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Unusual Hair Growth

Since it is dependent on so many different factors, hair growth can be a good indicator of overall health. This is especially true when the growth time, pattern or density becomes abnormal.

  1. Hirsuitism

    • This fairly common condition can be recognized by excess growth of androgen-dependent hair, such as that found on the chest, legs, arms, face and pubic area.

    Hypertrichosis

    • This condition is similar to hirsuitism, but involves the rapid growth of all hair, whether it is androgen-dependent or not.

    Excess Facial Hair

    • This condition can be caused by Cushing's syndrome, the use of anabolic steroids and the congenital gland disorder adrenal hyperplasia.

    Balding

    • The loss of normal scalp hair can be caused by excessive washing or blow-drying, obsessive hair pulling, sustained high fever, childbirth or the normal decline of androgens that accompany aging.

    Medications

    • Excess hair growth can be caused by certain hypertension (blood pressure) medications, particularly beta blockers, ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers.

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