Men are generally hairier than women, and they produce thick and dark hair on parts of the body such as the chest, back and face. Women normally produce fine and light hair on the face, back and stomach. Abnormal hair growth in women occurs when the normally fine textured hair begins to change, becoming dark and course, and excessive on various parts of the body.
Heredity
Heredity plays a vital role in determining whether you will become abnormally hairy. Disorders can also run in families and certain disorders can cause a person to have abnormal hair growth. Women from South Asia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean are most likely to develop hirsutism, a disorder that causes excessive hair growth, according to the website FamilyDoctor. But all women can potentially be affected by this condition.
Hirsutism
Hirsutism is a disorder caused by the over-production of the male producing hormone androgen. This hormone is produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands. When the body begins to produce more androgen than estrogen, excessive hair growth will occur. The androgen hormone changes the texture of the hair, making it thick and dark. This condition could also be genetic, and about one out of 20 U.S. women have this disorder, according to the American Academy Of Dermatology.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a disorder that causes small cysts to form on the ovaries from a hormonal imbalance. Polycystic ovary syndrome can trigger hirsutism, and other symptoms to look for can include a deeper voice, acne and irregular menstrual periods. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 5 percent to 10 percent of women are affected by this disorder.
Seek Medical Attention
When you begin to notice an increase in body hair and the texture has begun to change, see your doctor. Reviewing your medical history and family history is important in determining the cause of the increase in body hair. Some tests that the doctor might take include a pelvic exam and hormone level testing. Depending on the results, the doctor will refer you to a specialist.
Treatments
For those who have a hormonal imbalance that is causing the abnormal hair growth, medication will be prescribed. Anti-androgen producing medication can block the production of the androgens being produced in the body. Birth control pills are recommended for those with polycystic ovary syndrome, according to Medline Plus, a medical information resource established by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Also, more expensive but effective treatment can include laser hair removal and electrolysis.
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