Hirsutism (HUR-soot-iz-um) is a condition in females that results in extra growth of dark or coarse hair in a male-like pattern — face, chest, back, lower abdomen, inner thighs — as a result of excess male hormones (androgens), primarily testosterone.

This condition is often a symptom of an underlying medical problem, and a very common problem is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). If you have hirsutism and irregular periods, you might have PCOS.

Hirsutism generally isn’t preventable. But losing weight if you’re overweight might help reduce hirsutism, particularly if you have polycystic ovary syndrome.