Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Are Hirsutism Symptoms?What Causes Hirsutism?How Is Hirsutism Diagnosed?How Is Hirsutism Treated?What Is the Prognosis for Hirsutism?How to Cope With Hirsutism
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Are Hirsutism Symptoms?
What Causes Hirsutism?
How Is Hirsutism Diagnosed?
How Is Hirsutism Treated?
What Is the Prognosis for Hirsutism?
How to Cope With Hirsutism
Hirsutism—also known as excessive hair growth—is a condition that occurs in 5 to 10% of females.It causes unwanted hair growth on the face and body in females. The hair tends to grow in areas typically seen in males. Several conditions can cause hirsutism, and treatments aim to reduce or eliminate unwanted hair.
This article will discuss hirsutism symptoms, causes, and treatment. It will also cover diagnosis and the outlook for those with the condition.
Hirsutism on chin.DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
The primary symptom of hirsutism is the excessive growth of coarse dark hair in areas of the body that are sensitive to androgens (sexhormoneslike testosterone produced in higher amounts in the testes than in the ovaries). These areas are:
Hirsutism vs. HypertrichosisHypertrichosisis similar to hirsutism. However, in this condition, there is a generalized increase in hair growth all over the body, not just the upper lip, chin/jawline, back, chest/abdomen, and inner thigh.
Hirsutism vs. Hypertrichosis
Hypertrichosisis similar to hirsutism. However, in this condition, there is a generalized increase in hair growth all over the body, not just the upper lip, chin/jawline, back, chest/abdomen, and inner thigh.
About half the time, hirsutism results from increasedandrogenlevels. About the other half of the time, hirsutism occurs in females with normal androgen levels. Androgens are sex hormones normally found in low levels in females and higher levels in males. When the bodymakes too many androgen hormones, it can cause hirsutism in females.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)is the most common cause of hirsutism.PCOS causes three out of every four cases. People with PCOS may have other symptoms, including:
For some people, their hirsutism’s cause is never found.
Can I Have Hirsutism Without PCOS?While PCOS is the most common cause of hirsutism, other potential causes exist.Some of the other—rarer—causes of increased hair growth are:Adrenal gland tumor or cancerOvarian tumor or cancerCushing’s syndromeCongenital adrenal hyperplasiaHyperthecosisMedications can also cause unwanted hair growth. Medications known to cause hair growth are:TestosteroneAnabolic steroidsGlucocorticoidsDanazol
Can I Have Hirsutism Without PCOS?
While PCOS is the most common cause of hirsutism, other potential causes exist.Some of the other—rarer—causes of increased hair growth are:Adrenal gland tumor or cancerOvarian tumor or cancerCushing’s syndromeCongenital adrenal hyperplasiaHyperthecosisMedications can also cause unwanted hair growth. Medications known to cause hair growth are:TestosteroneAnabolic steroidsGlucocorticoidsDanazol
While PCOS is the most common cause of hirsutism, other potential causes exist.
Some of the other—rarer—causes of increased hair growth are:
Medications can also cause unwanted hair growth. Medications known to cause hair growth are:
If someone hasvirilization—the growth of male characteristics—then a healthcare provider may use a pelvic ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosis.
Hirsutism is usually a long-term condition. The choice to remove excessive hair growth is up to each person. If the hair growth does not bother them, they can leave it alone. However, many people choose to remove the hair.
Hair removal options are outlined below. include:
Laser Hair Removal
Duringlaser hair removal, a traineddermatologistor nurse applies an intense beam of laser light to an area of hairy skin. You may experience a slight stinging sensation during the procedure and some short-term redness and swelling.
The procedure is not permanent, but hair is removed longer than waxing or depilatories.
Electrolysis
During electrolysis, a small needle is inserted into ahair follicleto deliver an electrical charge. This charge kills the hair down to its root. You may experience a mild stinging sensation and short-term redness and tenderness.
Any hair that is darker or thicker may require multiple treatments.
Shaving
Shaving cuts the hair at the skin’s surface, leaving a blunt edge. Shaving doesn’t cause the hair to darken or thicken, but the blunt edges can sometimes be noticeable if the shaft is especially dark or thick. Moreover, shaving must be done frequently to maintain a hair-free appearance.
The problem with daily shaving is that it can develop ingrown facial hairs andrazor bumps(pseudofolliculitis barbae).
Waxing
Waxing involves applying a thin layer of heated wax to the surface of hairy skin, which is then yanked off using a cloth. This process pulls the hair entirely out of the shaft.
This typically only needs to be done every three weeks.
Similar to shaving,ingrown hairscan occur.
Medications
Medications can treat hair growth related to hirsutism. They can decrease the amount of hair or stop new hair growth. Most medications must be taken for six months before noticeable improvement begins. Medication options include:
How to Lower High Testosterone Levels in Women
Hirsutism is typically a long-term condition. Though there may be no way to cure it, the prognosis is good due to several treatment options available to those who have it. There are ways to stop excessive hair growth or remove hair with medicines or external treatments.
It’s important to know thathair folliclesgrow for six months before they fall out. This means that medicines can take six months before hair growth decreases.
For someone with hirsutism, dealing with their condition can be hard to cope with and stressful. Finding a healthcare provider who understands your concerns and is open to finding the right treatment can help.A support groupwith people who suffer from the same condition can also provide comfort to those with hirsutism.
Summary
Hirsutism is unwanted hair growth in females. It can occur as a result of increased androgen hormones, PCOS, or other causes.
A healthcare provider can diagnose it through a physical exam and diagnostic testing. Treatment aims to reduce androgen hormones and remove unwanted hair. Those with hirsutism may find that joining a support group or connecting with other people with the condition can also provide emotional assistance.
6 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.Sachdeva S.Hirsutism: evaluation and treatment.Indian J Dermatol. 2010;55(1):3-7. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.60342MedlinePlus.Excessive or unwanted hair in women.Bode D, Seehusen DA, Baird D.Hirsutism in women.American Family Physician. 2012;85(4):373-380.UpToDate.Patient education: hirsutism (excess hair growth in women).Matheson E, Bain J.Hirsutism in women.Am Fam Physician.2019;100(3):168-75.American Electrology Association.Find an electrologist.
6 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.Sachdeva S.Hirsutism: evaluation and treatment.Indian J Dermatol. 2010;55(1):3-7. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.60342MedlinePlus.Excessive or unwanted hair in women.Bode D, Seehusen DA, Baird D.Hirsutism in women.American Family Physician. 2012;85(4):373-380.UpToDate.Patient education: hirsutism (excess hair growth in women).Matheson E, Bain J.Hirsutism in women.Am Fam Physician.2019;100(3):168-75.American Electrology Association.Find an electrologist.
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.
Sachdeva S.Hirsutism: evaluation and treatment.Indian J Dermatol. 2010;55(1):3-7. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.60342MedlinePlus.Excessive or unwanted hair in women.Bode D, Seehusen DA, Baird D.Hirsutism in women.American Family Physician. 2012;85(4):373-380.UpToDate.Patient education: hirsutism (excess hair growth in women).Matheson E, Bain J.Hirsutism in women.Am Fam Physician.2019;100(3):168-75.American Electrology Association.Find an electrologist.
Sachdeva S.Hirsutism: evaluation and treatment.Indian J Dermatol. 2010;55(1):3-7. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.60342
MedlinePlus.Excessive or unwanted hair in women.
Bode D, Seehusen DA, Baird D.Hirsutism in women.American Family Physician. 2012;85(4):373-380.
UpToDate.Patient education: hirsutism (excess hair growth in women).
Matheson E, Bain J.Hirsutism in women.Am Fam Physician.2019;100(3):168-75.
American Electrology Association.Find an electrologist.
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