hair disorders
skin disorders
Hairiness
Excess body hair may run in families, and what is considered excessive may vary with ethnic background and culture. Hirsutism, which occurs only in women, causes excess body hair to grow in a male pattern and differs from hypertrichosis, which occurs in men and women and causes excess hair to grow anywhere on the body. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of hirsutism. If women also develop male characteristics (such as a deepened voice, increased muscle mass, scalp hair loss, or irregular or absent menstrual periods), they may have a hormone disorder that requires prompt evaluation by a doctor. If excess body hair appears suddenly and grows rapidly, the cause may be cancer. Treatment may include hair removal and/or hormonal therapy. 