Who does hirsutism affect?

Hirsutism primarily impacts women and individuals AFAB, although it can occur in men and individuals AMAB. Distinguishing hirsutism from normal thick, dark, long hair growth (terminal hair) can be challenging.

The likelihood of having hirsutism increases if you have a family history of related conditions, especially polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Obesity is also a risk factor for hirsutism.

Individuals of Mediterranean, Hispanic, South Asian, or Middle Eastern descent are more prone to hirsutism.

Hirsutism is rare in children but may indicate early puberty if present.

How does hirsutism affect my body?

While hirsutism does not typically impact physical health, it can have psychosocial and psychological effects. These effects include emotional stress, anxiety, and depression due to societal perceptions and personal feelings about appearance and self-image.

What are the symptoms of hirsutism?

Hirsutism is primarily characterized by excessive dark hair growth.

Another symptom associated with hirsutism is virilization, a condition where individuals develop male secondary sex characteristics due to elevated androgen levels. Androgens, a group of sex hormones aiding in puberty and physical maturity, are produced more in men and people AMAB than in women and people AFAB.

Some secondary sex characteristics resulting from virilization include:

• Deepening of the voice.
• Reduction in breast size.
• Enhanced muscle growth.
• Enlargement of the clitoris (clitoromegaly).
• Heightened sex drive.
• Occurrence of acne.

What does hirsutism look like?

Hirsutism leads to the growth of thick, coarse, dark hair in areas where finer, lighter hair typically grows. These areas may include the face, chest, back, lower abdomen, upper arms, or lower legs.

What is the cause of hirsutism in women?

Hirsutism can arise from various causes, including:

• Natural androgen production: All individuals produce androgens, with higher levels in men and AMAB individuals. Elevated androgen levels or increased follicular sensitivity in AFAB individuals can lead to hirsutism.
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): A common hormonal condition causing excessive androgen production in AFAB individuals. PCOS is often accompanied by symptoms like acne, irregular periods, weight gain, and fertility issues.
• Postmenopause: Hormonal shifts after menopause may result in increased facial hair growth, such as a mustache or whiskers.
• Cushing’s syndrome: Characterized by excess cortisol hormone, impacting various bodily systems including hair, skin, nails, glands, and nerves. Symptoms may include weight gain, poor wound healing, hypertension, and diabetes.
• Other medical conditions: Sudden hirsutism with additional symptoms like acne, deeper voice, or increased muscle development may indicate underlying disorders like adrenal gland issues, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or ovarian tumors producing androgens.
• Medications: Certain drugs such as anabolic steroids, testosterone, cyclosporine (Sandimmune®), minoxidil (Rogaine®), danazol (Danocrine®), and phenytoin (Dilantin®) can induce hirsutism as a side effect.