What is the term for excessive hair growth, especially in women?

The correct term for excessive hair growth, particularly in women, is hirsutism. This condition is characterized by the presence of coarse, dark hair in areas where men typically grow hair, such as the face, chest, and back, due to an increase in androgens or an increased sensitivity of hair follicles to these hormones. Hirsutism is often associated with underlying medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and can affect a woman’s self-esteem and body image.

In contrast, hypertrichosis refers to excessive hair growth in general and is not specifically related to male-pattern hair growth or hormonal imbalances. Alopecia pertains to hair loss and does not describe excessive hair growth. Dermatitis, on the other hand, refers to inflammation of the skin, which also does not relate to hair growth at all. Therefore, hirsutism is specifically the term that addresses the issue of excessive hair growth in women.