Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism)

What is excessive hair growth?

Dark, course body hair growing in places it does not usually grow is called excessive hair growth, or hirsutism. It can occur in both men and women, but the growth of hair on the face, chest, abdomen, and back is usually more of a problem for women than for men. Too much facial hair is the most troublesome to women.

How does it occur?

Having a lot of body hair is more common for some races, ethnic backgrounds, and families. The cause of excessive hair growth varies. Common causes include:

genetics
hormone problems
polycystic ovary syndrome
some medicines, such as hormones or steroids.

Some less common causes are:

menopause
puberty
pregnancy
ovarian tumor or cancer.

How is it treated?

The treatment of excessive hair growth depends on the cause. If it is caused by a medical problem, treatment of the problem may help stop the growth of extra hair. If the excessive hair growth is due to a life-cycle change, such as menopause, or by medicine you have been taking, such as birth control pills, a change in medicines you are taking may help.

Extra hair growth caused by pregnancy hormones usually stops and mostly goes away within 6 months after delivery.

If excessive hair growth is a racial, ethnic, or family trait, you may want to consider seeing a hair-removal professional or use home methods to remove unwanted hair.

Professional hair removal methods include:

hot wax treatments (which have just a temporary effect)
procedures, such as electrolysis and laser hair removal, that remove hair permanently.

All professional procedures should be performed by a licensed professional, such as a licensed cosmetologist, esthetician, or electrologist. These professionals may be found in cosmetic surgery or skin care clinics or full-service beauty salons, or they may have their own private practice.

Women can control excess hair growth at home by tweezing, shaving, or using bleaches and special hair-removal products, such as depilatory creams.

You can use tweezers for removing a few hairs, such as around the eyebrows. Shaving works well on legs and underarms.
Bleaching works well on the arms, thighs, and just below the nose.
Creams that remove hair work almost anywhere, but they may irritate your skin and should not be used around the eyes.

Complications can result from any hair removal procedure. Carefully follow the directions on the labels of hair removal products and ask about the risks involved with any professional hair removal procedure.

When should I call my health care provider?

Call your health care provider if:

You are having other symptoms such as:
- increased muscle mass
- signs of masculinization (such as a deepening of the voice)
- excessive growth of hair on your face
- menstrual changes
- decreased breast size
- increased size of genitals.
Your hair growth is different from your family patterns.
The excessive hair growth seems to be getting worse.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File GEN4410F.HTM Release 9.0/2006