Which term denotes excessive hair growth, in general?

Which term denotes excessive hair growth, in general?

• A. Hyperpilosity
• B. Hypertrichosis
• C. Hirsutism
• D. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Answer: (A)

Excessive hair growth across the body is described by the term hyperpilosity. This term is used to indicate generalized hairiness, rather than a pattern tied to hormones. It’s broader than hirsutism, which specifically refers to excess hair in a male-pattern distribution often driven by androgen excess. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition that can accompany hirsutism, but it is not the term for hair growth itself. Hyperpilosity (often used interchangeably with hypertrichosis) best fits the idea of excessive hair growth in general.

Excessive hair growth across the body is described by the term hyperpilosity. This term is used to indicate generalized hairiness, rather than a pattern tied to hormones. It’s broader than hirsutism, which specifically refers to excess hair in a male-pattern distribution often driven by androgen excess. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition that can accompany hirsutism, but it is not the term for hair growth itself. Hyperpilosity (often used interchangeably with hypertrichosis) best fits the idea of excessive hair growth in general.