is hirsutism a skin disease?

Answer 1

Hirsutism is defined as the excessive growth of thick dark hair in locations where hair growth in women usually is minimal or absent. Such male-pattern growth of terminal body hair usually occurs in androgen-stimulated locations, such as the face, chest, and areolae.

Although the terms hirsutism and hypertrichosis often are used interchangeably, hypertrichosis actually refers to excess hair (terminal or vellus) in areas that are not predominantly androgen dependent. Whether a patient is hirsute often is difficult to judge because hair growth varies among individual women and across ethnic groups. What is considered hirsutism in one culture may be considered typical in another. For example, women from the Mediterranean and the Indian subcontinent have more facial and body hair than do women from East Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and northern Europe. Dark-haired darkly pigmented whites of either sex tend to be more hirsute than blond or fair-skinned people. Hirsutism is difficult to evaluate in women who have blond hair or who already have undergone cosmetic treatments.

In most cases, hirsutism is a benign condition and primarily is of cosmetic concern. However, when hirsutism in women is accompanied by masculinizing signs or symptoms, particularly when these arise well after puberty, hirsutism may be a manifestation of a more serious underlying disorder such as an ovarian or adrenal neoplasm. Fortunately, these disorders are rare.
http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic472.htm

Answer 2

Hirsutism is male-pattern hair growth in women. Having hair on the legs, arms, underarms, and pubic area is NOT considered hirsutism, because it is typical for women to grow hair in these places. Hirsutism is not just another word for "hairy." It has to do with where a woman's hair grows naturally, not with whether or not she shaves. A woman may have hirsutism if she has hair growth on her chin, upper lip, sideburns, and other such places.

Hirsutism is not a skin disease. It is generally caused by elevated levels of male-hormones (such as testosterone). A woman with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is likely to have hirsutism. Keep in mind that some women are predisposed to excessive hariness because of their ethnicity. These women would not necessarily have elevated levels of male-hormones; indeed, many women with hirsutism have normal hormone levels.

If you have excessive hair growth, see a doctor. He/she can perform tests to see if your hormone levels are normal. Women with high male-hormone levels may see decreased hair growth while taking birth control pills. Permanent hair removal through electrolysis is also an option.

Answer 3

no it just means your hairy... you don't shave your body hair like most women do.

I like a nice bush everyonce in a while, especially in winter