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

What is the association between PCOS and hirsutism?

In Hirsutism the (United States) Endocrine Society elaborate on:

“Hirsutism is common and is usually a sign of an underlying endocrine disorder, most commonly polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In women with PCOS, weight gain probably contributes to its development or worsening”.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?

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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. Hirsutism: Diagnosis & Treatment
  10. Hirsutism: Diagnosis and Tests
  11. Hirsutism: Management and Treatment
  12. Hirsutism: Symptoms & Causes
  13. Hirsutism: Symptoms and Causes
  14. PCOS
  15. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  16. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  17. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  18. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  19. Webinars: Previous – Genetic Causes of POI
  20. 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: 19 January 2024
  2. Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism). Page Last Reviewed: 15 March 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hirsutism/ Accessed: 19 January 2024
  3. Hirsutism: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 12 October 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hirsutism/symptoms-causes/syc-20354935 Accessed: 19 January 2024
  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: 19 January 2024
  5. Hirsutism. 24 January 2022. Endocrine https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/hirsutism Accessed: 19 January 2024
  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: 19 January 2024
  7. Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism): Overview – What Causes Hirsutism? Page Last Reviewed: 15 March 2022. NHS  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hirsutism/ Accessed: 19 January 2024
  8. Hirsutism: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 12 October 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hirsutism/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354941 Accessed: 19 January 2024
  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: 19 January 2024
Topic Last Updated: 19 January 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 19 January 2024

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