Superfluous hair growth is known as hirsutism, a condition that commonly affects women in which excessive amounts of terminal hair is noted on areas of the body where men usually get hair, such as the face (lips and chin), back, abdomen and chest. The University of Maryland estimates that around 8 percent of women in the U.S. suffer from superfluous hair growth. About half of this group experience hirsutism due to elevated androgen level (male sex hormones). However, sometimes there's no underlying cause that causes excess hair growth.
Medical Causes
Superfluous hair growth can be a symptom of medical conditions that cause androgen levels to rise, notes the Mayo Clinic. Some of these may include polycystic ovary syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Cushing's syndrome, or infrequently, a tumor on the ovaries or adrenal glands. Also, the National Institutes of Health points out that hirsutism can be caused by taking certain medications, such as danazol (which is used to treat endometriosis), anabolic steroids and glucocorticoids.
Other Reasons for Superfluous Hair Growth
Superfluous hair growth that has no underlying cause is called idiopathic hirsutism. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that the factors that come into play include menopause or a woman's genetics, in which the excessive hair growth is inherited, Her ethnic background or race may also be a determining factor. Women of European, Middle Eastern and South Asian descent are more likely to experience hirsutism.
Other Symptoms
If superfluous hair growth is caused by high androgen levels, additional symptoms may be noted. The University of Maryland Medical Center states these may include acne, irregular periods, a lack of feminine body shape and other masculine traits, such as a deep voice, small breasts, broad shoulders and balding.
Medical Treatments
If hirsutism has an underlying cause, often treating the condition resolves superfluous hair growth. The Mayo Clinic notes that birth control pills or anti-androgen medications may be prescribed to help lower androgen levels. If a tumor is noted, it may be removed. However, the NIH notes that often, hirsutism takes a long time to get under control.
Cosmetic Treatments
Superfluous hair growth in itself isn't medically threatening, although it can be embarrassing. Nonmedical therapies to remove superfluous hair growth may be appropriate to treat idiopathic hirsutism, according to the Mayo Clinic. Two cosmetic treatments to remove hair include electrolysis, which permanently removes the hair follicle; and laser hair removal, which reduces hair density by placing the follicles in the resting stage of growth. If facial hair is problematic, a doctor may prescribe a topical medication called eflornithine, which goes by the trade name Vaniqa, which is applied to the area of the face affected to slow the rate of hair growth.
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