Hirsutism refers to a condition in which women grow hair in places such as the face, chest and back. In other words, women display a male-pattern of hair growth. The Mayo Clinic says that signs of hirsutism include a deepening of the voice, acne, balding and an increase in a muscle mass.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
The Mayo Clinic says that polycystic ovary syndrome refers to a common hormonal problem that occurs in women of child-bearing age. It states that its symptoms include hirsutism, menstrual irregularities, infertility, large cyst-filled ovaries, obesity and darkened skin at the neck, thighs, armpits and underneath the breast.
It is unclear what causes polycystic ovary syndrome but its risk factors include excess insulin, having a family history and inflammation.
Treating polycystic ovary syndrome includes exercising daily, taking low-dose birth control pills and taking medications like spironolactone to reduce hair growth. Other medications such as clomiphene citrate can help stimulate egg release (ovulation) for fertilization. Sometimes, surgery may be used to manage polycystic ovary syndrome.
Cushing Syndrome
MedlinePlus says that Cushing syndrome refers to a condition in which the body produces too much cortisol, a type of hormone.
Symptoms of Cushing syndrome include hirsutism, delayed growth, upper body obesity, acne, backache and weak muscles. Additional symptoms of Cushing syndrome include thinning of the bones, bone tenderness, weak muscles and decreased fertility. Fatigue, high blood pressure and increased urination are other symptoms of Cushing syndrome.
Taking corticosteroid medications and having a tumor in the brain or adrenal gland (located on top of the kidneys) can lead to Cushing syndrome.
Treatment involves tapering down the corticosteroid medication or having surgery to remove the tumor.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia refers to a genetic condition affecting the adrenal glands, which are responsible for releasing sex hormones and cortisol.
Symptoms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia include hirsutism, infertility, menstrual irregularities, an enlarged penis in boys and weight loss. This condition also leads to early puberty and rapid growth during childhood.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia can be due to a defect in cortisol production. Specifically, a person may be deficient in the enzyme 21-hydroxylase.
