What Is Hirsutism? How Can You Address This Concern?

Some women are very particular about how they look, which also includes how much hair grows on the different parts of their body, such as on the upper lip. Some may even feel conscious about it. What is hirsutism? And how can you address your concerns about this condition? 

What Is Hirsutism?

Hirsutism refers to the condition in which a woman’s hair grows excessively on different parts of the body, such as the following:

• Face (specifically the upper lip, jawline)
• Chest
• Back
• Upper arms
• Lower abdomen
• Buttocks 
• Upper legs (or inner thighs)

In addition to that, women who have the condition may have darker, thicker, longer hair than what is usual.

This condition is usually due to the high levels of male hormones, particularly androgens. There are some women who may also have it due to menopausal hormonal changes, adrenal or even ovarian dysfunction.

Hirsutism is typically first noticed in the late adolescent years and worsens with age, but it usually responds to treatment.

What Are the Symptoms?

When people ask about what is hirsutism, they usually follow up with another question about symptoms. Aside from excessive hair growth on different parts, some signs and symptoms are as follows:

• Acne
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Loss of feminine body shape 
• Decreased breast size
• Signs of masculinity (i.e., deepening voice, increase in muscle mass, enlargement of shoulder muscles, balding, enlargement of the clitoris)

These symptoms normally occur in women who have high androgen levels. Hirsutism is also associated with another condition called virilization.

On the other hand, if it is due to Cushing Syndrome, symptoms may include the following:

• Obesity
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Skin thinning 

What Is Hirsutism and What Causes It?

Hirsutism can be passed down through families. Additionally, it could also be a result of:

• Excessive production of androgens
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Disorders of the glands (i.e., pituitary, adrenal, thyroid glands)
• Tumors on the ovaries, making extra androgens
• Cushing syndrome
• Use of steroids (anabolic or corticosteroids)
• Use of medicines to treat endometriosis
• Certain other medications that can cause hair growth (phenytoin, minoxidil, diazoxide, cyclosporine)
• Severe insulin resistance
• Hormonal changes due to menopause

Meanwhile, there are some cases wherein the root cause is left unknown. Medical experts refer to this as idiopathic hirsutism.

To be able to determine the extent of hair growth, the doctor will perform a physical examination. Aside from checking on the physical signs, the doctor may also run a series of tests to rule out other conditions. 

How Can You Treat Hirsutism?

There are many different ways to remedy abnormal hair growth. The remedy often depends on the preference of the person who wants to take action for it. 

Doctors may first recommend losing some weight for those who are overweight. This can help in the reduction of androgen levels. 

Some temporary yet easy topical remedies to remove hair at home are as follows:

• Shaving
• Waxing
• Plucking 
• Bleaching
• Depilatory creams
• Prescription cream, lotion, or gel to slow down hair growth

You may also consider taking some medications, doing electrolysis, or even laser hair removal to treat hirsutism. 

Learn more about Hair and Scalp Care here.