What should you know about hirsutism levels?

Clinicians may look at several androgen-sensitive areas and describe whether terminal hair is absent, light, moderate or prominent. Some use a structured visual score to make the examination more consistent. The result is influenced by hair colour, skin tone, grooming habits and the body areas assessed, so two people with similar concerns may receive different descriptions.

Severity and cause are separate questions. A small amount of new facial hair can matter when it appears quickly or with irregular periods, acne or scalp thinning, while a longstanding larger amount may reflect family pattern or follicle sensitivity.

Photographs taken privately in similar lighting can help you describe change over time, but do not compare yourself with online images. Record menstrual changes, acne, scalp hair loss, medicines and when the hair began. A clinician may use this history with an examination and selected tests.

Treatment can target appearance, the cause, or both. Laser hair removal and electrolysis address existing unwanted hair through different mechanisms. Prescription options such as spironolactone may be considered for some women after assessment, with safety checks and pregnancy precautions.

Seek a medical review when growth is new, progressing or affecting several areas. Arrange prompt assessment for rapid coarse hair with voice deepening, marked acne, scalp hair loss or other pronounced body changes. Painful infected follicles after removal also need timely care.

Which areas are included in your assessment? What might explain my pattern? Do I need hormone tests? How will we judge change, and which treatment matches my goals?