Hirsutism

Check your chin. Now check your navel. Do you have too much … hair? If you are female and notice excessive hair growth in these areas, it may be an indication that your body contains too much Androgen, the male hormone. Excessive hair growth is also known as Hirsutism.

If you suspect that you have Hirsutism, ask your physician to examine your chin and navel at your next appointment. This simple exam could help to minimize more invasive hormone level tests.

Hirsutism has been linked to ovulation-related fertility problems, and is also linked to polycystic ovarian syndrome, a major issue for fertility, diabetes, and heart disease. Women with an excess of Androgen could be at risk for insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction, diabetes, and heart disease. Excessive Androgen is the most common hormone disorder, as it affects about 10% of women.

While the symptoms of Hirsutism can begin in early childhood, this disorder is often difficult to diagnose given the varying amounts of body hair grown by women of different ethnicities. For example, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean women have moderate to large amounts of body hair, whereas Asian women tend to have less body hair growth.

Hair growth may not be the only symptom present with this condition, and women with Hirsutism may also experience irregular menstrual periods, amenorrhea, a deepening of the voice, obesity, acne, and a change in body shape.

Excessive Androgen can combine with ovarian cysts to prevent ovulation. If you find out that your body has too much Androgen, you may need to look into anti-Androgen medications or hormonal birth control, as both of these options should regulate the male hormone in your system and help to restore your menstrual cycle and slow the hair growth.