Hirsutism is a special condition that is more visible in women and children. This is defined by excessive hair growth on the face, chest, back, buttocks, and thighs of women, usually in a pattern resembling that of men. An excess level of male hormone androgen is present in such types of females who exhibit the characters of hirsutism. Around 5% and 15% of women suffer from hirsutism, which is frequently linked to serious psychological stress and a lower quality of life.

Since it commonly runs in families, if your mother, sister, or other female family has this hair growth, you may be at a higher risk of developing it yourself. Mediterranean, South Asian, or Middle Eastern women are more susceptible toward this abnormal condition. All this extra hair is most often noticeable around the mouth and chin. Though the condition itself isn’t always harmful. Females and children who have too much body hair can make them feel self-conscious. The hormonal disorder that can lead to it and make a person’s health more difficult.

Signs & Symptoms of Hirsutism

The most common features of hirsutism are listed below:

Extra hair growth on the face, chest, and many more.
Coarse and dark hair.
Hair growth in areas where hair is not found in females.
Embarrassment or distress related to excessive hair growth

Another sign of hirsutism is virilization. It is a condition in which women or people with AFAB develop male traits. Virilization can happen when people with hirsutism have high hormone levels. Signs of virilization include:

A deep voice
More muscle mass
Balding
Acne
Enlarged clitoris
Smaller breasts

Causes of Hirsutism in Women

Production of androgens

Males and AMAB people make more androgens than women, but everyone has them. Someone who is AFAB may develop hirsutism if the person is showing high levels of androgenic hormone. Hair follicles are more sensitive to hormones, which can also be a reason for this.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Women and people with AFAB produce excessive amounts of androgens due to PCOS. Acne, irregular menstruation, diabetes, weight gain, and issues with fertility are some more signs of PCOS.

Post menopause

After menopause, an individual may face hormonal changes that can cause more facial hair, for example, whiskers or a mustache.

Cushing’s syndrome

When the body makes cortisol in a large quantity and damages the integumentary system, this is known as Cushing’s syndrome. It includes hair, skin, nails, glands, and nerves. It can also cause diabetes, high blood pressure, wounds that don’t heal well, and rapid weight gain in the face.

Other Conditions

If hirsutism appears unexpectedly coupled with symptoms such as a deeper voice, acne, or accelerated muscular development, you may have a more serious issue.

Medications

Some drugs can be the main reason for this condition. These medicines are anabolic steroids, testosterone, cyclosporine, minoxidil, and many more.

Risks Associated with Hirsutism

Family history

Some medical illness that run in families and affect your hormones can cause hirsutism.

Ancestry

Former women are more likely than other women to have surplus body hair for no reason.

Obesity

Your body makes more male hormones when you are overweight, which may lead to hirsutism.

Tests to Diagnose Hirsutism

Your doctor may ask for a number of tests to find whether you are susceptible to this unwanted condition or not, such as:

Hormone levels through blood tests.
X-rays to assess adrenal glands and ovaries.
Ultrasound

Treatments

Various treatment option are listed below:

Medications

Oral contraceptives pills
All these are common drugs and help in lowering androgen levels, regulating menstrual cycle and preventing pregnancy.
Androgen-suppressing medications
Even mild cases of hirsutism are treated by these drugs. It lowers the amount of androgens that the body produces.
Low-dose steroid medications
These drugs reduce blood levels of insulin and androgens.
Eflornithine skin cream
These creams do not remove hair, but it slows down the growth of hairs.

Hair removal options

Laser hair removal

With this method, cells with a lot of pigment are destroyed by the heat from a laser. Dark hair absorbs the most heat since it has more color. Hair prevents hair growth by transferring heat to the hair follicles and destroying them.

Electrolysis

In this case, hair roots are destroyed one by one using a small needle and electrical zap. Using electrolysis on the part of the body would not be feasible. Each hair follicle needs to be treated.

Home remedies

Shaving can remove unwanted hair easily with a razor or electric shaver. Individuals may need to shave daily to avoid stubble growth.
Waxing is a fast method for removing unwanted hair by the root. The skin is covered with wax, which is swiftly removed.
Tweezing or threading are different ways to pluck hair out at the root. You can use tweezers or thread to remove unwanted hair.
Application of bleaching products can lighten the hair on your body.