The condition characterized by excessive hair growth in women in a male pattern is hirsutism. It usually means coarse, terminal hair appearing on areas such as the face, chest, abdomen, or back, where women typically have less visible hair.
Hirsutism is often associated with increased androgen activity. Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a common underlying cause, but adrenal disorders, certain medications, and rarer hormone-producing tumors can also contribute. Some cases are idiopathic, meaning no clear cause is found.
Doctors may assess the distribution and thickness of hair with scoring systems such as the Ferriman–Gallwey score. Rapid onset, severe progression, or accompanying signs such as voice deepening, acne, or irregular periods can suggest a more significant hormonal problem and warrant medical evaluation.
Hirsutism is frequently confused with hypertrichosis. Hirsutism specifically describes androgen-related hair growth in a typically male distribution, while hypertrichosis means excessive hair growth anywhere on the body and does not necessarily involve androgens. Treatment depends on the cause and may include hormonal medicines, antiandrogens, or hair-removal methods.