Which disorder is mainly characterized by excessive hair growth in areas where males typically grow hair?

Hirsutism is primarily characterized by excessive hair growth in women in areas where males typically grow hair, such as the face, chest, and back. This condition results from an imbalance in hormone levels, particularly an increase in androgens, which are male hormones that can affect hair growth patterns.

In females, hirsutism manifests due to factors like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), adrenal dysfunction, or other endocrine disorders that lead to elevated levels of male hormones or increased sensitivity to them. This distinguishes hirsutism from other conditions, as it specifically involves the overgrowth of hair in a male-pattern distribution.

Understanding this definition clarifies why hirsutism is the correct answer, as the focus is on abnormal hair growth patterns aligned with male characteristics, differentiating it from other hair and scalp conditions that may not involve such patterns.