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Hirsutism is characterized by the growth of terminal hair in women on androgen-dependent areas of the body such as the upper lip, chin, or chest. Often the result of androgen excess, hirsutism may be accompanied by acne, androgenetic alopecia, and acanthosis nigricans. The most common hormonal cause of hirsutism is polycystic ovary disease, estimated to occur in 1% to 4% of the female population of reproductive age. |