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Hirsutism

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Hirsutism

(Excess Male-Pattern Hair Growth)

Definition

Hirsutism is excess male-pattern hair growth in women. The coarse, dark hair can grow in areas such as the face, chest, and back.

Causes

Hirsutism is often due to an increased level of a male sex hormone called androgen. Some common causes are:

Sometimes the cause is not known.

Ovary and Fallopian Tube.

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Ovary and Fallopian Tubehttp://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=72797279si1324.jpgsi1324.jpgNULLjpgsi1324.jpgNULL\\hgfiler01a\intellect\images\si1324.jpgNULL8NULL2008-11-072483807279_11784Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in women of reproductive age.

Symptoms

The most common problem is excess hair growth on the face, arms, back, armpits, groin, or chest. Severe problems may be:

  • A deep voice
  • Male-pattern baldness
  • Acne
  • Decreased breast size
  • Increased muscle mass
  • Increased size of clitoris
  • Abnormal or absent menstrual periods

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on areas of hair growth. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.

Blood tests may be done to check hormone levels.

Other tests may be done to look for a cause.

Treatment

Any underlying causes will need to be treated. This may stop hair growth in some women.

The hair does not need to be removed, but some women may choose to do so. Options are:

  • Hair removal with:
    • Shaving
    • Bleaching
    • Chemical treatment (depilatories)
    • Waxing
    • Electrolysis
    • Laser treatment
    • Intense pulsed light (IPL)

Medicine may be given to lower the level of male hormones. Some examples are:

  • Oral contraceptives
  • Spironolactone
  • Finasteride
  • Flutamide
  • Metformin

Eflornithine may also be given. It blocks a substance needed for hair growth.

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent this health problem.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Hirsutism. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology website. Available at: http://www.aocd.org/?page=Hirsutism.
  • Hirsutism. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/hirsutism.
  • Hirsutism. UCLA Health website. Available at: http://obgyn.ucla.edu/hirsutism.
  • Hirsutism and virilization. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hirsutism-and-virilization.
  • Martin KA, Anderson RR, et al. Evaluation and Treatment of Hirsutism in Premenopausal Women: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018;103(4):1233-1257.

Contributors

  • Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
Last Updated:
2022-09-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.