Hirsutism
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Hirsutism is the growth of excessive amounts of male-pattern hair (dark, stiff). It mainly occurs in women, but can also affect men, although it is more difficult to diagnose as it may look like normal hair growth for a man. This excessive hair usually appears on the face, neck, back, thighs, chest, and abdomen.
Cause
Hirsutism is caused by high levels of androgens (male hormones). Women naturally produce androgens, but elevated levels of androgens, usually due to PCOS, lead to hirsutism.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of hirsutism are coarse and dark hair growth and virilization, which is the development of male characteristics in a female. Some characteristics that women may develop from virilization include a deeper voice, decreasing breast size, enlargement of the clitoris, and balding.
Treatment
Birth control pills, medications, and weight loss can lower androgen levels, leading to less excessive hair growth. Topical cream, laser hair removal, electrolysis, and other methods, such as shaving or waxing, can remove hair in affected areas. These treatments will not make the hair stop growing, but they can cause the hair to grow back slower and thinner.
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