What should you know about excessive body and facial hair?

Hair colour, thickness, distribution, and family traits vary widely. Coarse, dark hair in areas influenced by androgens, such as the face, chest, abdomen, or back, may be described as hirsutism. It can occur with polycystic ovary syndrome or other hormone conditions, but hair growth alone does not establish a cause.

A clinician will ask when the change began, how quickly it progressed, whether periods changed, and whether acne, scalp thinning, voice change, or increased muscle development appeared. Medicines and supplements can also alter hair growth. The assessment should be respectful and focused on your goals as well as health clues.

If growth is new, widespread, or paired with cycle changes or acne, arrange a medical review. The clinician may examine the skin and request hormone testing based on the pattern. Shaving, trimming, waxing, threading, or depilatory products can manage visible hair; choose methods that suit your skin and avoid applying irritating products to inflamed areas.

Laser hair removal can reduce growth in selected hair and skin combinations through repeated treatment of hair follicles. It requires careful device selection and sun-protection advice, and it does not treat an underlying hormone condition. Ask about temporary redness, pigment changes, hair colour limits, and an alternative plan if some hairs respond poorly.

Seek a prompt assessment when coarse hair develops rapidly or appears with irregular periods, new severe acne, scalp hair thinning, deepening voice, or other marked hormonal changes. Urgent care is appropriate for severe abdominal pain or symptoms of acute illness alongside a sudden hormonal change. Gradual stable hair growth can be discussed at a routine appointment.

Ask whether the pattern fits hirsutism, whether medicines or hormones could contribute, which tests are appropriate, which hair-removal method suits your skin, and how to protect treated areas from irritation and pigment change.