Women typically grow only a small amount of fine, soft hair on the face, neck, back and abdomen, although some may be genetically or ethnically predisposed to grow more and darker hair in these areas than others. Sometimes a woman's hair-growth pattern can resemble a man's because of excessive androgen, a male hormone. This can be embarrassing. Fortunately, there are temporary and more permanent remedies.
Androgens
A major cause of unwanted hair growth in women is too much androgen. This condition, hyperandrogenism, can also cause irregular menstrual periods, stubborn weight gain, diabetes, acne, oily skin, reduced breast size and a deep, masculine voice.
PCOS and Cushing Syndrome
One medical condition associated with hyperandrogenism and unwanted facial hair in women is polycystic ovary syndrome. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome often exhibit some or all of the symptoms of hyperandrogenism and are at risk of developing diabetes and infertility.
Cushing syndrome also causes unwanted facial hair in women. It occurs when the body produces or is exposed to too much of the hormone cortisol. People who take steroids for asthma or rheumatoid arthritis are at risk of developing this syndrome.
Other Causes
Ovarian and adrenal tumors can cause unwanted hair growth. The adrenal glands, which are just above the kidneys, produce hormones. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is an adrenal gland disorder than can cause unwanted hair growth in women.
Hormones and steroids such as testosterone, anabolic steroids and glucocorticoids, when given as medications, can also cause unwanted hair growth in women.
Tests
Your doctor might do blood tests to check levels of testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin and 17-hydroxyprogesterone. Your doctor may order a CT scan if she suspects that a tumor is causing the hair growth.
Medical Treatment
Your doctor may prescribe birth control pills to regulate your hormones and reduce unwanted hair. Anti-androgen drugs such as spironolactone can also help to reduce unwanted hair. Anti-androgen drugs are advised only if birth control pills are unsuccessful after six months, according to Dr. Kathryn A. Martin of the Harvard Medical School, who published a report in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism in 2008. Women who take anti-androgen should also use contraceptives, because of the risk of birth defects. Dr. Martn recommends laser hair removal and electrolysis to remove hair permanently.
Home Treatment
You can bleach the hair so that it is less obvious. You can also remove the hair temporarily by shaving, plucking, waxing or applying chemical depilatories. You may see a reduction in hair growth when you lose weight.
References
- Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism; "Evaluation and treatment of hirsutism in premenopausal women: an endocrine society clinical practice guideline"; Martin, Chang, Shrmann, Ibanez, Lobo, Rosenfield, et al; 2008.
- Medline Plus: Excessive or unwanted hair in women
- ACOG: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
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