What is hirsutism?

Excessive facial or body hair is often a sign of an underlying medical problem. If you notice excessive or rapid hair growth on your face or body within a few months, or experience symptoms of virilization, see your doctor for an evaluation. You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in hormone disorders (endocrinologist) or skin problems (dermatologist).

The causes of hirsutism

Hirsutism may be caused by:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This condition, which often begins with puberty, causes an imbalance of sex hormones. Over the years, PCOS may slowly lead to hair growth, irregular periods, obesity, infertility, and sometimes multiple cysts on the ovaries.
• Cushing’s syndrome: This happens when your body is exposed to high levels of the hormone cortisol. This can be caused by your adrenal glands producing too much cortisol or by taking medications such as prednisone over a long period of time.
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: This inherited condition is characterized by abnormal production of steroid hormones, including cortisol and androgens, by your adrenal glands.
• Tumors: Rarely, an androgen-secreting tumor in the ovaries or adrenal glands can cause hirsutism.
• Medications: Some medications can cause hirsutism. These include minoxidil (Minoxidil, Rogaine). Danazol, which is used to treat women with endometriosis. Testosterone (Androgel, Testim) and Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).
• If your partner uses topical products containing androgens, you can also be affected through skin-to-skin contact.
• Often hirsutism occurs without an identifiable cause.

Dangers of hirsutism

Several factors can affect the likelihood of developing hirsutism, including:

• Family history: Several conditions that cause hirsutism run in families, including congenital adrenal hyperplasia and polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Ancestry: Women of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian ancestry are more likely than other women to have excessive body hair without an identifiable cause.
• Obesity: Being obese increases androgen production, which can worsen hirsutism.

Complications of hirsutism

Hirsutism can be emotionally distressing. Some women feel uncomfortable with having unwanted hair. Some get depressed. Also, although hirsutism does not cause physical complications, it can be the main cause of hormonal imbalance.

If you have hirsutism and irregular periods, you may have polycystic ovary syndrome, which can inhibit fertility. Women who use certain medications to treat hirsutism should avoid pregnancy due to the risk of birth defects.

Ways to prevent hirsutism

Hirsutism is generally not preventable, but losing weight if you are overweight may help reduce hirsutism, especially if you have polycystic ovary syndrome.

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