Excessive Hairiness: Causes, Medications, and What You Can Do

When you notice unwanted hair growing on your face, chest, or back—especially if it’s thick and dark—it’s often excessive hairiness, a condition known medically as hirsutism, where women develop male-pattern hair growth due to higher androgen levels. Also known as hirsutism, it’s not just a cosmetic concern—it can signal an underlying hormonal problem. Many people assume it’s just genetics or puberty, but for a lot of women, it’s tied to something deeper: polycystic ovary syndrome, a common endocrine disorder that causes higher testosterone levels, irregular periods, and insulin resistance. About 70% of hirsutism cases link back to PCOS, according to clinical studies tracking symptom patterns in women of reproductive age.

But it’s not always PCOS. Some medications can trigger or worsen excessive hairiness, even if they’re meant to help with something else. For example, anti-androgen medications, drugs designed to block testosterone effects, are sometimes used to treat hirsutism—but other drugs like certain antidepressants or steroids can accidentally increase hair growth. You might be surprised to learn that drugs like progestins in some birth control pills, or even long-term use of minoxidil for hair loss, can lead to unwanted side effects. And then there’s the hidden culprit: hormonal imbalance, a broad term covering everything from thyroid dysfunction to adrenal gland overactivity, which can all push the body toward excess hair production. It’s not just about ovaries—it’s about your whole endocrine system.

What you see on your skin is often a signal from inside your body. If you’re dealing with sudden or worsening hair growth, especially with other symptoms like acne, missed periods, or weight gain, it’s not something to ignore. A simple blood test can check your androgen levels, thyroid function, and insulin response. Treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all: some people benefit from oral contraceptives that lower testosterone, others need insulin-sensitizing drugs like metformin, and some turn to topical treatments like eflornithine cream. The key is matching the cause to the solution.

Below, you’ll find real-world insights from people who’ve navigated this—whether it’s figuring out if their medication is the problem, understanding how PCOS plays out in daily life, or learning what actually works to slow down unwanted hair. These aren’t generic tips. They’re based on clinical patterns, patient experiences, and the medications that either help or hurt.