Excessive Hair Growth Syndrome

Excessive growth of hair in unusual places on women is called hirsutism. The typical locations for this dark, thick and unwanted hair are the face, chest and back. According to the Mayo Clinic, up to 10 percent of women in the United States have hirsutism to some degree.

Cause

• Hirsutism can be caused by an overabundance of the male hormone androgen in the female body. This imbalance can be caused by various conditions, such as tumors and some medications.

Symptoms

• In addition to excess unwanted hair growth, other symptoms of high androgen levels may occur, such as a deepening voice and decreased breast size.

Diagnosis

• To diagnose hirsutism, your doctor will take your medical history, as well as conduct a physical exam. Blood tests may also be performed to measure the amount of different hormone levels present in your system.

Treatment

• Depending on the severity of your case, your doctor may prescribe a medication to control the amount of male hormones present in your system.

Hair Removal

• Any treatment or medication your doctor suggests will not remove the hair already grown, so removing it will involve methods such as shaving, electrolysis or laser therapy.