There are small amounts of male hormones called androgens, present in all females. An excess of these androgens can result in excessive hair in the hormone dependent areas such as the face, chest, abdomen and back. Some girls may also start having irregular periods. Androgen levels may be high due to certain genetic conditions or PCOS. Very high levels of androgens may be caused by tumors.

Hirsutism can also be caused by hair follicles that are over sensitive to these androgens or certain medicines.

Hirsutism seems to run in families. If you have hirsutism, your doctor may want to do some tests to find out what is causing it.

Sometimes hirsutism can occur without any underlying cause. This is called idiopathic hirsutism.

When should you consult your doctor about hirsutism?

You should consult your doctor if there is a sudden increase in facial or body hair or if the hair has started getting thick and dark. Also, if your periods have become irregular or if your voice has become deeper, you should see your doctor.

Diagnosis

A detailed history, physical examination and specific lab tests would be required to determine the cause of hirsutism.

If you're overweight, you should lose weight. Losing weight reduces the amount of hormones in your body that cause increased hair growth. There are also medicines called anti-androgens to help control the male hormones that cause hirsutism. Anti-androgens usually take at least 3 to 6 months to work. They can decrease the amount of new hair growth, but they are less likely to change the amount of hair you already have.
Excess hair can be removed by depilatory creams, waxing, electrolysis or laser treatment