Do I Have Hirsutism?

Do you have stiff or dark body hair, appearing on the body where women don't commonly have hair (primarily the face, chest, lower abdomen, inner thighs and back)?

Have you noticed increased hair growth on the upper lip, chin, around the nipples or on the lower abdomen?

Have you noticed that your voice has become deeper?

Do you have irregular menstrual periods?

Do you have increased muscle mass?

Have you noticed that your breasts have become smaller?

Do you have acne or oily skin?

Do you have hair loss (alopecia)?

Do you have an enlarged clitoris?

Do you have a diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or are you in a menopausal woman?

Do you have a family history of hirsutism?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have hirsutism. Hirsutism is a medical condition that occurs in women and it is characterized by excessive hair growth on parts of the body where only men usually have thick and strong hair. Hirsutism is the result of an increased amount of male hormones called the androgens, which are produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands in women. About 8 percent of women in the US have some form of hirsutism, while as many as 80 percent of women diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) suffer from this condition. Hirsutism can greatly affect a person's self-confidence.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have hirsutism. Hirsutism is a disorder in women that refers to the excessive growth of dark or coarse hair on their face, chest or back. It is commonly caused by high levels of male hormones called androgens. These hormones play a role in the development of physical and sexual characteristics in men. Women with high androgen levels will develop a male pattern of hair growth. A mild form of hirsutism includes increased hair growth on the upper lip, around the nipples or lower abdomen. A diagnosis is based on blood tests to detect possibly elevated androgen levels.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have hirsutism. Hirsutism is a condition in which a woman has excess hair on her face or body. The main characteristic of this condition is the unwanted growth of thick, dark hair that differs from the fine hair on other parts of the female body. Hirsutism can run in families, but it is mostly the result of hormonal disorders. It is common in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and menopausal women. Hirsutism can also be a side effect of certain medications. Treatment includes medications and hair removal methods (laser therapy and electrolysis).