Causes of hypertrichosis

The extra hair may be fine or coarse and can appear across the body or in a defined area. Some people have it from birth or notice a gradual family pattern. New or rapidly changing growth can follow a medicine, hormonal change, skin disorder or another medical problem. A clinician considers when it began, where it appears, its texture, other symptoms and your medication history. This is different from hirsutism, in which women develop a male-pattern distribution of coarse hair.

Make a note of the areas involved, when the change started and any recent medicines or supplements. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice. Examination may be enough; targeted tests are chosen when the pattern suggests a hormonal or systemic cause. Hair removal can address unwanted growth after the cause and skin condition have been considered. Options include [Electrolysis Hair Removal](/treatments/laser-and-energy/electrolysis-hair-removal/) and [Laser Hair Removal](/treatments/laser-and-energy/laser-hair-removal/).

Arrange a medical review for sudden, widespread or rapidly increasing hair growth, especially with new acne, voice deepening, irregular periods, weight change, unusual fatigue or other new symptoms. Seek prompt care for a painful, inflamed or infected treatment area.

Could my medication or a health condition be contributing? Does the distribution suggest hypertrichosis or hirsutism? Would any examination or blood test help? Which hair-removal method fits my hair colour, skin type and treatment goals?