Excess hair growth

A clinical guide to understanding excessive hair growth

Although hair loss represents a significant proportion of consultations at the Grupo Pedro Jaén Hair Disorders Unit, the opposite situation — excessive hair growth — also accounts for an important part of our clinical activity. Patients may seek assessment for medical reasons or due to the impact that excessive hair growth has on their appearance and quality of life.

Hirsutism

Hirsutism is a hormone-related condition characterised by excessive hair growth,
primarily in women, in body areas where hair is normally present but typically less abundant than in men.

Women with hirsutism often present with alterations in their hormonal profile related to disorders of the adrenal glands or the pituitary gland. These abnormalities lead to increased levels of androgens, hormones that are usually present in higher concentrations in men.

This hormonal imbalance may also be influenced by hereditary factors that increase sensitivity to androgens or result in a higher number of hair follicles in specific areas. In addition, hirsutism may be associated with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), certain types of acne, or the use of specific medications, including anabolic steroids or corticosteroids.

Clinically, patients experience increased hair density following a typically male pattern of distribution. As a result of this virilisation process, excessive hair growth may appear on the face — particularly on the sideburns, upper lip, chin or beard area — as well as on other parts of the body, such as the arms, legs or abdomen.

The diagnosis of hirsutism requires a thorough clinical examination, a complete hormonal assessment through blood tests, and a detailed medical history, with particular attention to medication use, in order to identify potential contributing factors.

Treatment is tailored to each patient once the diagnosis has been established and the underlying cause identified. In women with polycystic ovary syndrome, referral to the Gynaecology Unit may be considered to address the underlying condition in addition to managing unwanted hair growth.

Targeted treatment of affected areas may include topical medications or medical laser hair reduction, depending on the severity and clinical characteristics of each case.

Hypertrichosis

Hypertrichosis is a very rare genetic condition with a strong hereditary component. It is estimated to affect approximately one in 10,000 individuals, and fewer than 50 cases have been documented worldwide. Due to its extremely low prevalence and genetic basis, hypertrichosis is classified as a rare disease.

This condition is characterised by the presence of hair in areas where hair does not normally grow. This distinguishes it from hirsutism, which involves increased hair density in areas where hair is physiologically present.

Hypertrichosis does not usually pose a health risk, except in rare cases associated with systemic or hereditary diseases or as a side effect of certain medications. However, its impact on appearance and daily life can be profound, making medical intervention necessary to remove hair from areas where it should not be present.

Conventional hair removal methods, such as shaving or depilatory creams, do not prevent regrowth. Therefore, laser-based treatments represent the most effective option for achieving long-term or definitive results in patients with hypertrichosis.

“Excessive hair growth represents an important part of our clinical activity, both for medical reasons and due to its aesthetic and psychological impact”

Removal of excessive hair growth

Both hirsutism and hypertrichosis, in addition to conventional hair removal methods, can be managed using different types of medical lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL). Although these technologies have certain limitations, they currently represent the most effective and safest options for achieving long-lasting and, in many cases, near-permanent hair reduction.

These technologies work by selectively destroying hair through the application of light energy that targets melanin, the natural pigment responsible for hair and skin colour. This process, known as selective photothermolysis, allows destruction of the hair follicle while preserving surrounding tissues. Different wavelengths and integrated cooling systems are used to protect the skin and minimise adverse effects.

At the Grupo Pedro Jaén Hair Disorders Unit, excessive hair removal is always approached from a medical perspective. Regardless of the patient’s motivation, all laser or IPL treatments are preceded by a clinical assessment and diagnosis to determine whether excessive hair growth is due to hypertrichosis, hirsutism or personal preference, and to establish the most appropriate therapeutic protocol.

The number of sessions and the interval between them are individualised according to each patient’s characteristics, including age, skin phototype, hair features, and the anatomical area to be treated.

When indicated, complementary medical treatments may also be considered, particularly in cases where hormonal or metabolic factors contribute to hair growth, always with the aim of improving quality of life through evidence-based medical, scientific and technological advances.

More information

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