When women suffer from excessive or unwanted hair growth, the National Institutes of Health characterizes this as hirsutism. It's a condition that causes women to experience hair growth similar to that of a man. They can begin to grow visible hair on the upper lip and chin as well as on the back, chest and abdomen. The exact cause of this hair growth varies from woman to woman.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Often referred to as simply PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome is a hormonal disorder caused by the formation of cysts on the ovaries. This can change the production and secretion of hormones, especially hormones known as androgens. Androgens are male sex hormones. With the increase in testosterone, the Cleveland Clinic explains that women begin to take on some distinct male characteristics, including excessive hair growth on the face, back, chest and abdomen.
Idiopathic Hirsutism
According to the Mayo Clinic, another potential reason for excessive hair growth in women is a condition known as idiopathic hirsutism. This means that there isn't an identifiable cause for the hair growth. However, there is a genetic component to this condition, since it's often seen in women from Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and South Asian descent.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Though not as common as PCOS or idiopathic hirsutism, women can experience hair growth as a result of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, advises the National Institutes of Health. With this condition, the adrenal glands produce abnormal levels of hormones, namely cortisol and testosterone, though other hormones are also affected. This can trigger abnormal hair growth in women.
Cushing's Syndrome
The National Institutes of Health also identify Cushing's syndrome as another potential cause of excessive hair growth. Women with this condition have an abnormally high level of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a stress hormone produced by the adrenal gland. As levels increase in the body, they can affect other hormones, including androgens, which may cause women to experience male hair growth.
Tumors
Both the Mayo Clinic and the National Institutes of Health agree that tumors on the ovaries or adrenal glands can lead to excessive hair growth. Tumors located within these areas of the body can affect hormone production, which can then trigger male pattern hair growth. But much like congenital adrenal hyperplasia and Cushing's syndrome, this isn't a common cause of hirsutism.
Medications
It's also possible for medications to trigger excessive hair growth, assets the Mayo Clinic. Steroids, hormones, anticonvulsants and immunosuppressants, such as anabolic steroids, testosterone, danazol, phenytoin and cyclosporine, can all cause hirsutism in women.
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