The National Institutes of Health characterizes abnormal hair growth in women as hirsutism. It's a condition marked by a pattern of hair growth commonly seen in men. Women experience the growth of dark, coarse hair on the upper lip and chin as well as the chest, back and abdomen. Though most cases of hirsutism pose no medical issue to the individual, it's important to consult a health care provider to ensure that the abnormal hair growth isn't a result of an underlying condition.
Development
The Mayo Clinic explains that approximately half of the women living with hirsutism have higher than normal androgen levels, which are male hormones. In these situations, the male-pattern hair growth is typically linked to polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS. Women with PCOS develop cysts within the ovaries, affecting the production of male and female hormones. The increase in androgen levels is also associated with Cushing's syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, medications and tumors on the ovaries or adrenal glands.
Other Factors
The other half of women with hirsutism have normal levels of androgens in the body, making it difficult to identify an exact cause. However, there's usually a genetic component to the condition, because hirsutism affects certain ethnicities more than others, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. It's also common to see this condition run in families.
Treatment
Treatment for hirsutism depends on the cause of the condition. Oral contraceptives and anti-androgens can help to treat the hormonal imbalances, the Mayo Clinic says. Tumors on the ovaries or adrenal glands can be surgically removed. Women experiencing abnormal hair growth due to medications can improve their condition by switching to another drug.
Hair Removal
When no cause is identified, treatment revolves around hair removal. Women with hirsutism can shave or wax unwanted hair, or use laser hair removal or electrolysis to provide a hair-free appearance. Laser hair removal utilizes a pulse of laser light energy to vaporize the hair and damage the follicle. Electrolysis uses electrical shocks to damage the follicle so it no longer produces hair.
Considerations
For the majority of women with hirsutism, the only symptom of the condition is the abnormal hair growth. They grow darker or thicker hair than normal on the face, breasts, back or stomach. However, it's sometimes accompanied by a distinct deepening of the voice, decrease in breast tissue, increase in muscle mass, balding, acne and menstrual irregularities, according to the Mayo Clinic and the American Academy of Family Physicians. If any of these symptoms develop along with abnormal hair growth, contact a medical professional.
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