Hello
Excess thick hair growth in areas like the arms, legs, and around the breasts can happen from genetics, but when the hair suddenly becomes thicker or increases over a short time along with acne, it may suggest a hormonal condition called hirsutism. One of the most common causes in young women is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, where androgen (male-type hormone) levels are higher than usual.
Other symptoms that can occur with hormonal causes include irregular periods, weight gain, scalp hair thinning, oily skin, or darkening of skin folds. Even if periods are regular, hormone imbalance can still sometimes be present.
You should see a gynecologist or dermatologist for evaluation. They may recommend tests such as testosterone levels, thyroid tests, prolactin, blood sugar, and sometimes an ultrasound to check for PCOS.
Treatment depends on the cause. If hormonal imbalance is found, treatment may include lifestyle changes, weight management, hormonal medications like certain birth control pills, or anti-androgen medicines. For hair removal, options include shaving, waxing, threading, depilatory creams, laser hair reduction, or electrolysis. Laser works best for thick dark hair but usually needs multiple sessions.
Please avoid using steroid creams or random “hair removal medicines” without medical advice, as some products can worsen skin irritation or hormonal issues. Since this is affecting your self-esteem significantly, getting evaluated early is worthwhile because many causes are treatable and manageable.
Take care
Excessive hair growth on the arms, legs, and breasts might suggest a condition called hirsutism, which can sometimes be related to hormonal imbalances, like higher levels of male hormones (androgens). First, it’s a good idea to get to the root of the issue. I recommend scheduling an appointment with a healthcare provider who can evaluate your symptoms and possibly perform some blood tests to check hormone levels. Conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) are common causes of excess hair growth in women and might need to be ruled out. In terms of managing the hair growth itself, there are both temporary and longer-term solutions. For temporary removal, options include shaving, waxing, or using depilatory creams, though these might need repeating frequently. If you’re looking for more permanent solutions, laser hair removal or electrolysis could be considered, but it’s important to consult with a dermatologist first to discuss the suitability, potential risks, and costs involved. Additionally, certain medications can help manage this symptom. Oral contraceptives are sometimes prescribed to reduce androgen levels, and anti-androgens like spironolactone might also be considered, but these need to be evaluated and prescribed by your doctor given your health profile. It’s crucial to address any underlying medical conditions that might be causing the hair growth. Prioritize visiting a healthcare provider to ensure you get appropriate and personal guidance.
Hello Thanks for sharing this—excess thick hair growth in new areas (like the breasts) can feel stressful, especially if it’s a recent change. While some people naturally have more body hair, sudden or increased growth in areas like the chest, face, or abdomen can sometimes be linked to hormonal changes.
What could be happening? - Genetic factors: If your family members also have more body hair, it’s often normal. - Hormonal changes: Conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) or other hormone imbalances can cause new, thick hair growth in areas like the breasts, chin, or stomach. - Medications or health issues: Some medicines or health conditions can trigger hair growth.
What to do next: - See a doctor (preferably a gynecologist or endocrinologist): They can check for hormonal causes and may suggest blood tests (like testosterone, DHEAS, thyroid, and prolactin). - Track other symptoms: Note if you have irregular periods, acne, weight changes, or other new symptoms—these can help your doctor figure out the cause. - Hair removal options: For now, you can use safe methods like waxing, shaving, or depilatory creams, but avoid harsh chemicals or frequent plucking.
Why see a doctor?
If the hair growth is new, thick, or spreading to areas where you didn’t have it before, it’s important to rule out underlying causes. Most of the time, it’s manageable, but getting checked will help you feel more confident and guide the best treatment.
Thank you
Hi,
This recent, rapid change needs proper evaluation — not just hair removal. Here’s the structured approach:
🚨 First — Rule Out Underlying Medical Cause
Sudden onset of thick, coarse hair on arms/legs/chest + acne points toward hormonal imbalance. The key suspect:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or Hyperandrogenism
Sign What it means New thick terminal hair in male-pattern areas Excess androgens (male hormones) Recent onset (1–3 months) Active hormonal shift Acne accompanying it Androgen effect on skin oil glands Severe emotional impact Treatable — don’t suffer silently
🩺 Tests You Need Now
Test Purpose LH, FSH PCOS screening Total & Free Testosterone Check androgen excess DHEA-S, 17-OHP Adrenal gland abnormality Prolactin Rule out pituitary cause Pelvic Ultrasound Check ovaries for PCOS
Consult: Gynecologist or Endocrinologist
⚕️ Medical Management (If Hormonal Cause Found)
Treatment Effect Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs) Regulates cycles, reduces androgens → slows new hair growth Anti-androgens (Spironolactone) Blocks testosterone effect on hair follicles Metformin If insulin-resistant PCOS present
These prevent new hair; existing hair needs physical removal.
✂️ For Current Hair — Removal Options
Method Cost (₹) Duration Best For Laser Hair Reduction 3,000–8,000/session 6–8 sessions Permanent reduction — arms, legs Waxing/Shaving 200–500 2–4 weeks Temporary, low cost Eflornithine cream ~500/tube Daily use Slows facial/body hair growth
Note for breast area: Laser is safe. Avoid plucking/waxing if hormonal — can worsen folliculitis.
🌱 Lifestyle Support (Especially if PCOS)
· Low sugar, high protein diet — stabilizes insulin/androgens · 30 min daily exercise — even brisk walking · Weight loss if overweight — even 5% helps significantly
🧠 Emotional Side
Your distress is valid. This is a medical condition, not a cosmetic flaw. With hormonal treatment + laser, excellent results are achievable.
Step 1: Book a gynecologist visit this week. Step 2: Get the blood work done. Everything else follows.
— Dr. Nikhil Chauhan
Hello, I understand your concern. Excess thick hair growth in areas like arms, legs, chest/breast area along with acne can sometimes be due to hormonal causes rather than only genetics.
One common cause in girls/women is increased androgen (male-type hormone) activity, such as: - PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) - Familial/genetic hair growth tendency - Hormonal imbalance - Less commonly thyroid or other endocrine issues
Since you mentioned the hair has recently become thicker/coarser and acne is also present, it would be reasonable to get evaluated rather than only removing the hair cosmetically.
Recommended tests: - Testosterone levels - Thyroid profile (TSH) - Blood sugar - Ultrasound pelvis if periods are irregular - Possibly prolactin or other hormone tests depending on symptoms
It would be better if you answer these questions: - Are your periods regular? - Any weight gain? - Hair growth on chin/upper lip? - Hair thinning on scalp?
For now: - Waxing/threading/shaving are okay temporary methods - Avoid random hormonal medicines or “hair removal pills” online - Maintain healthy weight, exercise, and sleep
Seek medical evaluation if: - Hair growth is rapidly increasing - Periods become irregular - Voice deepening occurs - Severe acne develops
Final Prescription / Advice: - No hormonal medication should be started without proper evaluation - Continue safe cosmetic hair removal methods as needed - Dermatology/gynecology consultation for hormonal assessment recommended
Advice: New thick coarse hair growth with acne may suggest hormonal imbalance such as PCOS, which is treatable after proper evaluation.
Feel free to reach out again.
Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, D.Fam.Medicine
New thick coarse hair growth on the arms, legs, and around the breasts along with acne can sometimes be due to hormonal causes such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or increased androgen levels, even if you naturally had more body hair before. You should consider seeing a gynecologist or endocrinologist for evaluation, which may include hormone tests (testosterone, DHEAS, LH/FSH, thyroid, prolactin) and possibly an ultrasound, especially if you also have irregular periods, weight changes, or worsening acne. Treatments depend on the cause and can include lifestyle changes, hormonal therapy, or cosmetic options like laser hair reduction, so you do not have to manage this alone.
Sudden increase in thick coarse hair growth with acne can sometimes be due to hormonal conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or other hormone imbalances, especially if the growth is new or worsening over a few months. You should consult a gynecologist or endocrinologist for evaluation, which may include checking your periods, hormone levels, thyroid, and possibly an ultrasound; treatment can help reduce further hair growth and improve acne. Until then, waxing/shaving is okay, avoid random “hair removal” medicines or steroid creams online, and seek medical review sooner if you also notice irregular periods, rapid weight gain, scalp hair loss, voice deepening, or very rapid hair growth.
