Hirsutism: The main causes and risk factors of facial hair

Hirsutism is a condition seen in women that causes them to have dark or coarse “masculine” hair on their face, chest and back.

In hirsutism, extra hair growth is often caused by an excess of male sex hormones (androgens), mainly testosterone.

Self-help methods and effective treatment options are available for women who want to treat hirsutism.

Experts have varying opinions on what constitutes additional hair growth.

When high levels of the male sex hormones, androgens, cause hirsutism, other signs called virilization may develop over time.

Signs of virilization may include:

thickening or hoarseness of the voice,

baldness,

acne

breast reduction

increase in muscle mass.

Excessive facial or body hair is often a symptom of an underlying health problem. See a doctor for evaluation if you experience increased or rapid growth of facial or body hair within a few months.

After getting acquainted with the problem, the relevant specialists can refer to a doctor specializing in hormone disorders (endocrinologist or endocrinologist) or skin problems (dermatologist or dermatologist).

Hair loss and excessive hair growth can also be associated with problems such as:

Polycystic ovary syndrome. this condition, which often begins with puberty, causes an imbalance of sex hormones.

Over the years, PCOS can slowly lead to excessive hair growth, irregular periods, obesity, infertility, and sometimes multiple cysts on the ovaries.

Cushing’s syndrome. this occurs when the body is exposed to high levels of the hormone cortisol. It can develop from the adrenal glands producing too much cortisol or from taking such medications for a long period of time.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia. this inherited disease is characterized by an overproduction of steroid hormones, including cortisol and androgens, by the adrenal glands.

Tumors. rarely, an androgen-secreting tumor of the ovaries or adrenal glands can cause hirsutism.

Medicines. some medications can cause hirsutism. If your partner uses topical products containing androgens, you may also be exposed to these substances through skin-to-skin contact.

There are several factors that can affect your likelihood of developing hirsutism.

Family history. Several diseases and conditions that cause hirsutism, including congenital adrenal hyperplasia and polycystic ovary syndrome, can be inherited.

Ethnic origin. women of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian descent are more likely than other women to have more body hair for no apparent reason.

Obesity. obesity also leads to increased androgen production, which can worsen hirsutism.

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