Is a bit of facial or body hair always hirsutism?

No. Hirsutism refers to excess coarse, dark hair in a male-type pattern, and what counts as excess varies between people and backgrounds. If hair growth is new, increasing, or distressing — especially alongside irregular periods — it's worth raising with your GP.

Should I score myself on the Ferriman–Gallwey scale?

There's no need. That scale is a clinician's tool used in a consultation. At home, a simple 0–3 severity log of how it is and where is more practical and just as useful for the conversation.

PCOS and hirsutism: tracking excess hair

Hirsutism is the medical term for excess hair growth in a male-type pattern — coarse, dark hair on areas like the upper lip, chin, chest, stomach or back. It's one of the more visible signs of PCOS, and one of the most distressing. Logging it won't change the hair, but it gives your appointment a starting point that isn't just 'it's been getting worse'.

What hirsutism is, and the PCOS link

Hirsutism means terminal (thick, dark) hair growing where women typically have fine or no hair — face, chest, back, abdomen. The NHS lists excessive hair growth among the main symptoms of PCOS, and it's driven by the same higher androgen levels behind PCOS acne and scalp thinning. Clinicians sometimes score it with a tool called the Ferriman–Gallwey scale, but that's for them to apply in a consultation — there's no need to self-score at home.

What a severity log changes

Because hair growth changes slowly and removal hides it day to day, it's hard to convey in a short appointment. A dated 0–3 severity, with a note of where it's worst, shows your GP both how much it affects you and whether it's stable or progressing. That context helps them decide whether to check androgen levels, consider referral, or review with you over time — and it keeps later appointments comparable.

What's worth recording

A weekly 0–3 for overall severity, plus the areas you notice most — upper lip, chin, jaw, chest, stomach. Record it on the basis of how it is before removal, so the log reflects growth rather than your routine. Consistency over months is what makes it useful; the diary is there to remember the trend so you don't have to.

PCOS Diary logs hirsutism severity in one tap, area by area, and turns months of entries into a doctor-ready PDF for your GP.

Download on theApp Store

Common questions

Is a bit of facial or body hair always hirsutism?: No. Hirsutism refers to excess coarse, dark hair in a male-type pattern, and what counts as excess varies between people and backgrounds. If hair growth is new, increasing, or distressing — especially alongside irregular periods — it's worth raising with your GP.
Should I score myself on the Ferriman–Gallwey scale?: There's no need. That scale is a clinician's tool used in a consultation. At home, a simple 0–3 severity log of how it is and where is more practical and just as useful for the conversation.