Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism): Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Hirsutism is a condition in women that causes excessive growth of dark, coarse hair in areas such as the face, chest and back, which can create a masculine appearance. It is usually caused by excess male hormones (androgens), primarily testosterone. Treatment options for hirsutism include self-care measures as well.

What Are the Symptoms of Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism)?

Hirsutism is stiff or dark body hair that appears on parts of the body where women typically do not have hair, especially the face, chest, lower abdomen, inner thighs and back. Although whether this hair is considered excessive, and how bothersome it is, can be a matter of personal opinion, it can be treated. When high androgen levels cause hirsutism, other signs may also develop through a process called virilization, also known as masculinization.

Signs of virilization include:

• Acne,
• Male-pattern hair loss,
• Deepening of the voice,
• Increased muscle mass,
• Decreased breast size.
• enlargement of the clitoris
• increased muscle mass

Which Clinic Should You See for Excessive Hair Growth?

If you think you have too much coarse hair on your face or body, it is a good idea to seek specialist advice about treatment options. Excessive hair on the face or body may be a sign of a medical problem. If you develop heavy or rapid hair growth on your face or body, or signs of virilization, over a few months, you can see your doctor for an evaluation.

For a check-up of excessive hair growth and to consult an endocrinologist about a possible hormonal disorder, you can visit the Endocrinology clinic. A dermatologist can also help plan your treatment by evaluating any skin concerns.

What Causes Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism)?

The main causes of hirsutism, or excessive hair growth, are:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This condition, which usually begins around puberty, causes an imbalance in sex hormones. Over the years, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can gradually lead to excessive hair growth, irregular periods, obesity, infertility and sometimes multiple cysts on the ovaries.

Cushing's syndrome: This occurs when your body is exposed to high levels of the hormone cortisol. It can develop when your adrenal glands produce too much cortisol or as a result of taking medications such as prednisone over a long period.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: This inherited condition is characterized by abnormal production of steroid hormones, including cortisol and androgens, by your adrenal glands.

Tumors: Rarely, an androgen-secreting tumor in the ovaries or adrenal glands can cause hirsutism.

Medications: Some medications can cause hirsutism. These include minoxidil (Minoxidil, Rogaine); danazol, which is used to treat women with endometriosis; testosterone (Androgel, Testim); and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). If your partner uses topical products containing androgens, you may also be affected through skin-to-skin contact.

Hirsutism can also often occur without an identifiable cause.

Is Excessive Body Hair a Health Risk?

Several factors can increase your likelihood of developing hirsutism. These include family history, obesity, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

Family history: Several conditions that cause hirsutism, including congenital adrenal hyperplasia and polycystic ovary syndrome, run in families.

Ancestry: Women of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and South Asian descent are more likely than other women to have more body hair with no identifiable cause.

Obesity: Being obese increases androgen production, which can make hirsutism worse.

What Are the Complications of Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism)?

Hirsutism can be emotionally distressing. Some women feel self-conscious about having unwanted hair, and some develop depression. In addition, although hirsutism does not cause physical complications, it may be caused by an underlying hormonal imbalance. If you have hirsutism and irregular periods, you may have polycystic ovary syndrome, which can interfere with fertility. Women who take certain medications to treat hirsutism should avoid pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects.

How Is Hirsutism Treated?

The diagnosis is made with blood tests for androgen levels, an ovarian ultrasound and, when necessary, cross-sectional imaging methods (such as CT or MRI). Treatment uses personal hair-removal methods such as epilation, shaving, waxing, laser and electrolysis, as well as medications. The best results are achieved when both approaches are used together. Medications used in treatment include birth control pills and anti-androgen drugs. These medications need to be used for at least 6 months to be effective.

Especially for concerns arising from increased hair growth around the face, psychological support and counseling during treatment can help make the process easier for those who are affected. At İzmir Can Hastanesi, as part of the patient's history and treatment methods in hirsutism care, we support creating the best possible conditions for recovery in terms of the patient's morale and psychological well-being.