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

PCOS To PMOS

Has Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) been renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)?

In Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS): PCOS Name Change To PMOS, last updated 21 May 2026, the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) explain:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS).

The name polycystic ovary syndrome suggests a problem with ovarian cysts, whereas polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome reflects the whole-body nature of the condition”.5

In Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS): Common Symptoms of PMOS – Excess Hair (Hirsutism) the JH also explain:

“PMOS can cause excess hair growth on your face and body. The hair is usually thicker and darker than normal. It may grow on the:

  • Chest
  • Stomach
  • Back
  • Upper arms
  • Thighs”.6

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”.7

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”.8

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”.9

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”.10

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. Endocrine Society [United States]
  2. Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism)
  3. Excessive or Unwanted Hair In Women
  4. Hirsutism
  5. Hirsutism
  6. Hirsutism
  7. Hirsutism
  8. PCOS Has A New Name
  9. PCOS Name Change
  10. PCOS: How To Talk To Your Doctor
  11. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  12. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  13. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  14. Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) [Multiply Languages]
  15. 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: 14 June 2026
  2. Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism). Page Last Reviewed: 18 August 2025. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hirsutism/ Accessed: 14 June 2026
  3. Hirsutism: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 17 September 2025. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hirsutism/symptoms-causes/syc-20354935 Accessed: 14 June 2026
  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: 14 June 2026
  5. Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS): PCOS Name Change To PMOS. Last Reviewed: 21 May 2026. Last Reviewed: 21 May 2026. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/pmos/ Accessed: 14 June 2026
  6. Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS): Common Symptoms of PMOS – Excess Hair (Hirsutism). Last Reviewed: 21 May 2026. Last Reviewed: 21 May 2026. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/pmos/ Accessed: 14 June 2026
  7. 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: 14 June 2026
  8. Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism): Causes of Hirsutism. Page Last Reviewed: 18 August 2025. NHS  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hirsutism/ Accessed: 14 June 2026
  9. Hirsutism: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 17 September 2025. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hirsutism/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354941 Accessed: 14 June 2026
  10. Hirsutism: When Should I See My Healthcare Provider? Last Reviewed: 08 July 2022. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14523-hirsutism Accessed: 14 June 2026
Topic Last Updated: 14 June 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 14 June 2026

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
/by
Copyright © 2011 – 2026 Meno Martha®. All Rights Reserved. | The information provided on  Meno Martha, Meno Martha International Menopause Directory and/or menomartha.com is for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for or replace the medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of your qualified health care providers. | By using this service you accept Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Terms of Use which incorporate Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy. | Meno Martha® is a registered Trademark | Meno Martha International Menopause Directory® is a registered Trademark.
Meno Martha and/or Meno Martha International Menopause Directory do not sell, produce or endorse any products, services or content of any kind including pills or potions for ‘menopause symptom relief’. Please Contact Us if you see or receive any advertisements allegedly by, for or on behalf of Meno Martha and/or Meno Martha International Menopause Directory.