$Unique_ID{BRK01988} $Pretitle{} $Title{Excessive Hair Development on a Woman} $Subject{excess Excessive Hair hairs develop Development developments Woman women female females face leg legs sign signs hirsutism mustache beard sideburns chest breast breasts abdomen back thigh thighs virilism cystic acne menstrual menstruation menstruate disturbance disturbances clitoral enlarge enlargement atrophy bald balding menopause medicine medicines medication medications phenytoin Dilantin minoxidil diazoxide androgen contraceptive contraceptives tumor tumors androgen hormone hormones test tests testing cause causes caused causing grow growing growth treat treating treatment treatments Surgery surgeries drug drugs therapy therapies spironolactone cyproterone acetate chemical chemicals shave Shaving remove removers tweezer tweezing wax epilation electrolysis} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. Excessive Hair Development on a Woman ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: My sister, a woman of some 47 years, visited with me for the first time in a year. I was shocked by some of the physical changes I noted in her appearance, especially the amount of hair around her face, and what I could observe of her legs. I couldn't bring myself to mention it, but wonder if all this could be a sign of anything seriously wrong. She seems unaware of how much hair she has. What can you tell me about this, and what should I do? Thank you. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: The condition is known as "hirsutism" which can be defined as excessive amounts of coarse hair in a woman that grows in a pattern that resembles men's hair. Most commonly it affects the face, mustache, beard and sideburns, but also extends across the chest, on the breasts, down the midline of the abdomen, on the lower back and thighs. Hair may be only one of the signs of "virilism" in a woman, the other signs include cystic acne and menstrual disturbances, and in more severe cases, clitoral enlargement, breast atrophy and even balding. In the greater number of cases, when a bit of excess facial hair, or unwanted upper lip hair is present, it is a minor complaint, often appearing after menopause. It may also be brought about by certain medications, such as phenytoin (Dilantin), minoxidil (used for reducing blood pressure), diazoxide, and androgen-like contraceptives. However serious, rapid and pronounced hirsutism may be the result of tumors which produce androgen or male-like hormones. A variety of tests exist that can help determine the exact cause of the excessive hair growth, and provide a direction for the treatment. Surgery is required when androgen secreting tumors are identified. However drug therapies are also useful in suppressing androgen production or blocking its action. These include spironolactone and cyproterone acetate. In some cases oral contraceptives can reduce the amount of hair growth after several months. For simple cases, the removal of unwanted hair can be accomplished by tweezing, hot wax epilation, and electrolysis. Shaving, which contrary to a common belief doesn't stimulate the hair follicle to increased growth, and chemical hair removers may be enough to achieve a cosmetically satisfactory result. Your sister may already be aware of all the many aspects of her condition, but providing her with this answer may help you open the channels of communication that may lead to diagnosis and treatment. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.