A few stray hairs here and there are normal. Most women experience this condition in their lives with no underlying disease or problem. For some women, however, this hair is darker, thicker and more plentiful. This type of facial hair in women is usually a symptom of an underlying disease or adrenal gland disorder and is called hirsutism. If you have excess facial hair under your chin, see your doctor.
Cushing's Syndrome
Your adrenal glands help regulate your hormones. Cushing's syndrome, caused by a tumor or adrenal gland malfunction, causes the glands to release too much adrenocorticotropic hormone, or ACTH, a chemical that makes your body produce excess amounts of the hormone cortisol. This condition has many symptoms, one of which is excess facial hair in women. Other symptoms include excess upper body fat with thin arms and legs, acne, easy bruising, reproductive problems and an irregular menstrual cycle. You may also have diabetes, high cholesterol and decreased bone density. If not treated, according to Medline Plus, Cushing's disease can be fatal.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
If you have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), you also have a problem with your hormone levels. Most women with the condition produce excess androgens, or hormones that are typically only high in men. The excess androgens lead to excess hair growth. The condition also causes irregular menstrual periods, problems with fertility and sometimes small cysts in and around the ovaries. The condition is so common that WomensHealth.gov estimates that one in 10 women has it. In addition to excess facial hair, women with PCOS can lose the hair on their heads and gain excess hair on the chest, stomach, back and toes.
Medications
Some medications can increase facial hair in women, according to FamilyDoctor.org. If you take hormones to treat menopause, reproductive or menstrual problems, you may experience facial hair as a side effect. Steroids, used to treat some allergic reactions, arthritis and other conditions, can also cause hirsutism.
Ethnicity
According to FamilyDoctor.org, women who are of Middle Eastern or Mediterranean decent naturally have more facial hair with no underlying medical conditions. The same is true of some South Asian women. The women simply have this hair due to genetics.
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