What hormonal imbalance is often responsible for excessive hair growth in women?

Excessive hair growth in women, also known as hirsutism, is often linked to an imbalance in androgens, which are male hormones that are present in both men and women. When there is excessive production of androgens, such as testosterone, it can lead to the development of male-pattern hair growth in areas where women typically do not have significant hair, such as the face, chest, and back.

Androgen excess can be caused by various factors, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), certain tumors, or other endocrine disorders. This hormonal imbalance disrupts normal hair growth patterns and can also be associated with other symptoms such as acne, irregular menstrual cycles, and weight gain.

In contrast, estrogen deficiency and prolactin deficiency do not typically lead to hirsutism. Estrogen primarily influences the development of female characteristics and menstrual regulation, while prolactin is involved in lactation. An overload of FSH or Follicle Stimulating Hormone usually relates to issues with ovarian function rather than directly causing excessive hair growth. Therefore, androgen excess is the primary hormonal imbalance responsible for excessive hair growth in women.