|  | Conditions Treatments | Medical Conditions

Illnesses That Cause Women to Get Facial Hair

Although harmless in and of itself, facial hair growth can be embarrassing for women and can be a symptom of a serious condition. Hirsutism, which affects both men and women, is a medical term for excessive hair growth in atypical places such as the chin, upper lip, abdomen, chest and back. The excessive hair is thick and dark, unlike the natural fine hair normally found on the body. An excessive amount of the male hormone, androgen, is usually the cause.

  1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

    • Commonly referred to as PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome is an imbalance of hormones that cause the ovaries to develop fluid filled sacs called cysts. Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome are irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, obesity and excessive hair growth on the face, chest, thighs, nipple area and abdomen.

    Cushing's Disease

    • With this disease, the body produces an excessive amount of cortisol because of a pituitary gland tumor. Cortisol is commonly referred to as the "stress hormone". The pituitary gland is the controller of cortisol production in the body. Symptoms of Cushing's disease are increased weight around your torso while your legs and arms remain thin, increased healing time with minor scratches and skin infections, thin and easily bruised skin, round and puffy face, increased fatigue, depression, thick growth of body hair, irregular menstrual cycles in women, high blood pressure and increased blood sugar readings.

    Medications

    • Certain medications such as danazol, testosterone, anabolic steroids, glucocorticoids, minoxidil, cyclosporine and phenytoin have side effects that can cause facial hair growth in women. It is important that you don't stop any of these medications without talking to your prescribing physician first.

    Rare Causes

    • In some instances, ovarian or adrenal gland tumors can cause excessive growth of facial hair in women. Symptoms include rapid hair growth along with acne, decreased breast size and increased muscle mass. These symptoms need to be evaluated by your physician.

    Common Treatments

    • Decreasing male hormone levels can be achieved with weight loss. Temporary treatments consist of waxing, shaving, plucking, depilatory creams and bleaching. Permanent treatments such as electrolysis and laser hair removal can be costly. Anti-androgen medications that decrease hair growth can be prescribed by your physician, but take three to six months to be effective. A prescription cream can also be used to slow facial hair growth, but takes four to eight weeks to be effective.

Medical Conditions - Related Articles