PCOS Symptoms & Causes Print The Link Between PCOS and Excess Facial Hair Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD on July 29, 2016 Meredith Shur, MD, FACOG, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as a certified medical examiner. Learn about our Medical Review Board Meredith Shur, MD Written by facebook twitter linkedin Written by Nicole Galan, RN Nicole Galan, RN, is a registered nurse and the author of "The Everything Fertility Book." Learn about our editorial policy Nicole Galan, RN Updated on October 26, 2019 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Overview Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Fertility Philipp Nemenz / Getty Images In This Article Table of Contents Expand Symptoms and Causes When PCOS May Be to Blame Treatment Options View All Facial hair growth by itself does not indicate that you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), though hirsutism (unwanted or excess body hair) is one of the most distressing symptoms of PCOS. In some cases, the exact cause of facial hair in women is never known and the condition often runs in families. Symptoms and Causes of Hirsutism Most women have fine, light-colored, and barely noticeable thin hairs (called vellus hairs) that grow above the lips, on the chin, chest, abdomen, or back—this is usually referred to as peach fuzz and is normally developed in childhood. When women have coarse, visible, dark hairs growing in the place of the vellus hairs in these areas, the condition is called hirsutism. These coarse hairs are referred to as terminal or androgenic hairs, which normally develop during puberty. However, if a woman's body makes too many androgens or male hormones like testosterone, you may experience unwanted hair growth, especially in the central part of your body (between your breasts, belly button, inner thighs). Some causes of excess androgen productions, and thus hirsutism, may include the following conditions: PCOSA tumor or cancer of the adrenal glandA tumor or cancer of the ovaryThyroid diseaseCushings syndromeCongenital adrenal hyperplasiaHyperthecosis (a condition in which the ovaries produce too many male hormones)Use of certain medicines, including but not limited to: TestosteroneDanazolAnabolic steroidsDHEAGlucocorticoids When PCOS May Be to Blame for Excess Facial Hair in Women Though there is no definitive test for PCOS, a diagnosis is usually made after your doctor conducts an extensive review of your medical history and confirms the presence of the following symptoms: Irregular or absent menstrual periodsSigns of hyperandrogenism—like facial hair, hair loss, and acne—without another medical causeTrouble losing weight and/or diabetes To distinguish PCOS from other conditions, a doctor will take your full medical history and perform a physical and pelvic examination to look for signs of PCOS (such as swollen ovaries or a swollen clitoris). Usually, your doctor will also order a blood test to measure the following hormone levels: Thyroid function test to determine thyroid hormones produced by the bodyFasting glucose test to measure blood sugar levelsLipid level tests to assess blood cholesterol Other tests may also be ordered, such as: A vaginal ultrasound to create real-time images of your reproductive organsA pelvic laparoscopy (a surgical procedure) to check for growths on your ovaries using a small cameraA tissue biopsy, if growths on your ovaries are present Once all of the prescribed testings are complete, the doctor will look at all of the results and clinical information to come to a medical diagnosis. If you think your PCOS may be the cause of your hirsutism, you should see your physician about your symptoms. Treatment Options Since hair grows in different phases, in long 6-month cycles, hirsutism is generally a long-term condition. There are multiple treatment methods for unwanted hair and some treatments are more effective than others. Some examples include: Medication, such as birth control pills and anti-androgen drugs (spironolactone)Electrolysis, which has risks including swelling, scarring, and redness of the skinLaser hair reduction (this method works best on fair-skinned people with very dark hair)ShavingChemicals, plucking, and waxingFor overweight or obese women, weight loss may help reduce excess hair growth. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial policy to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Sachdeva S. Hirsutism: evaluation and treatment. Indian J Dermatol. 2010;55(1):3–7. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.60342 Additional Reading U.S. National Library of Medicine, Medline Plus. Excessive or Unwanted Hair in Women. Continue Reading