Hirsutism is excessive growth of dark, coarse body and facial hair in women. The abnormal hair growthtypically occurs in a pattern seen in adult males. While some body and facial hair growth is normal, women with hirsutism tend to produce elevated levels of male sex hormones called androgens from their ovaries and adrenal glands. Most cases of hirsutism are not excessive and have no underlying cause, but some may indicate the presence of a more serious underlying condition, such as Cushing's syndrome. An estimated 8% of adult women in the United States have hirsutism.

The primary signs and symptoms of hirsutism include:
Acne
Abnormally malodorous perspiration
Loss of feminine body shape
Hair growth on the abdomen, breasts, and upper lip (male-pattern hair growth in women)
Irregular menstrual periods
Signs of masculinity – deepening voice, frontal balding, enlarged clitoris, enlarged shoulder muscles
Cushing's syndrome – a condition marked by obesity (especially around the abdomen), high blood pressure, Diabetes, and thinning of the skin