Changes to Body Hair
The hair that grows on the body is a valuable indicator of hormonal health. The growth of body hair is controlled by androgens, a type of sex hormone that governs length, thickness, and darkness of body hair. Some slight, gradual changes in body hair are normal as you age, but you should be concerned if you notice any sudden change in body hair. This includes abnormally thick hair, body hair falling out, or suddenly darkening body hair.
These sorts of changes can be a sign of hormonal imbalance. For example, many women have polycystic ovarian syndrome, a type of hormonal abnormality caused by enlarged ovaries. This condition causes excessive body hair growth, and it also results in weight gain, difficulty metabolizing blood sugar, acne, and ovarian cysts.
