Hair growth occurs in cycles: a hair growth period, a resting period once the hair reaches a terminal length, then a period where the hair falls out of the follicle. Cells within the hair follicle respond to several factors, such as circulating hormones, and proliferate the promote hair growth. In some cases, patients can develop abnormal and excessive hair growth, a condition called hirsutism. Hirsutism can indicate the presence of a serious underlying disorder that requires treatment.
Polycystic Ovary Disease
A common cause of hirsutism in women is polycystic ovary disease, a hormone-related condition. Normally, the ovaries produce estrogen, and eggs mature inside a number of cysts within the ovaries, and one egg is released into the fallopian tube during ovulation. The maturation and release of the egg from the ovary is governed by levels of female hormones including estrogen. In polycystic ovary disease, the egg does not properly release from the ovary, leading to a buildup of cysts on the ovaries. Women with polycystic ovary disease commonly have hormone imbalances with higher than normal levels of male hormones, indicates Medline Plus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health. The excess male hormone in the body signals to hair follicle cells, leading to excess hair growth. Women with polycystic ovary disease also experience other symptoms associated with high male hormone levels, such as persistent acne, male pattern baldness and a deepening of the voice.
Achard-Thiers Syndrome
Another disease that can cause excessive hair growth is Achard-Thiers syndrome, also called diabetic bearded women syndrome. As the name suggests, Achard-Thiers syndrome affects females, and primarily affects post-menopausal women. Patients with the disease commonly suffer from insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes as well as excess hair growth, reports Cigna. Women with the disease may also have infrequent or absent periods and voice changes. The causes of Achard-Thiers syndrome are not yet known.
Hurler Syndrome
Excessive hair growth may also be caused by Hurler syndrome, a potentially fatal genetic disease. Patients with Hurler syndrome carry mutations to the enzyme alpha-L-iduronidase, which prevents the breakdown of specific types of sugars in the body. The sugars accumulate in cells, leading to a number of defects in addition to excess hair growth before the onset of puberty. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that untreated Hurler syndrome also leads to mental retardation, vision problems, spine curvature, and severe heart and cardiovascular problems. In many cases, patients with Hurler syndrome die between the ages of 5 and 10 due to heart failure. If diagnosed early, Hurler syndrome can be treated with blood or bone marrow transfusions or transplants.
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