It is not unusual for a man to grow thick, dark hair on his face, chest and back. When this pattern of hair growth occurs in a woman, however, it indicates a condition known as hirsutism. If the cause of unwanted hair involves elevated androgens, or male hormones, the woman's breast size, muscle mass and voice tone may also be affected. Because hirsutism is sometimes associated with serious health problems, it is advisable for women to get regular medical care.
Genetics
DermNet NZ, a website sponsored by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated, reports that most hirsutism is a harmless inherited condition. Women of Middle Eastern, South Asian and Mediterranean origins are more likely to develop hirsutism. Although the levels of androgens are normal in the blood, hair follicles are genetically more sensitive to small amounts of male hormones. The condition may begin in adolescence and become more pronounced with age.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Also known as PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome is characterized by failed ovulation. Instead of a single ovarian follicle maturing, releasing an egg and becoming a corpus luteum that produces progesterone for approximately two weeks, multiple follicles form cysts that do not complete the normal cycle. A 2003 study of 400 women who underwent employment physicals at the University of Alabama found that polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrine abnormality of childbearing-age women in the United States. The study revealed no significant racial difference in the rate of PCOS among black or white subjects. The cause of PCOS is unknown, but obesity and insulin resistance are common factors. Hirsutism may be symptomatic of polycystic ovary syndrome, along with irregular periods, acne and elevated male hormones. PCOS symptoms vary, with a wide range of severity among individuals. Women who have the syndrome are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, uterine cancer, depression and anxiety.
Cushing's Syndrome
High levels of cortisol, one of the body's stress hormones, are responsible for the rapid weight gain, excessive sweating, thinning of skin and mucus membranes, hirsutism and psychological disturbances characteristic of Cushing's syndrome. Cortisol also suppresses immune response and bone maintenance, leading to impaired healing and osteoporosis. According to the Mayo Clinic, Cushing's syndrome can be caused by long-term use of corticosteroid medications or by problems affecting the adrenal glands. Cushing's disease, a condition in which the release of ACTH from the pituitary gland is affected by a tumor, is one cause of over-secretion of cortisol from the adrenal glands.
Member Comments