Excessive hair growth (hirsutism)

Causes of hirsutism

Hirsutism is usually linked to changes in androgen levels ("male" hormones). It can happen if the level of these hormones increases or if your body becomes more sensitive to them.

The most common cause is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This is a condition affecting the ovaries that can also cause symptoms such as acne and irregular periods.

Sometimes there's no obvious cause.

Rarely, hirsutism can be caused by:

• certain medicines such as some epilepsy medicines and steroids including anabolic steroids
• other hormonal conditions like Cushing's syndrome and acromegaly
• a tumour affecting your hormone levels

Ask for an urgent GP appointment if:

You're a woman and:

• new thick, dark hair suddenly starts growing on your face and body
• your voice is getting lower
• your muscles are getting bigger

Treatments for hirsutism

If you have hirsutism, your GP may suggest:

• losing weight if you're overweight – this can help control hormone levels
• things you can do at home to remove or lighten the hair – such as shaving, waxing, plucking, hair removal creams or bleaching
• a prescription cream to slow hair growth on your face (eflornithine cream)
• taking a contraceptive pill if you've not been through the menopause yet – this can help control hormone levels

If these things do not help, or if your GP thinks you need further or more urgent tests and treatment, they may refer you to a specialist.

Longer-lasting hair removal

There are treatments that can get rid of unwanted hair for longer than the things you can do at home. But they're not usually permanent.

They're also not usually available on the NHS and can be expensive.

The 2 main treatments are:

• electrolysis – where an electric current is used to stop your hair growing
• laser hair removal

Make sure you research these treatments before trying them. They both have risks and the results are not the same for everyone.