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What causes excess hair growth?

Excess body or facial hair, a condition known as hirsutism, can be caused by a number of different factors including heredity, certain drugs, and several medical conditions. Drugs that can cause excess hair growth include hormones such as testosterone, certain birth control pills, and some seizure medicines such as phenytoin (brand name Dilantin).

Excess hair growth in women can be caused by conditions such as polycystic ovary disease, which causes the body to produce excess male hormones called androgens. If you notice more hair growth coupled with other symptoms such as adult acne and prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding, consult your doctor. Correcting hormonal imbalances can alleviate these symptoms. Unfortunately, many women with this problem don't receive adequate treatment because they don't visit their doctor.

Over-the-counter methods including shaving, waxing, plucking, bleaching, and using depilatories are ways to temporarily remove excess hair. Other more expensive methods include laser hair removal and electrolysis. Laser treatment usually lasts at least three months or longer with continuing treatments, but can cause skin color changes or scarring. Electrolysis is usually permanent but can be painful and expensive.

Prescription drugs can also help reduce excess hair growth. People usually try these when excess hair growth is severe or difficult to remove with do-it-yourself methods. Vaniqa (generic name eflornithine hydrochloride) is a new prescription medicine used to reduce the growth of facial hair.

Sources:
Olsen, E. "Methods of Hair Removal," Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 40 (1999).
Shaw, J. "Antiandrogen and Hormonal Treatment of Acne," Dermatologic Clinics 14 (1996).
Sherif, K. "Benefits and Risks of Oral Contraceptives," American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 180 (1999).
Habif, Thomas. Clinical Dermatology. Mosby-Year Book Inc., 1996.
Vaniqa Product Information. SkinMedica, 2006.
Medline Plus. Medline, 2006.

This answer prepared 12/13/2000.
This information updated 2/7/2007.

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