What are the treatment options for hirsutism?

Hirsutism is coarse, dark hair growth in areas where hair is usually finer, such as the face, chest, abdomen, or back. A clinician asks when the growth began, how quickly it changed, and whether periods, fertility, acne, scalp hair, or voice have changed. This helps distinguish a pattern related to hormones from normal variation or a medicine effect.

Electrolysis hair removal treats individual follicles with an electrical current and can be useful when precision is needed. Laser hair removal targets pigment in hair follicles and is often considered for larger areas; hair colour, skin tone, and the treatment area affect suitability. Spironolactone treatment may reduce androgen-driven hair growth in selected patients, but it requires medical assessment and monitoring. Shaving, trimming, waxing, or depilatory products can provide short-term control; choose a method that does not repeatedly irritate your skin.

Book a medical review if coarse hair appears suddenly or increases quickly, especially with deepening voice, increased muscle bulk, severe acne, irregular periods, or scalp hair thinning. Seek prompt attention for rapid, marked changes or symptoms such as pelvic pain or unusual bleeding. A clinician can decide whether hormone testing or another evaluation is needed.

Could a hormone condition or medicine be contributing? Which hair-removal method fits my skin, hair colour, and treatment area? Is spironolactone suitable for me, and what monitoring is needed? How long should I continue a treatment before judging its effect?