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Hirsutism
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
Hirsutism (hypertrichosis) is excessive hair growth with or without virilization.
Hirsutism is excessive male-pattern hair growth in women. The threshold for "too much hair" is largely determined by cultural stereotypes. Hirsutism also occurs in men, such as excessive hair growth on the back.
[ What causes hirsutism?
Hirsutism in women is accompanied by the development of virilization, which is characterized by the cessation of menstruation, coarsening of the voice, and hypertrophy of the clitoris. Almost all cases of hirsutism with virilization develop due to endocrine disorders and diseases of the ovaries or adrenal glands and are a medical, not a cosmetic problem.
Hirsutism without virilization is most often a genetic or physiological disorder (occurs during pregnancy or after menopause). However, the disease can be caused by the use of drugs (especially phenytoin, glucocorticoids and progestins) or be a sign of an endocrine (thyroid, acromegaly) or metabolic (porphyria) disease.
Males do not require diagnostic tests. Women need to consult an endocrinologist and undergo laboratory tests.
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Treatment of hirsutism
Hirussism in moderate cases can be treated with waxing, but this treatment causes skin irritation and is temporary. Laser hair removal is also possible.