How does hirsutism present in women with PCOS, and what are common treatments?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Hirsutism in women with PCOS is when they have more hair than usual on their face and body. Treatments include lifestyle changes and medicines to reduce hair growth.

Important Next Steps

Discover likely causes of hirsutism Learn if hirsutism needs care today Find out if PCOS is causing it See OTC options for excess hair Find a doctor for hirsutism treatment Understand home remedies for hirsutism Check if your symptoms suggest PCOS

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Explanation

Hirsutism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often means they have more hair than usual on their face, chest, or back. This happens because of higher levels of male hormones called androgens.

How It Presents:

More hair on the face, like the upper lip or chin.
Hair on the chest, back, or belly.
Sometimes, oily skin or acne can also be seen.

Common Treatments:

Lifestyle Changes:

Eating healthy and exercising can help manage weight, which may reduce symptoms.

Medications:

Birth control pills can help balance hormone levels.
Anti-androgen medicines can reduce hair growth.

Hair Removal Methods:

Options like shaving, waxing, or laser treatments can help manage unwanted hair.

If you're experiencing symptoms like excess hair growth along with other concerns, you can use Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to better understand your symptoms and determine when to seek medical care. It's important to talk to a healthcare provider to find the best treatment plan for your individual needs.

(References)

Matheson E, & Bain J. (2019). Hirsutism in Women. American family physician, 31361105.
Spritzer PM, Marchesan LB, Santos BR, & Fighera TM. (2022). Hirsutism, Normal Androgens and Diagnosis of PCOS. Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland), 36010272.
Oliveira TF, & Comim FV. (2024). Understanding hirsutism in PCOS. Expert review of endocrinology & metabolism, 38305206.

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