What type of excessive hair growth can occur in women due to hormonal changes?

Hirsutism is characterized by excessive hair growth in women that typically occurs in areas where men usually grow hair, such as the face, chest, and back. This condition is often a result of hormonal changes, particularly an imbalance of androgens, which are male hormones that are present in both men and women. In women, elevated levels of androgens can lead to the development of male-pattern hair growth, leading to the condition known as hirsutism.

Understanding the underlying causes of hirsutism is essential, as it can be associated with various medical issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), adrenal gland disorders, or hormonal imbalances. Addressing these hormonal changes can be key in managing excessive hair growth effectively.

In contrast, alopecia refers to hair loss rather than growth, while hypertrichosis involves excessive hair growth but not specifically related to hormonal imbalances—it can be due to genetic or other non-hormonal factors. Folliculitis, on the other hand, is an inflammation of hair follicles often caused by infections, which is unrelated to abnormal hair growth patterns. Thus, while all these conditions pertain to hair, hirsutism specifically addresses excessive hair growth due to hormonal