All women normally produce low levels of male hormones (androgens). Unwanted hair growth (hirsutism) in women may occur when the body makes too much male hormones.
In most cases, the exact cause is never identified. It tends to run in families. In general, hirsutism is a harmless condition. But many women find it bothersome, or even embarrassing.
A common cause is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS and other hormonal conditions that cause unwanted hair growth may also have acne, problems with menstrual periods, trouble losing weight, a deeper voice similar to that of men, and diabetes. If these symptoms start suddenly, there may be a tumor that releases male hormones.
The following other causes of unwanted hair growth are rare:
Tumor or cancer of the adrenal gland Tumor or cancer of the ovary Cushing's syndrome Congenital adrenal hyperplasia Hyperthecosis (a condition in which the ovaries produce too much male hormones) Medications (testosterone, danazol, anabolic steroids, glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, minoxidil, phenytoin)
Rarely, a woman with hirsutism will have normal levels of male hormones, and the specific cause of the unwanted hair growth cannot be identified.
What Causes Hirsutism?
All women normally produce low levels of male hormones (androgens). {{ORGANIZATION}} hair growth (hirsutism) in women may occur when the body makes too much male hormones.
In most cases, the exact cause is never identified. It tends to run in families. In general, hirsutism is a harmless condition. But many women find it bothersome, or even embarrassing.
A common cause is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS and other hormonal conditions that cause unwanted hair growth may also have acne, problems with menstrual periods, trouble losing weight, a deeper voice similar to that of men, and diabetes. If these symptoms start suddenly, there may be a tumor that releases male hormones.
The following other causes of unwanted hair growth are rare:
Tumor or cancer of the adrenal gland Tumor or cancer of the ovary {{ORGANIZATION}}'s syndrome Congenital adrenal hyperplasia {{NAME}} (a condition in which the ovaries produce too much male hormones) Medications (testosterone, danazol, anabolic steroids, glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, minoxidil, phenytoin)
Rarely, a woman with hirsutism will have normal levels of male hormones, and the specific cause of the unwanted hair growth cannot be identified.