Excessive Body and Facial Hair in Women

You have indicated that you have experienced a change from a normal menstrual pattern when you were younger to an abnormal pattern. You may even have had one or more normal pregnancies. These features suggest a less common (less than 10%) reason for excessive hair growth. Possibilities include a high blood prolactin level, abnormal production of certain hormones by the pituitary or adrenal gland, a tumor in the ovary, and some other rare diseases.

The evaluation of hirsutism and new menstrual irregularity often begins with a pregnancy test and a blood test to measure the prolactin level. Other than pregnancy and breast feeding, a benign pituitary tumor and certain drugs are the most common causes of high prolactin levels

There are other symptoms that will help your doctor in his evaluation of your current situation.

Are you experiencing any of the following problems?

- Facial rounding

- Diffuse muscle weakness

- Personality change

- New onset acne

- High blood pressure

- Low blood potassium level

Yes, I do have one or more of those symptoms.

No, I do not have those symptoms.