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Bath & Body Care Advice

Excessive Hair Growth: What’s Considered Normal?

Carina Wolff
Writer and expert6 years ago
View Carina Wolff's profile

woman hiding face in sweater

Body hair isn’t the most glamorous topic, which means it’s not likely something you discuss with your friends very often. With everyone waxing, plucking and shaving so much these days, it’s hard to tell if the hair you have growing on your body is completely normal or if it’s cause for concern. Excessive hair growth is possible, but how do you know if you have it? I’ve spoken with a number of top dermatologists to answer the most pressing questions when it comes to female body hair.

1. What constitutes hair growth as "excessive" and when is it a cause for concern?

Although everyone is born with different amounts, having body hair is completely normal. However, there are some cases in which hair growth is excessive, and this is known as hirsutism. This condition involves having thick, coarse hairs that appear in a male-type pattern, such as in the beard area or on the chest, according to dermatologist Dr. Suzanne Friedler. This hair growth can be anywhere on the body, but it tends to be an issue when it negatively affects someone socially, visually or emotionally.

2. What are some of the different causes of excessive hair growth?

Excessive hair growth is generally the result of a hormonal imbalance, but it can be just hereditary with normal hormone levels, especially in women of Mediterranean descent, says dermatologist Dr. Neal Schultz. Below are some of the most common causes of hirsutism:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The most common cause of excessive hair growth is the hormone imbalances that occur as a result of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Generally, this is due to excess male hormone (androgen) levels. “This often results in severe cystic acne on the face and trunk, irregular periods, obesity, infertility and usually cysts on the ovary,” says Schultz.

Obesity

Insulin resistance and obesity can also lead to high levels of male hormones, according to Friedler, since obesity can change the way your body produces and processes hormones. Obesity is often linked to issues such as PCOS or diabetes.

Cushing's Syndrome

Cushing’s syndrome also causes an imbalance of hormones, but it involves the adrenal gland making too much cortisol rather than a sex hormone. “Cushing's syndrome is caused by taking too much medicine containing cortisone, such as prednisone,” says Schultz.

Certain Medications

“Hirsutism can also be caused by medications such as Prozac, which is used to treat depression and/or anxiety, and it also can be caused by Danzol, which is used to treat endometriosis,” says Schultz. Ceasing to take these medications generally fixes the issue.

Organ Hypersensitivity

“When hirsutism occurs without any detectable hormonal imbalance, it’s sometimes caused by an organ hypersensitivity, meaning the hair follicles are too sensitive to normal male hormone levels,” says Schultz. In cases like this, medicines that block the effect of male hormones may be helpful.

3. How is excessive hair growth diagnosed?

Excessive hair growth is diagnosed by a physician, usually either an endocrinologist or a dermatologist. “They take a history and perform a physical exam, blood tests and other tests, including sonograms,” says Schultz. Blood tests can determine which hormones are elevated and help to direct treatment, says Friedler.

4. What are some of the treatment options?

Treatment options for excessive hair growth depend on the cause. If medications are leading to hair growth, stopping these medications is recommended. Hormonal issues like PCOS can generally be managed with medications such as birth control. “Spironolactone is an anti-androgen pill that is often combined with birth control pills,” says Friedler.

Since obesity can increase male hormone (androgen) production, weight loss is often helpful. Laser hair removal is also a viable option, although its effectiveness depends on the cause of the condition, says Schultz. There are also topical options such as Vaniqa (aka Eflornithine), which can slow growth of hair.

Everyone has their own amount of hair that’s considered normal, but if you suspect you might have hirsutism, it’s best to see a doctor, who can help discover the cause of your excessive hair growth and how to treat it.

Carina Wolff
Writer and expert
View Carina Wolff's profile

Carina Wolff is a health and wellness writer based out of Los Angeles. She graduated from New York University with a degree in journalism and psychology. When she’s not writing, doing yoga or exploring mountains and beaches, she spends her time cooking for her healthy food blog, Kale Me Maybe.

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