There's no one cause of facial hair in young women, indicates the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Hirsutism is a condition in which the fine, vellus hairs on the face turns into darker, coarse, noticeable growth, and the pattern of hair growth is similar to that noted in males. Some women might notice excessive hair not only on their face, but other parts of the body as well, such as the chest, stomach and back. Up to 10 percent of women in the U.S. suffer from some degree of hirsutism.
Puberty
The fine vellus hairs on a young woman's face--and other parts of the body--may not change until she hits puberty, during which time male sex hormones (androgens) cause vellus hairs to grow out darker and coarser. Excess levels of androgen can result in unwanted, excessive hair growth. The Mayo Clinic states that roughly 50 percent of females with mild hirsutism have high androgen levels; the remaining 50 percent do not. High androgen levels can cause severe hirsutism, and may result from different conditions.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Facial hair in young women may be the result of polycystic ovary syndrome, in which there is an imbalance of hormone levels present that causes the formation of cysts on the ovaries, says the AAFP. Women may also experience irregular menstrual periods, infertility and obesity. Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the more common culprits when excessive hair growth is present in women, says the Mayo Clinic.
Cushing's Syndrome
When the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol, a steroid hormone produced by the body in times of stress, this too can cause a hormonal imbalance--and excess facial hair. Mayo Clinic experts note that taking "cortisol-like medications" for a long time may also achieve the same effect.
Other Medical Conditions
Androgen-producing tumors (benign or cancerous) that develop in the ovaries or adrenal gland can also cause excessive hair growth, although the Mayo Clinic indicates that this is extremely rare. A hereditary condition called congenital adrenal hyperplasia, which causes abnormal cortisol and androgen production, may also be the cause of hirsutism.
Medications
Use of certain medications can also cause body and facial hair growth. The National Institutes of Health cites the following medications as some that may cause hirsutism: testosterone, glucocorticoids, anabolic steroids, cyclosporine, minoxidil, danazol and phenytoin.
Idiopathic
Facial hair in young women may not have an underlying cause, in which case it's referred to as "idiopathic hirsutism." The AAFP note that hirsutism appears to run in families, in which case this trait is inherited. Certain ethnic groups (Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and South Asian) are more prone to hirsutism.
Resolution
If facial hair in a young woman has an underlying cause, it can resolve with the correct medical treatment, says the Mayo Clinic, particularly if other symptoms are present, such as acne, a low voice, increased muscle mass and small breasts. Hirsutism that is genetically determined may need to be removed using certain techniques, such as waxing or sugaring, laser hair removal, electrolysis or use of cream depilatories or a prescription hair reduction cream.
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