About Hirsutism
Hirsutism in women is the excess growth of dark and coarse hair over areas of the body where it ordinarily wouldn’t grow, such as the face and back. About one woman in 10 is affected.
Hirsutism is usually a symptom of an underlying problem rather than a medical condition in its own right. In most cases, the underlying problem is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is often associated with irregular menstrual cycles, acne, obesity, infertility and an increased risk of diabetes and osteoporosis. If you are concerned about the amount or distribution of body hair, see your doctor.
Hairiness is not the same as hirsutism
Tolerance to body hair is a cultural issue. A woman with more body hair than she would like should not assume she that has hirsutism.
Genetics play an important role in hair colour, thickness and distribution. For example, dark body hair and facial hair is common in women from many areas of the world including the Mediterranean, Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. Familial hirsutism (which means excess hair is inherited) is perfectly normal and is not associated with any underlying medical condition.
Male sex hormones and hirsutism in women
The female sex hormone oestrogen makes body hair fine and soft. Androgens are male sex hormones, including testosterone, which are responsible for masculine characteristics such as facial hair and coarse body hair. A woman’s ovaries and adrenal glands naturally make a small amount of androgens.
In most cases, hirsutism in women is thought to be caused by an abnormally high level of androgens. Other masculine features such as a deepened voice and increased muscle mass may also develop, and menstrual periods may cease (amenorrhoea). In other cases, women’s androgen levels are normal, but their hair follicles are overly sensitive to the effects of male sex hormones.
Source: Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Australia