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Warning-sign checks

Excessive or unwanted hair in women: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for sudden severe headache with vision loss, fainting, confusion, or one-sided weakness.

    These symptoms need emergency care whether or not hair growth is present.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek same-day medical advice if coarse hair develops rapidly over weeks or months with a clearly deepening voice, substantial new muscle development, or enlargement of the clitoris.

    These changes may signal a rapid rise in androgens.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if the hair is new, increasing, or upsetting you.

    Seek assessment if you also have irregular or absent periods, troublesome acne, scalp hair loss, difficulty becoming pregnant, or symptoms that began after starting a medicine or supplement.

The article also says

Unwanted hair alone is rarely an emergency.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Excessive or unwanted hair in women. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.