Female facial hirsutism

Female facial hirsutism is an endocrine and dermatologic manifestation characterized by excessive, male-pattern growth of coarse, pigmented terminal hair on androgen-dependent areas of a female patient's face, most notably the upper lip, chin, and jawline It affects postpubertal and adult females, presenting either as an isolated idiopathic complaint or as a cardinal clinical sign of systemic hyperandrogenism

Female facial hirsutism is an endocrine and dermatologic manifestation characterized by excessive, male-pattern growth of coarse, pigmented terminal hair on androgen-dependent areas of a female patient's face, most notably the upper lip, chin, and jawline Pathophysiologically, localized androgen exposure alters the hair cycle and stimulates the transformation of fine, non-pigmented vellus hairs into thicker, darker terminal hairs

The condition arises from androgen excess—predominantly associated with underlying disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome or nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia—or from increased follicular sensitivity to circulating androgens mediated by 5-alpha reductase activity

The condition arises from androgen excess—predominantly associated with underlying disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome or nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia—or from increased follicular sensitivity to circulating androgens mediated by 5-alpha reductase activity It affects postpubertal and adult females, presenting either as an isolated idiopathic complaint or as a cardinal clinical sign of systemic hyperandrogenism

Pathophysiologically, localized androgen exposure alters the hair cycle and stimulates the transformation of fine, non-pigmented vellus hairs into thicker, darker terminal hairs