What should you know about hirsutism and hair loss?

Hirsutism means coarse, dark hair in areas where androgen-sensitive hair is not usually prominent, such as the face, chest, or abdomen. Most people with hirsutism do not have scalp hair loss from the same cause, but both can appear with androgen-related conditions. Scalp shedding can instead follow illness, stress, weight change, medicines, traction, infection, or autoimmune disease.

A clinician will ask about periods, acne, voice change, medicines, family history, recent illness, and hair practices. Examination may distinguish diffuse thinning, smooth patches, broken hairs, scaling, or scarring.

Keep a simple record of when each change began and whether it is progressing. Avoid tight styles and harsh chemical processing while the scalp is being assessed. A clinician may consider hormone or other tests when the history suggests them, then treat the cause. Options can include management of the underlying condition, hair-loss treatment such as finasteride therapy when appropriate, or treatment of scalp infection or inflammation.

Book an appointment for rapid new facial or body hair, sudden scalp loss, patchy bald areas, scalp pain, scaling, pustules, or eyebrow loss. Seek prompt review if hirsutism comes with deepening voice, marked acne, irregular periods, or increased muscle bulk. Sudden severe symptoms or feeling acutely unwell warrants urgent medical help.

Ask whether the hair patterns suggest one condition or more than one, whether tests are needed, and which medicines are safe with pregnancy plans. Discuss the expected time before treatment can be judged, hair-care changes, and whether a scalp examination or follow-up photographs would help.