Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisOther SignsTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Other Signs
Treatment
Abnormal facial hair growth in and of itself is not an indication that you havepolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). With that said, the symptom—known ashirsutism—is commonly seen in people with PCOS (a hormonal disorder that causes fluid-filled cysts on theovaries).
This article explains what causes PCOS hirsutism, along with other symptoms of a condition that affects as many as six million people in the United States.It also explains how PCOS is diagnosed as well as treatments to remove excess facial or body hair.
Philipp Nemenz / Getty Images
Symptoms of Hirsutism
Under normal circumstances, females usually have fine, light-colored, and barely noticeable hairs (calledvellushairs) that grow above the lips or on the chin, chest, abdomen, or back. This is sometimes referred to as “peach fuzz” and develops normally during childhood.
People with PCOS hirsutism have coarse, visible, dark hairs growing in these parts of the body. These hairs are referred to as androgenic hairs; the term “androgen” refers to male hormones liketestosterone.
Causes of Hirsutism
If your body makes too many androgens, you may experience unwanted hair growth. This most often affects the central part of the body such as between the breasts, around the belly button, or in the inner thighs. It can also affect the face.
In addition to PCOS, several other conditions can cause hirsutism. All of these directly or indirectly involve theendocrine systemwhich regulates and produces hormones:
Diagnosing PCOS as a Cause
If you think PCOS is the cause of your hirsutism, you should see a healthcare provider. If needed, you may be referred to anendocrinologistwho specializes in hormonal disorders.
Although there is no definitive test for PCOS, the diagnosis can be made if certain criteria are met and other possible causes are excluded.
Criteria for Diagnosis
According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, PCOS can be diagnosed if you have at least two of the following three symptomsandall other possible causes have been excluded:
The presence of ovarian cysts isn’t enough to make a diagnosis as many people with PCOS do not have cysts.
Other Facial and Physical Changes With PCOS
PCOS hirsutism is only one of the consequences of increased androgen levels, known ashyperandrogenism. With hyperandrogenism, a person with PCOS may start to develop secondary male characteristics and experience dysfunction of the female reproduction system.
In addition to hirsutism, other signs and symptoms of PCOS hyperandrogenism include:
Treatment Options
PCOS hirsutism is generally a long-term condition that may require one or more treatments to reduce unwanted hair on the face and/or body.
Options include:
For overweight people or those with obesity, weight loss can also help reduce PCOS hirsutism.
PCOS Diet: What to Eat to Manage Symptoms
Summary
PCOS may be diagnosed if there are problems with your periods, multiple cysts on your ovaries, and evidence of hyperandrogenism (high androgen levels). Treatments for PCOS hirsutism include shaving, waxing, plucking depilatories, hormonal medications, electrolysis, and laser hair removal.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Office on Women’s Health.Polycystic ovary syndrome.Endocrine Society.Polycystic ovary syndrome.Mihailidis J, Dermesropian R, Taxel P, Luthra P, Grant-Kels JM.Endocrine evaluation of hirsutism.Int J Women Dermatol.2015;1(2):90-94. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2015.04.003American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Polycystic ovary syndrome.Agrawal N.Management of hirsutism.Indian J Endocr Metab. 2013;17(7):77. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.119511
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Office on Women’s Health.Polycystic ovary syndrome.Endocrine Society.Polycystic ovary syndrome.Mihailidis J, Dermesropian R, Taxel P, Luthra P, Grant-Kels JM.Endocrine evaluation of hirsutism.Int J Women Dermatol.2015;1(2):90-94. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2015.04.003American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Polycystic ovary syndrome.Agrawal N.Management of hirsutism.Indian J Endocr Metab. 2013;17(7):77. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.119511
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Office on Women’s Health.Polycystic ovary syndrome.Endocrine Society.Polycystic ovary syndrome.Mihailidis J, Dermesropian R, Taxel P, Luthra P, Grant-Kels JM.Endocrine evaluation of hirsutism.Int J Women Dermatol.2015;1(2):90-94. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2015.04.003American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Polycystic ovary syndrome.Agrawal N.Management of hirsutism.Indian J Endocr Metab. 2013;17(7):77. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.119511
Office on Women’s Health.Polycystic ovary syndrome.
Endocrine Society.Polycystic ovary syndrome.
Mihailidis J, Dermesropian R, Taxel P, Luthra P, Grant-Kels JM.Endocrine evaluation of hirsutism.Int J Women Dermatol.2015;1(2):90-94. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2015.04.003
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Polycystic ovary syndrome.
Agrawal N.Management of hirsutism.Indian J Endocr Metab. 2013;17(7):77. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.119511
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