hirsutism /hur″so̅o̅tiz′əm/ [L, hirsutus, hairy] , excessive body hair in a masculine distribution pattern as a result of heredity, hormonal dysfunction, porphyria, or medication. Treatment of the specific cause usually stops growth of more hair. Excess hair may be removed by laser, electrolysis, chemical depilation, shaving, or waxing. Fine facial hair may be most effectively minimized by bleaching. Topical eflornithine (Vaniqa) can slow hair growth, as can oral medications. Also called hypertrichosis. −hirsute, adj., −hirsuteness, n.
