Hirsutism is a condition in which a woman experiences abnormal hair growth. The Mayo Clinic describes it as male-pattern hair growth. Women may notice coarse hair that is darker than normal on places of the body such as the face, chest and back. Some women may even have a deepening of the voice and balding. Hirsutism impacts about 10 percent of women in the U.S. Once the condition is identified, treatment consisting of self-care and medication can improve hair growth.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome, the most common identifiable cause of hirsutism, is a condition in which a female’s sex hormones are imbalanced. The Mayo Clinic explains that it leads to irregular periods, obesity, infertility and the occasional development of multiple cysts on the ovaries. This syndrome can lead to an increase in androgens or an increase in sensitivity to androgens. The result can be hirsutism.
Cushing’s Syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome is a health condition that results from exposure to high levels of a hormone called cortisol. This steroid is important in the body’s ability to respond to stress. With Cushing’s syndrome, a woman’s sex hormones are out of balance, which contributes to the development of hirsutism.
Congenital Conditions
An inherited condition called congenital adrenal hyperplasia can cause an increase in androgen and cortisol production by the adrenal glands, which can cause hirsutism. FamilyDoctor.org, a website of the American Academy of Family Physicians, points out that hirsutism sometimes runs in families.
Medications
HIrsutism can be caused by certain medications, including those that work to change hormone production in a woman’s body. The Mayo Clinic cites one example, called danazol, which is used to treat endometriosis. FamilyDoctor.org points out that other possible drug causes include hormones or anabolic steroids.
Cause Unknown
When a woman’s androgen levels appear normal, menstruation is normal and no other underlying conditions can be identified, the cause of hirsutism may not be identified. The Mayo Clinic explains that this is more frequently the case in certain ethnic populations. This includes women with Middle Eastern, South Asian and Mediterranean descent.
Tumor
The growth of a tumor or cancer of the adrenal gland or ovary can contribute to hirsutism, as indicated by the National Institutes of Health. This is not a common cause of the condition.
