Many people are not privy to the cause of this condition in women.
It is called Hirsutism.
Hirsutism is excess hair growth on the body or face.
For women, the hair may grow in areas where men often have a lot of hair, but women often do not.
This includes the upper lip, chin, chest, and back.
It is caused by an excess of male hormones called androgens.
All women naturally produce small amounts of androgens but the issue is high levels of this hormone can lead to hirsutism.
What causes hirsutism?
Hirsutism can run in families.
1. It may also be caused by what is called Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
This is the most common cause of hirsutism in women.
It is a disorder that causes hormone problems.
2. Disorders of the pituitary gland, adrenal gland, or thyroid gland.
3. Tumor on the ovary that makes extra androgens
4. Severe insulin resistance
5. Changes in hormones from menopause
6. Use of anabolic steroids or corticosteroids
7. Use of medicine to treat endometriosis
8. Certain other medicines
In some cases, the cause is not known.
This is called idiopathic hirsutism.
Who is at risk for hirsutism?
You are more at risk for hirsutism if you have any of these:
1. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
2. Parents or siblings with excess hair growth
3. Disorders of the pituitary gland, adrenal gland, or thyroid gland
4. Severe insulin resistance
Changes in hormones from menopause
5. Use of anabolic steroids or corticosteroids
6. Use of medicine to treat endometriosis
What are the
symptoms of hirsutism?
Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each person.
They include darker or thicker hairs growing on parts of the body such as:
Upper lip
Chin
Jawline
Chest
Back
Buttocks
The symptoms of hirsutism can look like other health conditions.
See your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
