There is an assumption that if you have hirsutism then you have PCOS – polycystic ovarian syndrome. But that’s not always the case. Let’s look at some of the causes of hirsutism that I have managed to find.
If you prefer to watch a video version of this blog post then you can right here, or just scroll through to continue reading 🙂
But first, just a quick explanation. Hirsutism is when there is excessive hair growth on the face or the body of some women. This usually occurs when the female body produces an excess of male androgen hormones such as testosterone.
Now for the conditions where hirsutism can occur. Let’s begin with the obvious one…
1. PCOS – Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
I actually have spoken about this at length in an earlier blog post so I won’t dive too deep into instead I’ll link that blog post here:
How to Handle Hirsutism & Acne if You Have PCOS
But for a brief explanation – PCOS is when women in their reproductive years have imbalanced hormones. Women can develop fluid filled sacs also known as cysts, irregular periods, pelvic pain, heavy bleeding or too little bleeding, weight gain, infertility, mood swings and excess facial/body hair (hirsutism) – these are just some of the reasons.
It’s always best to speak to your doctor if you suffer from any of these symptoms because a regulation in hormones either through medication, diet and exercise can make a world of a difference when it comes to dealing with the troubles PCOS brings with it.
In case you wish to watch a video where I speak about how I manage my hirsutism caused by PCOS, then you can right here:
2. Steroids / Medication
My skin, hair and hormones all go for a toss every time I’m on steroids. My acne increases and hair fall does too – I’ve even done a blog post on that too which I’ll link, but I guess I never realised that steroids have been messing with my hormones!
There are medicines out there, given for various therapies that increase testosterone levels. Also, DHEA steroids help those with osteoporosis, and danzol is used to treat endometriosis – both these steroids can play a role in causing hirsutism.
Unfortunately medication comes with its side effects and even has the ability to change our mood and how we feel about our body. This altered thought pattern can throw us off, including our period cycle. If not corrected the stress in itself can disbalance our hormones.
Read here for:
Tips: How I Reduced Hair Loss Caused by Medication
3. Cushing’s Disease
Cushings is when the body’s pituitary gland produces too much ACTH which becomes cortisol, a hormone. This hormonal imbalance can cause hirsutism.
Other than excess hair growth, Cushings can cause weight gain, diabetes / insulin resistance, mood changes – all sounds very familiar to Polycystic ovarian syndrome!
4. Menopause / Complete Hysterectomy
During menopause or after a complete hysterectomy (where your ovaries are also removed), the body stops circulating estrogen and so the estrogen levels drop. But the male hormone, testosterone is not affected by this which then causes an increase in facial and body hair.
It’s very important to speak to your gynaecologist about this as you should need hormone and calcium supplements to help you through this disbalance.
5. Type 2 Diabetes
I had no idea that type 2 diabetes could cause hormonal disruption, but it can. According to Medicalnewstoday.com:
“High levels of insulin, a hormone that “unlocks” cells to absorb energy from sugars, might also contribute to the development of hirsutism. Insulin can stimulate the ovarian cells to produce androgens.”
Relevant read:
- Endometriosis v PCOS
- My Diet for Endometriosis & Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
- Are Painful Periods Normal? Or is it Endometriosis, PCOS or Something Else?
And as we know, an excess of androgens such as testosterone can be a large contributing factor to hirsutism.
6. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia – Non Classic
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, as explained by the Mayo Clinic:
“refers to a group of genetic disorders that affect the adrenal glands, a pair of walnut-sized organs above the kidneys. The adrenal glands produce important hormones…”
Which includes androgens such as testosterone. A non-classic or a late onset of CAH has been known to cause hirsutism in women, so if you have any of the following symptoms of non-classic CAH then it would be worth speaking to your doctor so they can help piece together a possible diagnosis for you.
Some of the Symptoms:
- Irregular or no periods,
- Early onset of periods
- Hirsutism,
- Male pattern baldness,
- Deepening of voice,
- Severe acne,
- Body odour,
- Oily hair and skin,
- Rapid growth as a child but short as an adult,
- Infertility,
- Mood swings,
- Premature growth of underarm and pubic hair,
- Previously been diagnosed with or have symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome
7. Tumour
Although very rare, an androgen releasing ovarian tumour or an adrenal gland tumour can be the cause of hirsutism. So this may not be the first cause one may think of when facing hirsutism, but it could be something to consider if you do have the symptoms or are already aware of a tumour.
8. No reason found
This is the kicker – everything is fine. Your periods are normal, your hormones too, there are no tumours either – yet, there is unwanted facial/body hair.
Unfortunately there is such a thing. It’s called idiopathic hirsutism. But you’ll only know if that’s the case, once all the options above and whatever else your doctor suggests to check up on are ruled out.
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