If you have noticed coarse, dark hair appearing on your chin, jawline, chest, or stomach, you are not alone — and there is a name for it. Hirsutism is a recognised medical condition, not a hygiene issue or something you caused. Understanding what is driving it makes the whole thing a lot less distressing, and gives you a clear path to managing it on your own terms.
What hirsutism actually is
Hirsutism is defined as the growth of thick, dark, coarse hair in women in areas where that pattern is more typical of male biology — the face, neck, chest, abdomen, lower back, and inner thighs. It is distinct from general hairiness, which can be genetic. The difference lies in the texture: hirsutism hair is terminal (coarse, pigmented) rather than the fine vellus hair most women have in those areas.
According to the NHS, hirsutism is usually linked to changes in androgen levels — either the body producing more than usual, or hair follicles being more sensitive to normal levels. It affects roughly 5–10% of women of childbearing age, though some estimates from Cleveland Clinic put the figure at over 40% of women at some point in their lives, depending on how it is defined.
The most common causes
PCOS — by far the leading driver
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) accounts for more than 70% of hirsutism cases, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. PCOS disrupts hormone balance, often raising androgen levels, which in turn stimulates coarser hair growth. If you have hirsutism alongside irregular periods, acne, or difficulty losing weight, PCOS is worth raising with your GP.
Idiopathic hirsutism
In roughly 5–20% of cases, no underlying cause is found. Blood androgen levels are normal, but the hair follicles appear to be more sensitive than average. This is called idiopathic hirsutism. It is benign, though no less real.
Hormonal changes at menopause and perimenopause
As oestrogen declines in the years around menopause, androgens can become more dominant in relative terms. Facial hair in particular — chin and upper lip — often appears or intensifies during this transition. It is a completely normal hormonal shift, even if it is unwelcome.
Medications and other conditions
Some medications — including certain epilepsy drugs, anabolic steroids, and high-dose corticosteroids — can trigger hirsutism. Rarer causes include Cushing's syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and, very rarely, androgen-secreting tumours. The NHS advises seeking prompt medical review if thick dark hair appears suddenly alongside a deepening voice or increased muscle mass — those combinations warrant investigation.
What the Ferriman-Gallwey score is
If you end up seeing a dermatologist or GP about this, they may use the modified Ferriman-Gallwey scale — a clinical tool that scores hair growth across nine body areas on a 0–4 scale. A score below 8 is considered within normal range; 8–14 is mild hirsutism; 15 or above is moderate to severe. It is useful context if you want to understand where your presentation sits clinically.
When to see your GP
Book an appointment if:
- The hair growth appeared quickly (over weeks rather than months)
- You have irregular or absent periods alongside the hair changes
- You are noticing other signs of hormonal shift — acne, voice changes, or hair thinning on your scalp
- The hair growth is causing significant distress
Your GP will likely run blood tests to measure androgen levels and rule out underlying conditions. From there, treatment options — from the contraceptive pill through to anti-androgen medications — can be discussed.
Managing hirsutism day to day
Medical treatment (if appropriate) works on the hormone side of things, but it takes months to show results in hair texture and growth rate. Most women use a combination of clinical treatment and daily grooming — and there is nothing wrong with that.
Shaving: the myth worth debunking
One of the most persistent worries about shaving is that it makes hair grow back thicker or faster. Multiple clinical studies — including a randomised trial specifically in women with hirsutism — have found no significant difference in regrowth rate or hair thickness between shaving and other methods. What changes is the blunt cut end of the hair, which can feel coarser than a naturally tapered tip, and looks slightly darker before sun exposure lightens it. The follicle itself is unaffected.
Shaving is the most common hair removal method for hirsutism, according to NHS guidance, and it is safe and simple. The key to doing it well is a sharp blade and a light touch. A quality safety razor — like the Freya starter kit — is worth considering here. A dull blade drags and catches, which is especially uncomfortable on finer facial skin or the chest. A sharp, single-blade safety razor glides cleanly, reduces the friction that causes irritation, and gives you genuine control over pressure. For a full breakdown of approach by body area, the shaving by body area guide covers technique for face, chin, stomach, and more.
Waxing and threading
Both remove the hair from the root, which means regrowth takes longer — typically three to six weeks. Threading is particularly precise for facial hair. The trade-off is that pulling at the follicle can sometimes cause ingrown hairs or folliculitis, particularly on areas prone to sensitivity.
Eflornithine cream (Vaniqa)
Available on prescription, eflornithine slows hair growth on the face by blocking an enzyme involved in hair production. It does not remove hair, but used alongside a removal method, it can meaningfully reduce how often you need to manage regrowth. The NHS typically recommends trialling it for at least three months before assessing results.
Laser hair removal and electrolysis
These are the most durable options for significant, persistent hirsutism. Laser works best on coarser, darker hair and typically requires 6–8 sessions. Electrolysis is the only method classified as permanent and works on all hair colours. Both are costly and largely not covered by the NHS (facial hirsutism related to PCOS may qualify in some regions — check with your GP).
Weight and lifestyle
For PCOS-related hirsutism specifically, even a modest reduction in body weight — the Cleveland Clinic notes 5% can make a difference — can lower circulating androgen levels and reduce hair growth over time. This is not about aesthetics; it is a documented mechanism.
What to expect over time
Hirsutism that is hormonally driven tends to persist and may gradually worsen without medical management. That is the honest picture. But with the right combination — medical treatment if appropriate, a reliable daily grooming routine, and realistic expectations about timelines — most women find it entirely liveable. The hair does not define the condition, and the condition does not define you.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have concerns about unwanted hair growth, speak to your GP or a qualified dermatologist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does hirsutism go away on its own?
It depends on the cause. Hirsutism linked to a temporary factor — such as a medication you stop taking — may resolve. Hormonally-driven hirsutism, particularly from PCOS, tends to be ongoing and may gradually worsen without treatment. Managing it with a combination of medical care and grooming is the realistic approach for most women.
Does shaving make hirsutism worse?
No. Shaving does not affect the hair follicle or change how fast or thick hair grows back. Regrown hair can feel coarser because it has a blunt cut tip rather than a natural taper, but clinical studies — including a trial specifically in women with hirsutism — have found no meaningful difference in hair thickness or regrowth rate between shaving and other methods.
What is the best treatment for hirsutism?
There is no single best treatment — it depends on the cause and severity. For PCOS-related hirsutism, the contraceptive pill or anti-androgen medications (such as spironolactone) are commonly prescribed and take around 6 months to show results. Laser hair removal is the most effective long-term method for the hair itself. Most women use a combination of medical treatment and daily grooming.
Can hirsutism appear after menopause?
Yes. As oestrogen levels fall during perimenopause and menopause, androgens become relatively more dominant, which can trigger coarser hair growth — particularly on the face and chin. This is a normal hormonal transition, though it is worth discussing with your GP if the growth is significant or distressing.
Is hirsutism the same as hypertrichosis?
No. Hirsutism refers specifically to androgen-driven hair growth in women in male-pattern areas (face, chest, abdomen). Hypertrichosis is excess hair growth anywhere on the body, in any pattern, and in any gender — it has different causes and is not linked to androgen levels in the same way.
Last updated: 2026-06-17