Why does this happen in women?

Having dark, thick hair on the cheeks, chin, upper lip, chest, stomach, back, thighs, calf and arms or hirsutism is usually due to high levels of the male hormone androgen. This excessive hair growth may be socially embarrassing, but it is completely curable.

If your body happens to produce high levels of androgen, it leads to your body becoming hairier along with certain male characteristics like the deepening of voice, muscle mass and even acne.

If a tumour is suspected, then you may be advised to undergo a CTscan or ultrasound.

Are hormones the only culprit?

"Yes. This is basically a hormonal problem and is caused by over production of male hormones in the woman's body. Another common cause is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that happens to women of reproductive age. It involves excessive production of androgenic hormones," informs  Dr. Ravindra Narsapur, gynaecologist,and obstetrician at Bhagwat Hospital, in Mumbai.

According to the Dr. Narsapur, other direct causes for hirsutism are yet to be identified and it usually tends to run in the family.

When does this excessive growth begin?

Your body will have the tendency to produce excessive hormones from the time of birth. However, you may not be hairy before you hit puberty. It is not necessary that you have excessive hair growth once you reach puberty. It can happen suddenly any time from puberty onwards.

You are more prone to it during puberty, pregnancy and menopause when there are a lot of hormonal changes.