You’re plucking more often than usual. Shaving feels like a daily task.
Maybe it’s a few dark hairs on your chin or a sudden thickening on your stomach or back—and you’re left wondering: What’s going on with my body?
Excess hair growth in women can be confusing, frustrating, and emotionally taxing. You’re not being “vain”—you are noticing a real change. And in many cases, it’s your hormones trying to get your attention.
In this article, we’ll break down:
- The medical name for excess hair growth and why it happens
- The most common hormonal causes (especially PCOS)
- What treatment options—from natural to medical—are worth exploring
Let’s take a judgment-free, evidence-backed look at what’s really going on.
What Is Hirsutism?
The medical term for excess hair growth in women is hirsutism. It refers to coarse, dark hair growing in areas more typical for men—like the upper lip, chin, chest, stomach, or back.
This isn’t the same as having a few fine hairs. Hirsutism is defined by:
- Thicker hair that appears in a male-pattern distribution
- Often linked to androgens (male sex hormones), especially testosterone.
- May develop gradually or suddenly
Roughly 5–10% of women of reproductive age experience hirsutism.¹ It’s common—but rarely talked about.
What Causes Female Excess Hair Growth?
The root cause usually comes down to hormonal imbalance.
The most common causes include:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- The #1 cause of hirsutism in women
- Characterised by irregular periods, acne, and elevated androgens
- Causes the ovaries to produce more testosterone, triggering unwanted hair
➡️ Learn more about PCOS symptoms and diagnosis
Idiopathic Hirsutism
- Excess hair without obvious hormone imbalance
- More common in certain ethnic groups (South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean)
- May be hereditary
Cushing’s Syndrome
- Caused by excess cortisol production
- Can lead to weight gain, stretch marks, and hair growth
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
- A genetic condition that affects the adrenal glands
- Rare, but can cause elevated androgen levels.
Medications
Some drugs can stimulate excess hair growth, including:
- Anabolic steroids
- Testosterone
- DHEA supplements
- Some birth control pills or hormone therapies
💡 If your hair growth started after starting a new medication, it’s worth checking with your doctor.
💬 Expert Insight
“Facial and body hair changes in women are one of the clearest signs of hormonal imbalance—often overlooked but incredibly telling. The key is to dig into the root cause, not just mask the symptoms.”
When Should You See a Doctor?
Not all hair growth is abnormal—but here’s when to seek a medical opinion:
- You notice sudden or dramatic changes
- Your periods are irregular or missing.
- You have other signs of hormonal imbalance (acne, weight gain, hair loss onthe scalp)
- You feel emotionally distressed or anxious about it
Doctors can run tests to check your:
- Testosterone levels
- DHEA-S and androstenedione
- Thyroid and insulin levels
- Ultrasound (to check for polycystic ovaries)
➡️ Not sure what to ask? Book a Care Navigator call
Treatment Options for Excess Hair Growth
You don’t have to live with it if it’s impacting your confidence or quality of life. Depending on your root cause and goals, here are proven options:
⚖️ Hormonal Treatments
If elevated androgens cause your hirsutism, doctors may prescribe:
- Combined birth control pills (regulate hormones and reduce hair growth)
- Spironolactone (blocks androgen receptors)
- Metformin (for PCOS-related insulin resistance)
📌 These may take 3–6 months to show visible changes.
Hair Removal Treatments
Temporary or permanent solutions include:
- Laser hair removal (targets pigment in hair follicles)
- Electrolysis (permanent option using electric current)
- Waxing, shaving, depilatory creams (best for short-term relief)
Laser works best on:
- Dark hair + fair skin
- May require 6–8 sessions for full results
Natural & Lifestyle Approaches
These may complement medical treatments, especially in PCOS:
- Inositol (supports insulin sensitivity and hormone regulation)
- Spearmint tea (shown to reduce androgen levels in small studies²)
- Zinc, Vitamin D, and omega-3s
- Lower-carb or anti-inflammatory diet
⚠️ Always check with a healthcare provider before starting supplements.
Real-Life Story
“I used to shave my chin every morning. It made me feel ashamed and anxious. Getting diagnosed with PCOS changed everything—I started spironolactone, worked on my insulin resistance, and finally felt in control. Now I go weeks without touching my razor.”
— Ayesha, 32
Myth vs Reality
| Myth | Reality |
| “Only men grow facial hair.” | All women have facial hair—it’s the amount and thickness that varies. |
| “You just need to wax more often.” | That’s symptom management—not treatment. |
| “It’s only cosmetic.” | Excess hair often signals a hormonal imbalance that deserves care. |
| “Laser works instantly.” | It usually takes multiple sessions and may not work for everyone. |
Final Thoughts
Excess hair growth doesn’t define you—but it is worth understanding.
Whether the cause is PCOS, family history, or something else—you’re not alone, and you’re not helpless.
With the right diagnosis and support, you can take back control and feel confident again in your skin.
Call to Action
Worried your hair growth might be hormone-related?
Take our 5-minute reproductive health quiz and get personalized guidance on what to test and how to treat it.
👉 https://zorahealth.co/quiz/reproductive-health
Sources
- NIH – Prevalence of Hirsutism in Women
- Spearmint tea & androgen levels study – PubMed
- Cleveland Clinic – Hirsutism Overview
- Endocrine Society Guidelines on Hirsutism
Anna Haotanto is the Founder of Zora Health and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. Anna’s personal experiences with egg-freezing, PCOS, perimenopause and the challenges of fertility have fueled her mission to provide high-quality information, financing, and support to help women and couples navigate their fertility journeys with confidence. She is also recognised for her achievements in finance, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment, and has been featured in various media outlets. You can also follow her on Linkedin or Instagram.
