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Hirsutism (extra hair growth)

Also called: Hirsutism, extra hair growth, facial hair in women

Coarse, dark hair growing in a male pattern (face, chest, back) in women, often from PCOS or genes.

Common causePCOS
TreatmentHormone pills, hair removal

Overview

Hirsutism is coarse, dark hair in places like the chin, chest, and back in women.

PCOS is the most common cause; rarely, a fast onset can be from a hormone-making tumor.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Extra hair on face or body
  • Extra facial or body hair, or hormonal acne

Less common

  • Acne
  • Irregular periods

When to get medical care

Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todaySudden fast hair growth with a deeper voice.
See a doctor soonNew extra hair.

Causes

Hormones, genes.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • PCOS

Possible complications

Diagnosis

Blood tests check hormones.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Hormone tests:

Treatment

Treat cause and hair.

Self-care

  • Shaving, waxing, laser
  • Use shaving, waxing, or laser

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Birth control pills
Hormones
Spironolactone
Hair growthNot in pregnancy.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Some ethnic backgrounds: More hair is normal.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Some skin medicines, like isotretinoin and retinoid creams, aren't safe in pregnancy.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • Do I have PCOS?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Hirsutism (extra hair growth)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.