unwanted hair

All women have facial and body hair, but it’s usually very fine and fair. Hirsutism is when excessive, thick, dark hair grows in areas where men usually have hair, such as the chin, neck and chest. Shaving, waxing and plucking might seem like quick fixes, but they can cause damage to the skin.

CAUSES

Hirsutism is caused by an excess of male hormones called androgens in the woman’s body, usually as a result of pregnancy or menopause. Unwanted hair growth is also common when women get older and can run in families. In younger women, the most common trigger is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which causes irregular periods and fluid-filled sacs (cysts) on the ovaries.