my stomach. i just want a clear hairless stomach and will do anything to get rid of it including laser treatment if someone knows it will actually work. i'm sick of being depressed and no longer go to doctors because i don't trust them anymore





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your answer.


Please don't swear or be rude in your answers, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting answers. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

hi: im a beauty therapist and i see it all the time i am qualifed in laser treatment and it works wonders i would advise you to have it done. it is abit expesive but worth it

I am 27 years old and have suffered with excessive hair growth since I was about 13. I am constantly going to my doctors asking for help and treatment as I feel depressed and self consious. Much to my disappointment I just keep getting the same answer which is "there is nothing we can do" I would really appreciate it if someone who has tried laser treatment could let me know how successful the treatment is, and how much it costs. Thank you





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.


Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

I have excessive hair growth too, I have had laser treatment on my nipples and stomach, sadly it reduces the hair, but I haven't found it to be permenant. if you speak to an expert laser hair removal person, they never promise it to be permamant like it is often advertised to be. So I have to use it more as a way of removing hair. I get very bad ingrown hairs and this is the only way I have found of removing hair which stops this. It is v expensive tho, and i can't often afford it, sadly i think we'r just a bit stuck with it. It is horrible.

i have had this problem for 15 years now i shave my chin and neck every day then plaster make up on to try to hide this. I need this sorted .Im worried about getting sick if i have to go into hospital and cant shave.I cant afford laser but if the NHS did it free i would have it done.





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.


Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

hi there,i too suffer from hair growth on my chin and neck and had to resort to shaving it,mine starterd when i started having the pill injection.i cant go a day without shaving and applying lots of makeup to cover up.its so depressing,cant even let my partner touch my face and feel people are staring at my chin when talking.i went to my gps and manage to go on a waiting list for lazer i think it was 6 months before i got an appointment date.they only allow you 3 treatments on the face on nhs.this is not enough.ill be going back and demanding more treatments as mine has gone on too long too.

hey guys, i myself suffer with the same prob, have done for years, i understand how u all feel. im 22 and its kina tough, i persisted with my GP and continued for over 2 years and finally i have had laser, i havnt seen any result change so far tho, NHS only pay for 3 to 5 treatments depending on how bad it is, apparently it takes atleast 5 treatments to see a change, so dont give up! :)

I too have suffered from excess hair since puberty (i'm now in my 50's)it's embarrassing,debilitating,depressing and yes it does affect your life,I go for waxing every 3 weeks,if done on a regular basis the hair does start to diminish,its not cheap,I have the lycon wax which is less painful and easier on the skin,underarms,legs,total genital area are all done,cost around £60 you would think in this day and age that scientists would be able to come up with something to relieve this misery,I have always envied the women who have hardly any body hair whatsoever,to me that would be a dream come true





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.


Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

i am asian im fair and have thick black hair around my navel area and breast line, and have finer black hair around my belly that can be seen. i am so embarassed to show my boyfriend, i have been waxing for a while but it still grows the same. i cannot afford laser hair removal as im a student. what else can be done? i am too embarassed to go see my GP as i went before about my breasts and they did nothing saying its fine alot of women have that, and i felt embarassed for showing my problem. now i dont want to go back again to show my body which will make me even less confident. i cant wear summer clothes because of this and always hide my body.





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.


Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

Im 15 and get depressed about my body constantly, it stops me doing things that my mates do, for example go swimming, go to the beach. I decided not to go on holiday this year as i don't want people to see my disgusting body, It puts me down and I cant help but cry. I'm way to embarrassed to go to my GP as nothing can be done now the hair is there and it will not disappear, and i cant efford anything like laser treatment, which cant be done unless your over 18. I hope someone knows the answer. thanks.





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.


Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

Hi Sammie I'm 22 and have suffered with excess hair on my tummy since I was about 14. You are not alone in the world however I have found that unfortunately I am within my group of friends. My mum used to suffer with the same problem and now has nothing, she has told me to wax, which I know seems unbearable but persist. I wouldn't recommend doing it during your period as this will increase the sensativity. If you feel you really cannot stand the pain I would recommend sanding strips, they work a treat and do not leave the tell tale shaving rash and there is no risk of cutting yourself. Good luck and honestly try waxing and exfoliating regularly it will reduce over time. And don't worry about guys I'm in a 6 year relationship and he's never noticed!

The person who so kindly replied to my post and said yes to nhs. Could you tell me precisely how bad your hair problem was. Mine is bad but im so frightend about going to the gp. If i know mine is like is as bad i will feel confident to go...dont wanna embaress myself and loose all dignity for them to say im not hairy enough!!!





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.


Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.



Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your answer.



Please don't swear or be rude in your questions, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting questions. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines


Important Notice

The information provided on this website (including any NHS Choices medical information) is for use as information or for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. We do not warrant that any information included within this site will meet your health or medical requirements. This Embarrassing Bodies site does not provide any medical or diagnostic services so you should always check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.


If you want to embed our videos in your site, read our embedding T&Cs here


More Information

  1. Doctor Responses: Excessive Hair

    In Videos - Dr Pixie answers your most frequently asked questions about excessi…

  2. Quick Health Advice: Unwanted Facial Hair

    In Videos - Dr Harper explains the causes of unwanted facial hair and some of t…

  3. Quick Health Advice: Male Hairloss

    In Videos - Dr Christian explains the causes of male hairloss and the treatment…

  4. Consultation: Excess Facial Hair

    In Videos - Dr Dawn Harper looks at a patient whose excess facial hair is takin…

  5. Bodies Behaving Badly

    In Episodes - Episode 1 of Embarrassing Teenage Bodies examines conditions includ…

  6. Boys, Boys, Boys

    In Episodes - Episode 3 of Embarrassing Teenage Bodies takes a closer look at bin…

  7. Teens Below the Belt

    In Episodes - Episode 4 of Embarrassing Teenage Bodies tackles conditions includi…

  8. Am I Normal?

    In Episodes - Episode 2 of Embarrassing Teenage Bodies looks at conditions includ…

  9. Am I Normal Hair

    In Videos - Dr Dawn Harper discusses what is and isn't normal when it comes to…

  10. Episode 4

    In Episodes - Episode 4's patients included one suffering from the penis bending…

  11. Doctor Responses: Penis

    In Videos - Dr Christian answers your most frequently asked questions about the…

  12. Episode 7 - Back to the Clinic

    In Episodes - This week the doctors are inviting some of their most serious cases…

  13. Consultation: Second Adult Circumcision

    In Videos - Dr Jessen examines a patient in need of a new circumcision

  14. Dr Priya Manickavasagar

    Doctor Info - Find out more about Dr Priya.

  15. Dr James Russell

    Doctor Info - Find out more about Dr James Russell.


Be on the Show

Have you been inspired by the patients in the current series to seek help for your problem? Apply to be on the show here >