Hair, excessive on females

Alternative names:

excessive hair on females; hirsutism; hypertrichosis

Definition:

Excessive growth of dark, coarse body hair in women (and children); also called hirsutism.

Considerations:

Hirsutism produces enlarged hair follicles, enlargement and increased pigmentation of hair, and typically occurs in a distribution pattern normally seen in adult males.

Excessive facial hair is usually the most troublesome symptom.

Causes may be hereditary, or involve endocrine system abnormalities, or certain medications such as minoxidil, androgenic steroids, or testosterone. Endocrine abnormalities which can result in excessive hair growth are acromegaly, precocious puberty, Cushing's syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and ovarian lesions.

Signs of masculinization, such as deepening of the voice, excessive facial hair growth, increased muscle mass, decreased breast size, increased size of genitals, and menstrual irregularities, may be associated with this condition. Risk factors include a family history of hirsutism, endocrine disorders, use of androgens (androgenic steroids or testosterone), and older age.

Common causes:

• can be normal depending on racial and geographic origin
• familial (common for the family)
• menopause
• overactive adrenal gland
• medications (such as testosterone and minoxidil)
• ovarian cysts, tumor, or cancer
• pregnancy
• puberty
• idiopathic (no known cause)
• acromegaly
• adrenocortical carcinoma
• anovulatory bleeding
• classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• Cushing's disease
• hyperprolactinemia
• nonclassical congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• ovarian overproduction of androgens
• polycystic ovary syndrome (Stein-Leventhal syndrome)
• drugs such as aminoglutethimide, cyclosporine, drugs containing androgens or progestins, glucocorticoid, metoclopramide, and minoxidil

Note: This list is not all inclusive and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The list of all possible causes can be extensive and include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the list will vary based on the age and gender of the individual as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom, such as quality, timing, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for this symptom occurring alone or in combination with other problems.