What Are the Causes of Unwanted Hair Growth?

The growth of unwanted hair, or hirsutism, most often is caused by the presence of excessive male hormones called androgens, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, this excess of hormones can be the result of another disease or condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, about 10 percent of women in the United States suffer from hirsutism, but a combination of medical and self-care measures can help treat the condition. However, in some cases there is no identifiable case at all.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a fairly common hormonal disorder in women of child-bearing age. Most women with PCOS have enlarged ovaries that are covered with small cysts. Besides excessive hair, other symptoms include acne, menstrual irregularities and weight gain. Women who suffer from PCOS also have extremely high levels of androgen. According to the Mayo Clinic, PCOS is the most common cause of unwanted hair growth in women. Treatment for PCOS is directed at treating its symptoms, such as taking birth control pills to regulate your period and eating healthy. Some women chose to undergo hormone therapy to counteract the high levels of androgens.

Cushing's Syndrome

• Women who suffer from Cushing's syndrome are exposed to high levels of the hormone cortisol, according to the Mayo Clinic. Also called hypercortisolism, Cushing's syndrome occurs when your endocrine produces too much cortisol, the hormone produced in reaction to stress. Besides excessive hair growth, other symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include the growth of a hump near the shoulders, stretch marks on the skin and the rounding of the face. Too much stress or even too much corticosteroid medication can cause the syndrome, causing an imbalance in your hormones and inducing hirsutism. Treatment is aimed at bringing the body's cortisol levels down to normal.

Other Causes

• There are various other causes of unwanted body hair. For example, congenital adrenal hyperplasia is condition where the adrenal glands produces too much androgen and not enough cortisol. This is an inherited disorder that can even affect the growth and development of children, but also can affect adults. In some rare situations, tumors can also cause unwanted hair growth. If these tumors are located in or on the ovaries, they can secrete androgens. Finally, some medicines can cause unwanted hair growth, like danazol, which is used by some women with uterine problems, but this is a very rare cause.