Hirsutism in Women Overview
Learn About Hirsutism in Women
Most of the time, women have fine hair above their lips and on their chin, chest, abdomen, or back. The growth of coarse dark hair in these areas (more typical of male-pattern hair growth) is called hirsutism.
Hypertrichosis; Hirsutism; Hair - excessive (women); Excessive hair in women; Hair - women - excessive or unwanted
Women normally produce low levels of male hormones (androgens). If your body makes too much of this hormone, you may have unwanted hair growth.
In most cases, the exact cause is never known. The condition often runs in families.
A common cause of hirsutism is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS and other hormone conditions that cause unwanted hair growth may also have:
- Acne
- Problems with menstrual periods
- Trouble losing weight
- Diabetes
If these symptoms start suddenly, you may have a tumor that releases male hormones.
Other, less common causes of unwanted hair growth may include:
- Thyroid disorders
- Tumor or cancer of the adrenal gland
- Tumor or cancer of the ovary
- Cushing syndrome
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Hyperthecosis -- a condition in which the ovaries produce too much male hormones
Use of certain medicines may also be the cause of unwanted hair growth, including:
- Testosterone
- Danazol
- Anabolic steroids
- DHEA
- Glucocorticoids
- Cyclosporine
- Minoxidil
- Phenytoin
Female body builders may take male hormones (anabolic steroids), which may result in excessive hair growth.
In rare cases, women with hirsutism have normal levels of male hormones, and the specific cause of the unwanted hair growth cannot be identified.
The main symptom of this condition is the presence of coarse dark hair in areas that are sensitive to male hormones. These areas include:
- Chin and upper lip
- Chest and upper abdomen
- Back and buttocks
- Inner thigh
Hirsutism is generally a long-term problem. There are many ways to remove or treat unwanted hair. Some treatment effects last longer than others.
- Medicines -- Drugs such as birth control pills, anti-androgen medicines, and spironolactone are a few options for some women.
- Electrolysis -- Electrical current is used to permanently damage individual hair follicles so they do not grow back. This method is expensive, and multiple treatments are needed. Swelling, scarring, and redness of the skin may occur.
- Laser energy directed at the dark color (melanin) in the hairs -- This method is best for a large area of very dark hair. It does not work on blond or red hair.
Temporary options include:
- Shaving -- Although this does not cause more hair to grow, it may make hair look thicker.
- Chemicals, plucking, and waxing -- These options are safe and inexpensive. However, chemical products may irritate the skin.
For women who are overweight, weight loss may be able to help reduce hair growth.
Gijs Van Haaften practices in Utrecht, Netherlands. Van Haaften and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Hirsutism in Women. Their top areas of expertise are Hirsutism in Women, Cantu Syndrome, Hypertrichosis-Acromegaloid Facial Appearance Syndrome, and Acromegaloid Facial Appearance Syndrome.
Mazen Kurban practices in Beirut, Lebanon. Kurban and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Hirsutism in Women. His top areas of expertise are Hirsutism in Women, Congenital Hemidysplasia with Ichthyosiform Erythroderma and Limbs Defects, Peeling Skin Syndrome, and Autosomal Recessive Hypotrichosis.
Mieke Van Haelst practices in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Van Haelst and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Hirsutism in Women. Her top areas of expertise are Hirsutism in Women, Obesity, Cantu Syndrome, Fraser Syndrome, and Gastric Bypass.
Hair follicles grow for about 6 months before falling out. Therefore, it takes many months of taking medicine before you will notice a decrease in hair growth.
Many women get good results with temporary steps to remove hair or lighten it.
Most of the time, hirsutism does not cause health problems. But many women find it bothersome or embarrassing.
Contact your provider if you have any of the following:
- The hair grows rapidly.
- You also have male features such as acne, deepening voice, increased muscle mass, male pattern thinning of your hair, increasing size of the clitoris, and decreased breast size.
- You are concerned that medicine you are taking may be increasing the growth of unwanted hair.
Summary: The goal of this observational cohort study is to investigate the effect of intense pulsed light (IPL) for excessive hair in patients \>18 years of age and in need of gender affirmative treatment, refered to the department of dermatology and venereology, Umeå University Hospital, Sweden. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * \[To evaluate the effect of consecutive IPL treatments in w...
Summary: The first IPL device obtained United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance in 1995 for treatment of lower extremity telangiectasias. Since then, its favorable cost and versatility in contrast to many singlespectrum lasers, has led to its rapid proliferation and use in a number of different clinical settings. As described in the literature, ANTHÉLIA medical device is intended to treat...
Published Date: October 13, 2023
Published By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Tosti A. Diseases of hair and nails. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 409.