Hirsutism is a condition in which excessive hair in women grows in a male pattern distribution. It is due to higher androgen levels and increased sensitivity to androgen. It has significant psychosocial impacts, such as embarrassment leading to social withdrawal and depression.
It is caused by various conditions, such as
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Cushing syndrome
- Adrenal or ovarian tumors
- Pregnancy
- Acromegaly
- Idiopathic
Hypertrichosis is when excess hair has a more generalized distribution or localized pattern unrelated to androgen.
The causes are
- Congenital disorders
- Thyroid disorders
- Anorexia nervosa
- Malignancy
- Malnutrition
- Medications: minoxidil, phenytoin, steroids