What should be done about excessive and long body hair in women?
Sep 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, excessive or long body hair in women may be caused by genetic factors, hormonal fluctuations, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), adrenal hyperplasia, ovarian tumors, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general management, medication, surgery, or other treatments. Daily skin cleansing should be maintained, using gentle bathing products.
Generally, excessive or long body hair in women may be caused by genetic factors, hormonal fluctuations, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), adrenal cortical hyperplasia, ovarian tumors, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical advice promptly, identify the underlying cause, and improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatments, medications, surgery, or other methods. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Genetic factors: If female family members have excessive body hair, inherited genes may make an individual's hair follicles more sensitive to androgens, resulting in excessive or long body hair. Excess hair can be regularly removed using a razor, or laser hair removal can be chosen to temporarily suppress hair growth. Skin protection should be taken during procedures to avoid cuts or burns.
2. Hormonal fluctuations: During puberty, pregnancy, or periods of high stress, temporary increases in androgen levels in the body may lead to increased body hair. Maintaining regular sleep patterns, avoiding staying up late, and reducing stress through exercise, listening to music, or other methods are recommended. In most cases, body hair gradually returns to normal after puberty or pregnancy ends.
3. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Endocrine disorders causing overproduction of androgens result in excessive body hair, often accompanied by menstrual irregularities and acne. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as ethinylestradiol cyproterone tablets, drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol tablets, or spironolactone tablets to regulate hormone levels.
4. Adrenal cortical hyperplasia: Abnormal adrenal function leads to excessive androgen production, causing excessive body hair, possibly accompanied by elevated blood pressure and skin pigmentation. Medications such as hydrocortisone tablets, dexamethasone tablets, or prednisone tablets may be used under medical supervision to suppress excessive adrenal secretion.
5. Ovarian tumors: Some ovarian tumors secrete androgens, leading to abnormal increases in body hair, possibly accompanied by abdominal pain and menstrual disorders. Surgical removal of the tumor via ovarian tumor excision is usually required first. Further treatment depends on postoperative pathological results, aiming to restore hormonal balance.
In daily life, attention should be paid to skin cleanliness, using gentle bathing products and avoiding frequent use of irritating hair removal products. Diet-wise, it is advisable to moderately consume foods rich in vitamins and reduce spicy, greasy foods, supporting improvement of body hair issues through a healthy lifestyle.
