Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Thick Hair Growth On Face And Body In Females?

I m a female, age 17. I have abnormally dark, thick, body hair. It grows in almost like a boys would. My cheeks, sideburns, under my jaw line, my throat, chest, back, stomack and lower back/buttocks region (though not thick on the last one). I have talked to my primary about this and he says because I seem to be a perfectly healthy and totally FEMALE female, he s not sure why it s doing that. I m of fair complexion, so the dark hair really stands out on my skin. I m severely embarrassed by all of this and I don t know what it could be.
posted on Sun, 14 Sep 2014
Twitter Sat, 25 Oct 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 27 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
Dermatologist,  's  Response
Hello. Thanks for writing to us at healthcaremagic

No, it is not normal in females to have coarse facial hair and in all those areas where a man would normally have. When this happens in females, this is called hirsutism.
If I was the treating doctor I would have inquired about ant menstural irregularity?
I would have also ordered a few lab tests for documenting underlying hormonal irregularity and its severity. Usually the pattern of raised hormones gives a clue about the origin (whether ovarian or adrenal) and if the levels are very high that would also give a clue that there can be an underlying androgen secreting tumor.
The first step would be to test or hormonal levels like serum testosterone, serum DHEAS, serum prolactin, serum follicle stimulating hormone, pelvic ultrasound etc.
Further investigations would be guided by the results of these tests.
PCOD is a possibility in females with hirsutism. Management options of PCOD includes monthly hormonal pills (combination of estrogen and a progestational agent).
I would suggest that you seek an appointment with an endocrinologist in your region regarding the needful.

Regards
I find this answer helpful
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Thick Hair Growth On Face And Body In Females?

Hello. Thanks for writing to us at healthcaremagic No, it is not normal in females to have coarse facial hair and in all those areas where a man would normally have. When this happens in females, this is called hirsutism. If I was the treating doctor I would have inquired about ant menstural irregularity? I would have also ordered a few lab tests for documenting underlying hormonal irregularity and its severity. Usually the pattern of raised hormones gives a clue about the origin (whether ovarian or adrenal) and if the levels are very high that would also give a clue that there can be an underlying androgen secreting tumor. The first step would be to test or hormonal levels like serum testosterone, serum DHEAS, serum prolactin, serum follicle stimulating hormone, pelvic ultrasound etc. Further investigations would be guided by the results of these tests. PCOD is a possibility in females with hirsutism. Management options of PCOD includes monthly hormonal pills (combination of estrogen and a progestational agent). I would suggest that you seek an appointment with an endocrinologist in your region regarding the needful. Regards