Hirsutism. Illustration of a woman's body, showing hirsutism (excessive hairiness) and various internal organs. At the top are the adrenal glands (yellow), located above the kidneys (red). Part of the uterus, a fallopian tube and an ovary can be seen in the pelvic area. Hirsutism is caused by abnormally high levels of male hormones in the blood, which stimulate growth of body hair in the same pattern as on a man's body. Several conditions can cause hirsutism, including adrenal hyperplasia (a rare genetic condition), adrenal tumour and polycystic ovary. The hair can be bleached or removed in various ways. Permanent removal is by electrolysis.