Hirsutism

Hirsutism is a condition where women have excess unwanted hair on their faces and bodies. The hair is dark and coarse and usually appears where men typically grow hair, on the chest, face, and back.

Body and facial hair is normal. The amount of hair varies among women. But about half of women with hirsutism may have high levels of male sex hormones called androgens.

Most cases of hirsutism are not severe, and are not caused by any underlying condition. However, sometimes there is a more serious underlying condition, such as Cushing syndrome. About 8% of adult women in the United States have hirsutism. Sometimes no cause can be found.

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Review Date: 3/25/2015  

Reviewed By: Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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