Excess body hair is often a symptom of an underlying medical problem. See your doctor for assessment if over a few months you experience severe or rapid hair growth on your face or body or signs of virilization. You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in hormone disorders (endocrinologist) or skin problems (dermatologist)
Here are causes
1 Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one common cause of hirsutism. It accounts for 85 percent of cases.
PCOS causes benign cysts to form on the ovaries, which can affect hormone production. This can lead to irregular menstrual cycles and decreased fertility.
The Office of Women’s HealthTrusted Source states that individuals living with obesity, and those who have a family history of the condition, are at a higher risk of developing PCOS.
2 Adrenal gland disorders
Other forms of hormonal imbalance that can cause hirsutism include certain adrenal gland disorders, such as:
adrenal cancer
adrenal tumors
congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Cushing disease
The adrenal glands, located just above your kidneys, are responsible for hormone production.
People with congenital adrenal hyperplasia are born without an enzyme that’s necessary for hormone production. An adrenal tumor can cause the overproduction of certain hormones, such as prolactin. Individuals with Cushing disease have higher-than-normal levels of cortisol (cortisol is sometimes called the “stress hormone”).
3 Cushing syndrome. This occurs when your body is exposed to high levels of the hormone cortisol. It can develop from your adrenal glands making too much cortisol or from taking medications such as prednisone over a long period.
Risk factors
Hirsutism can affect anyone, at any age, but you’re more likely to experience it if you have a family member who has also been diagnosed with it.
Women of Middle Eastern, European, and South Asian ancestry are also more predisposed to hirsutism.
Several factors can influence your likelihood of developing hirsutism, including:
- Family history. Several conditions that cause hirsutism, including congenital adrenal hyperplasia and polycystic ovary syndrome, run in families.
- Ancestry. Women of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and South Asian ancestry are more likely to have more body hair with no identifiable cause than are other women.
- Obesity. Being obese causes increased androgen production, which can worsen hirsutism.
