Hair, excessive on females
Alternative names:
excessive hair on females; hirsutism; hypertrichosis
Home care:
Cosmetic treatment is available if desired. Upon request, doctors may suggest methods for eliminating excess hair - bleaching, tweezing, hot wax treatments, chemical depilatories, shaving, or electrolysis.
For menopause, consult your doctor about estrogen replacement therapy.
For ovarian cysts or tumors, consult your doctor about removal or other treatment options.
For medications, consult your health care provider about switching or discontinuing them. NEVER CHANGE MEDICATIONS WITHOUT CONSULTING YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.
If hirsutism is due to elevated androgen levels (such as with congenital adrenal hyperplasia), it may be treated with low dose dexamethasone, oral contraceptives, or antiandrogen medications.
If hirsutism is due to an underlying endocrine disorder, treatment of the disorder may resolve the excessive hair growth and other symptoms.
Call your health care provider if:
- the hair growth is associated with other symptoms or is causing lifestyle problems.
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting your symptom in detail may include: - What is your race and ethnic origin?
- Do other female members of your family also have excessive amounts of hair?
- What medications are you taken?
- Are you pregnant?
- What other symptoms are also present? Is there:
Physical examination may include a pelvic examination (if appropriate).
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include: After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to excessive hair growth, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.
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