Definition
The normal amount of body hair varies widely among women. When coarse, dark hairs grow where women typically do not grow dark hair, such as the lip, chin, chest, abdomen, or back, the condition is called hirsutism.
Alternative names
Hypertrichosis; Hirsutism; Hair - excessive (women)
Causes
Excessive hair growth in women is usually from too much male hormone (androgen). A common cause is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). In most cases, however, the specific cause is never identified. It tends to run in families. In general, hirsutism is a harmless condition. But many women find it bothersome, even embarrassing. If hirsutism develops suddenly and is accompanied by other typical male features, such as deepening voice, acne, or increased muscle mass, it may be caused by a mor...
Definition
The normal amount of body hair varies widely among women. When coarse, dark hairs grow where women typically do not grow dark hair, such as the lip, chin, chest, abdomen, or back, the condition is called hirsutism.
Alternative names
Hypertrichosis; Hirsutism; Hair - excessive (women)
Causes
Excessive hair growth in women is usually from too much male hormone (androgen). A common cause is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). In most cases, however, the specific cause is never identified. It tends to run in families. In general, hirsutism is a harmless condition. But many women find it bothersome, even embarrassing.
If hirsutism develops suddenly and is accompanied by other typical male features, such as deepening voice, acne, or increased muscle mass, it may be caused by a more serious disorder. These causes, such as hormone-secreting tumors or cancer, are rare.
Rare causes include:
Care
There are a variety of ways to remove unwanted hair:
- Bleaching -- lightening hair to make it less noticeable.
- Hair removal -- shaving, plucking, waxing, or chemical depilation.
- Electrolysis -- using electrical current to damage individual hair follicles so they do not grow back. This is expensive and requires multiple treatments.
- Laser hair removal -- using laser to damage individual hair follicles so they do not grow back. This is expensive and requires multiple treatments.
- Weight loss -- in overweight women, weight loss can decrease male hormone levels and reduce hair growth.
Birth control pills and anti-androgen medications can also help reduce hair growth. A doctor must prescribe these medications.
When to contact a medical professional
Call your doctor if:
- The hair grows rapidly.
- The hair growth is associated with male features such as acne, deepening voice, increased muscle mass, and decreased breast size.
- You are concerned that medication may be worsening unwanted hair growth.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your doctor will perform a physical examination, including a pelvic examination if appropriate. The doctor will ask questions such as:
- Do other members of your family also have excessive amounts of hair?
- What medications are you taking?
- Have your periods been regular?
- Are you pregnant?
- Have you noticed other signs of excess male hormones such as increased muscle mass, deepening voice, acne, or decreased breast size?
Diagnostic blood tests may be performed to measure levels of :
If a tumor is suspected, x-ray tests such as a CT scan or ultrasound may be recommended.
References
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Review Date: .7/17/2007
Reviewed By: Nikheel S. Kolatkar, MD, Clinical and Research Fellow, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.7/17/2007
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