Androgenetic Hair Growth in Women

Generally, androgens, which are male hormones such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone are responsible for hair loss in males and females, particularly when a woman has too much of these hormones. However, too many androgens can have the reverse effect on women and cause them to grow hair all over their body, but not necessarily on their head.

Virilization and Hirsutism

• When a woman is experiencing excessive hair growth, she may take on masculine characteristics, which is called virilization, according to Dr. Frederick R. Jelovsek. Virilization is almost always caused by high levels of adrogens, whereas hirsutism, another excessive hair growth condition, is more likely to be associated with mid-levels of male hormones in women.

Vellus and Terminal Hairs

• We all have vellus hairs, which are fine, non-pigmented short hairs, that are non-responsive to hormones, as well as terminal hairs, which are long, pigmented and coarse and which are responsive to hormonal influences. Some ethnic groups, such as women of Mediterranean descent, have a lot of hair on their legs and arms. This is referred to as hypertrichosis. It is not related to hormones. It's simply genetic and the way some people are born.

Outcome

• If a woman has too many androgens, or male hormones, her terminal hairs can become thicker and heavier. The vellus hairs will sometimes become terminal hairs as a result of high androgen levels. Once the vellus hairs convert, even if the hormone levels go back to normal the vellus hairs will remain as terminal hair. The only way to remove this type of hair is via laser heating, electrolysis or dilapatory creams.

Causes

• Sometimes too much androgen is secreted in the body. The excess secretions may be due to polycystic ovarian disease or adrenal hyperplasia or because of an ovarian or adrenal tumor. If the estrogen level is too low in the woman's body, the testosterone runs amok and stimulates hair growth, but not necessarily on the woman's head. The hair may grow on her face or her body, in places that she would prefer that it didn't. Dihydrotestosterone is the potent form of testosterone which really stimulates hair growth and causes acne.

Treatment

• Treatment for excessive hair growth is determined by what specifically is causing it. If it is the result of an adrenal or ovarian tumor, the tumor can be removed. Birth control pills can be used to block ovulation to prevent ovarian hyper-function. Dexamethasone is used to block excess androgen secretion from the adrenal gland. If someone is taking androgens orally or using them topically this should cease immediately because this will worsen the excessive hair growth.