Hirsutism is a condition that causes excessive facial or body hair growth in women. It usually happens because of increased levels of hormones called androgens. This condition is relatively common and affects about 5–10% of women.

The main difference between normal fine body hair (often called “peach fuzz”) and hair caused by hirsutism is the texture and thickness. In hirsutism, the hair that appears on areas such as the face, chest, stomach, or back is typically coarse, thick, and dark.

Hirsutism often runs in families, meaning you may be more likely to develop it if your mother, sister, or another female relative also has it. Women of Mediterranean, South Asian, and Middle Eastern descent are also more likely to experience this condition.

Although excessive hair growth can cause feelings of self-consciousness, the condition itself is not usually dangerous. However, the hormonal imbalance behind it can sometimes be linked to other health issues.

One of the most common causes of hirsutism is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which accounts for about 85% of cases. PCOS can cause small cysts to form on the ovaries, affecting hormone production. This may lead to symptoms such as:

• irregular menstrual cycles

• weight gain or difficulty losing weight

• acne

• thinning hair

• fertility problems

Hirsutism can also develop when the body produces higher-than-normal levels of androgen hormones such as testosterone. Normally, women produce small amounts of these hormones, but if the levels increase or the skin becomes more sensitive to them, excess hair growth may occur.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing hirsutism, including family history, certain hormonal conditions like PCOS, and genetic background.