The growth of hair of the male type and distribution in women. It is due either to the excess production of ANDROGENS, or to undue sensitivity of the hair follicle to normal female levels of circulating androgens. The latter is called idiopathic hirsutism, its cause being unknown. The increased production of androgens in the female may come from the ovary (see OVARIES) and be due to POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME or an ovarian tumour, or the excess androgen may come from the adrenal cortex (see ADRENAL GLANDS) and be the result of congenital adrenal HYPERPLASIA, an adrenal tumour or CUSHING'S SYNDROME. However, there is a wide range of normality in the distribution of female body hair. Hirsutism varies with different racial groups and it is not abnormal for some women, especially those with dark hair, to have hair apparent on the upper lip or a few coarse hairs on the chin and around the nipples. Extension of the pubic hair towards the umbilicus is also frequently found. Dark hair is much more apparent than fair hair, and this is why bleaching is of considerable benefit in the management of hirsutism.

The treatment of hirsutism is that of the primary cause. Idiopathic hirsutism must be managed by simple measures such as bleaching the hair and the use of depilatory waxes and creams. Coarse facial hairs can be removed by electrolysis, although this is time-consuming. Shaving is often the most effective remedy and neither increases the rate of hair growth nor causes the hairs to become coarser.