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Ovarian cysts
Ovarian cysts
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Overproductive ovaries

Hair - excessive on females
Definition:
Excessive growth of dark, coarse body hair in women (and children); also called hirsutism.

Alternative Names:
Hypertrichosis; Hirsutism; Excessive hair on females

Considerations:

Hirsutism produces enlarged hair follicles, enlargement and increased pigmentation of hair, and typically occurs in a distribution pattern normally seen in adult males.

Excessive facial hair is usually the most troublesome symptom.

Common causes include genetics, endocrine system abnormalities, or medications such as minoxidil, androgenic steroids, or testosterone. Endocrine abnormalities which can result in excessive hair growth include polycystic ovarian syndrome, Cushing's syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or precocious puberty.

Signs of masculinization, such as deepening of the voice, excessive facial hair growth, increased muscle mass, decreased breast size, increased size of genitals, and menstrual irregularities, may be associated with this condition.

Risk factors for developing hirsutism include a family history of hirsutism, endocrine disorders, use of androgens (androgenic steroids or testosterone), and older age.
Common Causes:
  • can be normal depending on racial and geographic origin
  • familial (common for the family)
  • idiopathic (no identifiable cause)
  • polycystic ovary syndrome

RARE CAUSES:
Home Care:
Cosmetic treatment is available if desired. Upon request, doctors may suggest methods for eliminating excess hair -- bleaching, tweezing, hot wax treatments, chemical depilatories, shaving, electrolysis or laser hair removal.

For menopause, consult your doctor about estrogen replacement therapy.

For ovarian cysts or tumors, consult your doctor about removal or other treatment options.

For medications, consult your health care provider about switching or discontinuing them. NEVER CHANGE MEDICATIONS WITHOUT CONSULTING YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.

If hirsutism is due to elevated androgen levels (such as with congenital adrenal hyperplasia), it may be treated with low dose dexamethasone, oral contraceptives, or antiandrogen medications.

If hirsutism is due to an underlying endocrine disorder, treatment of the disorder may resolve the excessive hair growth and other symptoms.
Call your health care provider if:
  • the hair growth is associated with other symptoms or is causing lifestyle problems.
  • the hair growth develops or worsens rapidly.
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting your symptom in detail may include:
  • What is your race and ethnic origin?
  • Do other female members of your family also have excessive amounts of hair?
  • What medications are you taking?
  • Are you pregnant?
  • What other symptoms are also present? Is there:
Physical examination may include a pelvic examination (if appropriate).

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include: After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to excessive hair growth, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.
Review Date: 12/5/2001
Reviewed By: Stephanie Fish, M.D., Division of Endocrinology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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