Which term refers to excessive hair growth in general?

Which term refers to 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 hypertrichosis. This term covers generalized or widespread hair growth, not tied to a specific pattern or cause. Hyperpilosity isn’t the standard term used in clinical practice, so it isn’t the best choice here. Hirsutism, on the other hand, refers to excessive hair growth in a pattern typical of male body hair distribution, usually in women and driven by androgens. Polycystic ovarian syndrome can cause hirsutism because it often involves excess androgens, but PCOS itself is a condition, not a term for hair growth. So for describing excessive hair growth in general, hypertrichosis is the appropriate term.

Excessive hair growth across the body is described by the term hypertrichosis. This term covers generalized or widespread hair growth, not tied to a specific pattern or cause. Hyperpilosity isn’t the standard term used in clinical practice, so it isn’t the best choice here.

Hirsutism, on the other hand, refers to excessive hair growth in a pattern typical of male body hair distribution, usually in women and driven by androgens. Polycystic ovarian syndrome can cause hirsutism because it often involves excess androgens, but PCOS itself is a condition, not a term for hair growth.

So for describing excessive hair growth in general, hypertrichosis is the appropriate term.