Conditions › Hirsutism
Hirsutism – Consultant-Led Diagnosis & Hair Reduction Treatment in London
Hirsutism is excessive, male‑pattern hair growth in women (face, chest, abdomen, thighs) driven by androgen effects or increased hair‑follicle sensitivity. It can be isolated or linked to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). At Skinhorizon, we provide consultant‑led assessment to find the cause and a tailored plan to safely reduce unwanted hair.
Call Us Book ConsultationWhat is hirsutism?
Hirsutism describes excessive growth of coarse, pigmented (terminal) hair in a male pattern in women. It most often affects the face (upper lip, chin, sideburns), chest, lower abdomen, back, and thighs. It results from increased androgen effect at the hair follicle—either higher circulating androgens or increased follicular sensitivity.
Causes and how it develops
The commonest cause is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in which ovarian androgen production and insulin resistance can stimulate hair growth. Other causes include familial/idiopathic hirsutism, certain medicines (e.g., some steroids, progestins, or anti‑seizure drugs), and less commonly endocrine disorders such as non‑classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia or Cushing’s syndrome. Rarely, sudden severe hirsutism with virilisation suggests an androgen‑secreting tumour and needs urgent review.
Hirsutism Symptoms and patterns
Women notice gradually increasing coarse hairs in the areas above, sometimes with acne, scalp hair thinning, weight gain, or irregular periods when hormonal drivers are present. Ingrown hairs and shaving rash are common from frequent removal.
Hirsutism Diagnosis and tests
Diagnosis is clinical, supported by history (onset, cycle pattern, medications, fertility goals) and examination. Blood tests may assess total/free testosterone, SHBG, DHEAS, LH/FSH, prolactin, and thyroid where indicated. We consider pregnancy tests where relevant and screen for metabolic risk in suspected PCOS. Imaging is rarely needed unless tumour is suspected.
Personalised Hirsutism Treatment in Central London
Book a consultation in Maida Vale for consultant-led diagnosis of hormonal hair growth. We offer medical care and laser hair reduction tailored to your skin type and condition.
Call Us Book ConsultationHirsutism Treatment options and management
Hair‑reduction procedures
Medical‑grade laser hair reduction targets the follicle pigment to reduce regrowth and thickness over a course of sessions; it is most effective for dark hair on light to medium skin tones, with tailored settings for darker skin. Electrolysis can treat lighter hairs or small areas. Temporary methods (shaving, waxing, threading, depilatory creams) remain options but may irritate sensitive skin.
Medical treatments
Depending on cause and individual suitability, options may include hormonal therapies (e.g., combined hormonal contraception; anti‑androgenic agents in selected patients with appropriate monitoring and contraception) and topical prescriptions that slow facial hair growth. We individualise risk–benefit discussions and coordinate with your GP or endocrinologist when needed.
Lifestyle and supportive care
Weight optimisation, exercise, and nutrition can improve insulin sensitivity in PCOS, enhancing treatment response. Skin‑care routines to minimise irritation and ingrowns, plus psychological support when distress is significant, are part of holistic care.
When urgent review is needed
Seek urgent assessment for rapid onset hirsutism over months, virilisation (deepening voice, increased muscle bulk, clitoromegaly), or severe menstrual disturbance—these may indicate a serious endocrine cause.
Why choose Skinhorizon for hirsutism?
- Consultant dermatologist‑led diagnosis to identify or exclude underlying endocrine causes.
- Evidence‑based plan combining medical therapies with safe, effective laser hair reduction.
- Care under CQC standards with clear follow‑up and coordination with GP/endocrinology when appropriate.
Your first visit — what to expect
- History: Onset and tempo, menstrual pattern, acne/weight change, medications, fertility goals, and past hair‑removal methods.
- Examination: Distribution and severity scoring; signs of endocrine disease; skin assessment for ingrowns/folliculitis.
- Discussion: Likely causes, investigations needed, and realistic timelines (hair‑cycle response typically over months).
- Treatment plan: Personalised combination of laser/electrolysis, medical therapy where suitable, and lifestyle guidance.
- Follow‑up: Reviews to monitor results, adjust therapy, and maintain hair reduction safely.
Reviewed by: Dr Mohammad Ghazavi, Consultant Dermatologist
Skinhorizon Clinic, 4 Clarendon Terrace, Maida Vale, London W9 1BZ
Last reviewed: 21 August 2025
Reduce unwanted hair safely with a cause‑led plan and medical‑grade laser care.
Call Us Book ConsultationHirsutism FAQs
What is hirsutism?
Excess coarse hair growth in a male pattern in women, commonly on the face, chest, abdomen, and thighs.
What causes hirsutism?
PCOS, familial/idiopathic factors, some medicines, and rarer endocrine disorders. It reflects increased androgen effect on hair follicles.
How is hirsutism diagnosed?
Clinical assessment plus targeted blood tests for hormones where indicated; we also consider metabolic risk if PCOS is suspected.
What are the treatment options?
Medical‑grade laser hair reduction, electrolysis for light hairs or small areas, topical prescriptions, and hormonal therapy when suitable.
How long before I see results?
Laser hair reduction works gradually over the hair‑growth cycle; visible reduction typically builds across several sessions and months.
When should I seek urgent review?
Rapid onset over months, voice deepening, scalp hair loss, or menstrual changes—these warrant urgent endocrine assessment.