Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism) – NHS

Tier 1: Established: peer-reviewed research or government health authority
Publisher: NHS (National Health Service, UK) · Published: August 18, 2025 · Accessed: August 18, 2026

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• Hirsutism is where women have thick, dark hair on their face, neck, chest, tummy, lower back, buttocks or thighs; it is usually linked to changes in androgen ('male') hormone levels, and the most common cause is polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS, formerly PCOS).
• Lighter, finer hair on the face or body is probably not hirsutism – most women get more of this type of hair as they get older, particularly after the menopause.
• See a GP if you have thick, dark hair in these areas, particularly with other symptoms such as irregular periods; the GP may arrange a blood test to measure hormone levels.
• Ask for an urgent GP appointment if new thick, dark hair suddenly starts growing on your face and body, your voice is getting lower, or your muscles are getting bigger.
• Home removal options include shaving, waxing, plucking, hair removal creams and bleaching; a prescription cream (eflornithine) can slow facial hair growth.
• Electrolysis and laser hair removal can get rid of unwanted hair for longer than home methods, but they're not usually permanent, they're not usually available on the NHS, they can be expensive, and results are not the same for everyone – research both before trying them.