Hirsuitism is the term used for excess facial and body hair growth in women. Hair is usually present on the abdomen, breasts and upper lip. Women with mild Hirsuitism and regular menstrual cycles rarely have any underlying serious medical problems. A medical problem may be present if Hirsuitism is severe, if accompanied by other features to suggest an increase in male hormones, such as baldness or deepening of the voice.

In the vast majority of women Hirsuitism is inherited and possibly present in other female relatives. Those who suffer tend produce elevated levels of androgens. Excess hair can develop if one or more of these sites increases their production. The hairs are more sensitive to small amounts of testosterone so grow quicker and thicker. The increased hair growth is usually first noted in late teenage years and tends to gradually get more severe as women get older.