Hirsutism is when a woman has excessive hair growth. The hair is normally thick and dark and grows on the
- face – for example, the upper lip and chin
- chest
- lower back
- buttocks
Hirsutism is caused by an excess amount of androgens (male sex hormones), or an increased sensitivity to androgens. In most cases, this is caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (a condition that causes cysts in the ovaries and a number of other symptoms).
How common is hirsutism?
Depending on how hirsutism is defined, the condition may affect one to three women in every 20 who have not yet started the menopause (when a woman’s periods stop).
After the menopause, the change in the balance of hormones can make excess hair more common. Up to three quarters of older women may have slightly increased facial hair. Hirsutism in post-menopausal women is also known as ovarian hyperthecosis.
Outlook
There are a number of hair-removal methods that may be effective for hirsutism, such as shaving, waxing or bleaching.
If these do not adequately control the condition, a contraceptive pill can be taken in women who have not yet started the menopause. See the Health A-Z topic about Combined contraceptive pills for more information.
A number of unlicensed medications (medicines that have not been specifically tested for this purpose) are known to be effective. See Hirsutism - treatment for more information.
As the life cycle of hair is around six months, treatments can take this long to be effective. It is therefore important to start treatment as soon as possible.
Hirsutism can have a significant psychological effect on the person. If the excess hair is on the face, this can cause embarrassment and affect quality of life.
