This condition involves having more hair than usual in women. The increased hair growth resembles male pattern hair growth. Facial hair is typically the most bothersome, but there can also be increased hair growth in other areas such as the abdomen, breasts (around the nipples), upper back, and inner thighs. Hirsutism tends to persist throughout life. Although hirsutism is common, it may not be frequently observed because many women regularly remove hair.
Some individuals may find this condition cosmetically distressing and seek medical help. It typically occurs during puberty or early adulthood. The diagnosis is based on patient history and examination of the skin and hair. In some cases, it may be necessary to conduct blood tests or consult a gynaecologist for further evaluation.
The most common cause is hereditary, and many affected individuals have family members with increased hair growth. This is due to hair follicles being more sensitive to stimulating hormones in the blood. In some cases, the cause is the overproduction of male hormones in women. This often presents with other signs of hormone imbalance such as irregular menstruation, deepened voice, enlarged clitoris, hair loss on the scalp, and acne. Further investigations are appropriate in such cases. Pregnancy can cause temporary mild hirsutism. Medications can also affect hair growth.
Since it is difficult to remove all hair, individuals should learn to cope with the situation. Hair removal can be performed on the most visible areas of the body, and there are various methods available in addition to regular shaving, such as epilation or laser treatment. Some of these treatments aim to destroy the hair follicle, but achieving permanent hair removal is not always easy. Laser treatment typically does not provide permanent hair removal. For the face, a prescription medication can be tried. This is a cream that temporarily reduces hair growth and needs to be used regularly. If hormone imbalances are identified, treatment with birth control pills or other hormones can improve hirsutism. In some cases of hormone imbalances, weight reduction may offer some improvement.
