Hirsutism

About the Symptom

A condition in women that results in excessive growth of dark or coarse hair in a male-like pattern — face, chest and back. It can be present in those with polycystic ovary syndrome, obesity, or endocrine disorders. It can also be caused by some medications.

When to See a Doctor

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

• Headache
• Disorder of consciousness
• Edema
• Fainting with loss of consciousness
• Abnormal menstruation
• Abdominal pain

Possible Causes

Generally, Hirsutism can be related to:

• Porphyria

  Porphyrias are a group of inherited or acquired disorders caused by a buildup of natural chemicals that produce porphyrin in the body. Porphyrins are necessary for hemoglobin function. Common triggers include drugs (birth control pills, sedatives, etc.), fasting, smoking, drinking alcohol, infections, emotional and physical stress, hormonal imbalance, and sun exposure.

• Cushing's Syndrome

  This condition is caused by excessive amounts of a hormone called cortisol. It may be caused by the consumption of some steroid medications or the body producing too much cortisol because of a tumor. It can present with a fatty hump between the shoulders, a rounded face, and pink or purple stretch marks on the skin. Cushing syndrome also can cause high blood pressure bone loss or diabetes.

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

  Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS is a condition that can affect women during their reproductive years. It is generally diagnosed when women have irregular periods (menstrual cycles) along with features of excess male hormones (androgens). Patients typically have evidence of abnormal hair growth on their face, chest or abdomen. They can have multiple cysts (fluid sacs) on their ovaries when looked at by ultrasound, but this is not required. Patients with obesity have an increased risk for PCOS. The exact cause is unknown, but it can run in families and is related to hormonal imbalances (estrogen, insulin, testosterone etc).

• Primary Amenorrhea
• MELAS Syndrome
• Acromegaly
• Pregnancy

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

• Has your body hair thickened recently?
• How long have you had increased hair volume this time?
• How is your excessive hair growth on the body now?

Find Similar Symptoms

References

• Hirsutism - Cleveland Clinic

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14523-hirsutism