Hormonal changes with age can also contribute. During Menopause, estrogen levels drop, which can make the effects of androgens more noticeable even if their levels stay the same.
In some cases, there is no specific medical cause. This is called idiopathic hirsutism, where hair follicles are simply more sensitive to normal hormone levels, often influenced by genetics. Certain medications, including anabolic steroids or treatments like minoxidil, can also trigger increased hair growth as a side effect. Rarely, more serious conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome or adrenal disorders may be involved, usually alongside other clear symptoms.
It is advisable to seek medical advice if hair growth appears suddenly, becomes rapid, or is accompanied by changes like missed periods, acne flare-ups, or voice changes. In many cases it is manageable, but checking helps rule out underlying causes.