Hirsutism

“Hirsutism is where women have thick, dark hair
on their face, neck, chest, tummy,
lower back, buttocks or thighs”.1

Umbrella

What may the Hirsutism Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Hirsutism
  • Male-Pattened Hair Growth
  • Ovarian Hyperthecosis

Definition

What is hirsutism?

DotS the definition of hirsutism may vary. The (United Kingdom) NHS’s definition is:

“Hirsutism is where women have thick, dark hair on their face, neck, chest, tummy, lower back, buttocks or thighs”.2

The (United States) Mayo Clinic’s definition is:

“Hirsutism (HUR-soot-iz-um) is a condition in women that results in excessive growth of dark or coarse hair in a male-like pattern — face, chest and back”.3

Cause

What may cause hirsutism?

In Hirsutism: What Is the Cause of Hirsutism In Women? the (United States) Cleveland Clinic explain:

“In many cases, hirsutism doesn’t have a known cause. However, several conditions cause hirsutism, including:

  • The natural production of androgens…
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)…
  • Postmenopause…
  • Cushing’s Syndrome…
  • Other conditions
  • Medications…”.4

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

HirsutismWhat is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

DotS the definition of PCOS may vary. In Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Fact Sheet the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) definition is:

“PCOS is a hormone imbalance that affects about one in 10 women. This condition is associated with increased levels of two hormones in the body – insulin and androgens (male-type hormones) – that cause symptoms such as absent or irregular periods, excessive facial and body hair, pimples, weight gain and challenges with fertility”.5

Postmenopause

May postmenopause be associated with increased facial hair?

The Cleveland Clinic note:

  • “Postmenopause. The hormonal changes that take place in your body after menopause may lead to increased facial hair, including a mustache or whiskers”.6

Is postmenopause increased facial hair, always hirsutism?

In Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism) the NHS explain:

“If you have lighter, finer hair on your face or body, it’s probably not hirsutism. Most women get more of this type of hair as they get older, particularly after the menopause”.7

Treatment

How may hirsutism be treated?

In Hirsutism: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment the Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“Treatment of hirsutism with no sign of endocrine disorder is not necessary. For women who do need or seek treatment, it may involve treating any underlying disorder, developing a self-care routine for unwanted hair, and trying various therapies and medications”.8

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have hirsutism?

The Cleveland Clinic explain:

Hirsutism“It’s a good idea to see your healthcare provider as soon as you notice unusual hair growth. Hirsutism may be a symptom of PCOS, Cushing’s syndrome or other conditions”.9

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Hirsutism?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Hirsutism?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. About Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
    Hirsutism
  2. Endocrine Society [United States]
  3. Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism)
  4. Excessive or Unwanted Hair In Women
  5. Hair & Acne – Management & Treatment
  6. Hirsutism
  7. Hirsutism
  8. Hirsutism
  9. Hirsutism
  10. Hirsutism: Diagnosis & Treatment
  11. Hirsutism: Diagnosis and Tests
  12. Hirsutism: Management and Treatment
  13. Hirsutism: Symptoms & Causes
  14. Hirsutism: Symptoms and Causes
  15. PCOS Information Translated In Community Languages
  16. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  17. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  18. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  19. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  20. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  21. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  22. Surprising Menopause Symptoms | Dr Louise Newson [Video]
  23. Surprising Menopause Symptoms Revisited | Dr Louise Newson [Video]
  24. Yourhormones.info [You and Your Hormones, United States]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism). Page Last Reviewed: 15 March 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hirsutism/ Accessed: 26 March 2025
  2. Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism). Page Last Reviewed: 15 March 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hirsutism/ Accessed: 26 March 2025
  3. Hirsutism: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 12 October 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hirsutism/symptoms-causes/syc-20354935 Accessed: 26 March 2025
  4. Hirsutism: What Is the Cause of Hirsutism In Women? Last Reviewed: 08 July 2022. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14523-hirsutism Accessed: 26 March 2025
  5. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Fact Sheet. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/resources/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos Accessed: 26 March 2025
  6. Hirsutism: What Is the Cause of Hirsutism In Women? Last Reviewed: 08 July 2022. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14523-hirsutism Accessed: 26 March 2025
  7. Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism): Overview – What Causes Hirsutism? Page Last Reviewed: 15 March 2022. NHS  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hirsutism/ Accessed: 26 March 2025
  8. Hirsutism: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 12 October 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hirsutism/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354941 Accessed: 26 March 2025
  9. Hirsutism: When Should I See My Healthcare Provider? Last Reviewed: 08 July 2022. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14523-hirsutism Accessed: 26 March 2025
Topic Last Updated: 26 March 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 26 March 2025

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