What it is
Excessive hair growth (hirsutism/hypertrichosis) describes unwanted hair growth in androgen-sensitive areas in women (hirsutism) or generalised excessive hair growth in any individual (hypertrichosis).
Research-supported
Excessive Hair Growth
Unwanted or excessive hair growth — in androgen-sensitive areas in women (hirsutism) or generalised (hypertrichosis) — often linked to hormonal or medication causes.
CategorySkin
Reviewed by Ciara Magee · Functional Health
26 March 2026
At a glance
Excessive Hair Growth at a glance
Commonly experienced as
- Many report feeling self-conscious about visible hair growth.
Evidence context
Research-supportedSee the evidence snapshotSafety
See staying safeContext
Patterns of Excessive Hair Growth
Excessive hair growth encompasses two distinct presentations. Hirsutism describes the growth of coarse, dark terminal hair in women in a male-pattern distribution (face, chest, abdomen, back, inner thighs) driven by excess androgen activity. It affects approximately 5–10% of women of reproductive age and is most commonly caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS, ~72% of cases), idiopathic hirsutism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and — less commonly — androgen-secreting tumours or Cushing's syndrome. Hypertrichosis describes excessive hair growth anywhere on the body in either sex, not limited to androgen-sensitive areas, and may be congenital or acquired (medication-induced, paraneoplastic). Both conditions carry significant psychological impact, particularly in women.
Could this be you
People commonly experience
Excessive Hair Growth shows up differently for everyone. Browse by how it tends to be felt — these are common experiences, not a checklist or a diagnosis.
In daily life1 common experience
- Many report feeling self-conscious about visible hair growth.
Common experiences people describe — not a diagnostic checklist.
The Evidence
Evidence context
What research and clinical practice say about excessive hair growth, its causes, and the options available.
Overall pictureHigh evidence base
Well-understood hormonally driven symptom with clear care pathways
Hirsutism is most commonly linked to PCOS and excess androgen activity, with established medical and cosmetic options. Integrative approaches such as inositol and dietary change show supporting evidence, particularly in PCOS-related cases.
When to seek urgent assessmentSome presentations of excessive hair growth require prompt professional evaluation.
Rapid-onset hirsutism with signs of virilisation warrants urgent investigation for androgen-secreting tumours. Cushingoid features alongside hirsutism — such as weight gain, stretch marks, or fat redistribution — should prompt screening for Cushing's syndrome. Very irregular periods with elevated testosterone requires specialist endocrine review. Do not delay seeking care if these features are present.
What the evidence showsMedical management of hirsutism is well-supported by clinical research.
Combined oral contraceptives are first-line pharmacological options, reducing ovarian androgen output. Anti-androgens such as spironolactone are used in moderate-to-severe cases. Physical hair removal methods — laser, IPL, electrolysis — manage cosmetic concerns but do not address hormonal causes. Weight loss in overweight individuals with PCOS is shown to meaningfully reduce androgen levels.
Important safety considerationsSome treatments carry specific risks that require professional guidance.
Anti-androgens including spironolactone and cyproterone acetate must not be used during pregnancy due to risk of harm to a male foetus. Laser hair removal requires careful skin type assessment — without appropriate laser selection, people with darker skin tones face a higher risk of pigmentation changes. Always discuss these options with a qualified practitioner before starting.
Understanding the underlying causesIdentifying the cause of excessive hair growth shapes the most appropriate care pathway.
PCOS accounts for around 72% of hirsutism cases in women of reproductive age. Other causes include idiopathic hirsutism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and — less commonly — androgen-secreting tumours or Cushing's syndrome. Hypertrichosis, a distinct presentation, may be medication-induced or congenital. Professional assessment is important to distinguish between these causes.
Integrative and naturopathic approachesSome complementary approaches show modest supporting evidence, particularly for PCOS-related hirsutism.
Spearmint tea has limited but emerging evidence for mild anti-androgenic effects. Myo-inositol has shown benefit for insulin sensitivity and hormonal parameters in PCOS. Low glycaemic index dietary patterns and adaptogenic herbs are commonly used in integrative practice. These approaches may complement — but are not a substitute for — professional medical assessment and care.
Who to consultSeveral types of practitioners may be relevant depending on the cause and severity.
A GP or general practitioner is a useful first point of contact for assessment and referral. Endocrinologists and gynaecologists manage hormonal causes including PCOS and adrenal conditions. Dermatologists can advise on hair removal options. Integrative or naturopathic practitioners may support lifestyle and complementary strategies alongside conventional care.
Safety first
Staying safe
General, informational guidance — not diagnostic. A qualified practitioner can advise on your own situation.
- Anti-androgens (spironolactone, cyproterone acetate) must not be used in pregnancy — teratogenic to male foetus
- Laser hair removal is contraindicated without appropriate skin type assessment — risk of pigmentation changes in darker skin tones without appropriate laser selection
References
Evidence & Research
Educational sources that inform this overview. Inclusion is for context and does not imply endorsement.
- Stratum corneum defensive functions: An integrated view
- The UK Working Party's Diagnostic Criteria for Atopic Dermatitis
- Skin immune sentinels in health and disease
Full citations are maintained by the Gyfts editorial team and reviewed periodically.
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