What is hirsutism?
The word hirsutism stems from Latin and means hairy. This term is typically used when women exhibit excessive hair growth. Hirsutism develops through a change from vellus hair (peach fuzz) into terminal hair (long hair) and can be genetic, hormonal or a side effect of certain medications. These factors can elicit an increase of androgens and thus the hair on the body grows in a masculine way. This condition is especially common among oriental women, but also in Europe and among fair-skinned and Nordic women. If the cause is a hormonal dysfunction, it is called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Among the most common symptoms of this condition are weight-gain, excessive facial hair, and chin stubble.
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