Male-pattern hair growth occurs in a small percentage of the female population. Approximately 10 percent of women in the U.S. experience male-patterned hair growth, according to the Mayo Clinic. The condition, called hirsutism, results in coarse, dark hair growth on areas of the body generally associated with male growth such as the face, chest and back.
Symptoms
In addition to male-patterned hair growth on the face, chest and back, hirsutism may cause other symptoms. Secondary symptoms include acne, missed periods, hair loss, deep voice, smaller breasts, clitoris enlargement and increased muscle mass. The presence of secondary symptoms points to high androgen, or male hormone, levels in the body.
Causes
Approximately 50 percent of women with excessive hair growth possess high androgen levels, according to the Mayo Clinic. Conditions that cause elevated male-hormone levels in women include polycystic ovary syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, ovarian tumors and certain medications. The remaining 50 percent possess normal androgen levels. When no underlying cause exists, the condition is called idiopathic hirsutism.
Risks
Some women are more prone to develop hirsutism than others. A strong family history of excessive hair growth and a genetic propensity towards the syndromes and disorders that cause it increases one’s chances of developing male-patterned hair growth. Ethinicity also plays a role. Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and South Asian women experience idiopathic hirsutism more often than women of other ethnic backgrounds, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Treatments
Treatment options include anti-androgen medications, oral contraceptives, topical creams and cosmetic procedures such as electrolysis, laser therapy, waxing, bleaching, tweezing and using depilatories. Approximately 75 percent of women successfully treat hirsutism through a combination of anti-androgens and oral contraceptives, as reported in “Evaluation and Treatment of Women with Hirsutism,” an article appearing in the June 2003 issue of the American Family Physician. Since most therapies only prevent future growth, cosmetic procedures are used to remove existing growth.
Prevention
Hirsutism is not preventable. However, keeping a close eye on your health can catch the syndromes and disorders that cause hirsutism in their early stages before significant growth occurs. If you suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome, controlling your weight and preventing insulin resistance can help, advises the Mayo Clinic.
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