Hirsutism, or excessive hair growth, is a condition that affects up to 10 percent of women in the United States, according to the Mayo Clinic. Excessive hair growth may be more than just an embarrassing problem. Several medical conditions trigger changing hormone levels responsible for the growth of excess hair. Hirsutism treatment involves removing unwanted hair and controlling any underlying health conditions.
Identification
Women normally have a small amount of fine, short hair on the face, abdomen, thighs, back and chest. When hirsutism occurs, dark, coarse hairs begin to grow on these parts of the body. This new hair growth resembles the type of body hair growth pattern that usually occurs only in males.
Causes
Excessive hair growth can occur if your body begins to increase production of a male hormone called androgen. Women normally produce low levels of the hormone, which is necessary for muscle and bone strength, sexual desire and protein balance in the body. Polycystic ovary syndrome and Cushing's syndrome can both cause an increase in androgen levels. Polycystic ovary syndrome occurs when imbalanced hormones cause cysts to form on the ovaries. A pituitary gland tumor or taking oral corticosteroids on a regular basis causes Cushing's syndrome, a condition that occurs when the body increases production of the hormone cortisol. Other causes of excessive hair growth may include ovarian or adrenal gland tumors, excess hormone production by the ovaries or taking certain prescription medications, including hormones, danazol, minoxidil or anabolic steroids, Some women have hair follicles that are extremely sensitive to male hormones, resulting in excess hair growth.
Considerations
In some cases, excessive hair growth in women is not caused by a medical condition, but is a common feature of an ethnic group. Women of Mediterranean, South Asian or Middle Eastern descent are more likely to develop hirsutism than women in other groups, according to FamilyDoctor.org.
Diagnosis
If you experience excessive hair growth, your doctor will recommend several tests to determine the cause of the problem. Blood tests may be used to measure your hormone levels. An ultrasound or computed tomography (CAT) scan may also be needed to determine if a tumor is causing hirsutism.
Treatment
Excessive hair growth caused by excess androgen production can be controlled by taking a prescription anti-androgen medication, such as finasteride or spironolactone. These medications work to decrease production of new hair, but it may take three to six months before you notice results. Birth control pills can also be helpful in decreasing androgens and may be used in conjunction with anti-androgen medication. A prescription cream called eflornithin may be recommended to slow facial hair growth. Hair growth not caused by hormones can be removed by depilatories, waxing, shaving or laser hair removal.
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