Excessive Hair / Hirsutism

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS for short, is a common cause of hirsutism. Due to its effects on hormones, PCOS can also cause other symptoms like acne and abnormal & irregular periods.

However, there may be times when a cause cannot be found.

Certain medications like anabolic steroids can also cause hirsutism.

If hirsutism appears suddenly, or is associated with other symptoms like deepening of a woman’s voice or stopping of menstruation cycle then medical investigation is of utmost priority.

TREATMENT

Treatment for hirsutism can be a mixture of lifestyle modifications, such as losing weight (see Dr Weightman’s weight loss section), home hair removal or lightening, and medical interventions such as eflornithine cream to slow hair growth. For women who have not been through the menopause, a contraceptive can be used to regulate the hormone levels hence reduce hair growth. Some women opt for electrolysis or laser hair removal which works for longer but is not permanent and can be expensive.