Hirsutism

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 extra growth of dark or coarse hair. The hair growth follows a male-like pattern. It may show up on the face, chest, back and other body parts where hair usually doesn’t grow on women”.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): Causes of 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 isn’t necessary for hirsutism with no sign of a hormonal condition.

For people who do need treatment or those who decide to seek treatment, it may involve:

  • Treating underlying health problems
  • Starting a self-care routine to remove unwanted hair
  • Trying various therapies and medicines”.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?

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Links

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New or Updated

  1. Endocrine Society [United States]
  2. Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism)
  3. Excessive or Unwanted Hair In Women
  4. Hair & Acne – Management & Treatment
  5. Hirsutism
  6. Hirsutism
  7. Hirsutism
  8. Hirsutism
  9. How To Talk To Your Doctor About PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
    Hirsutism
  10. PCOS Guideline
    Hirsutism
  11. PCOS Information Translated In Community Languages
  12. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  13. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  14. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  15. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  16. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  17. 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: 18 August 2025. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hirsutism/ Accessed: 23 December 2025
  2. Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism). Page Last Reviewed: 18 August 2025. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hirsutism/ Accessed: 23 December 2025
  3. Hirsutism: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 17 September 2025. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hirsutism/symptoms-causes/syc-20354935 Accessed: 23 December 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: 23 December 2025
  5. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Fact Sheet. 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/resources/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos Accessed: 23 December 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: 23 December 2025
  7. Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism): Causes of Hirsutism. Page Last Reviewed: 18 August 2025. NHS  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hirsutism/ Accessed: 23 December 2025
  8. Hirsutism: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 17 September 2025. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hirsutism/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354941 Accessed: 23 December 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: 23 December 2025
Topic Last Updated: 23 December 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 23 December 2025

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