Hirsutism
Hirsutism involves hair growth in places that are normally only present in men, but not in women. This includes hair on the face, abdomen and limbs. With hirsutism, a distinction can be made between hyperandrogenism (an overproduction of male hormones) or hypertrichosis.
Hyperandrogenism may be caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or Cushing’s syndrome, which means that too many male hormones are produced in the body. These male hormones stimulate hair growth in, for women, unusual places.
In hypertrichosis, there is usually a hereditary factor. Hair growth can increase as a result of weight gain or with the discontinuation of hormonal contraceptives. In some cases, certain medications can also trigger excessive hair growth.
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