Hirsutism: A Psychological Analysis

In 2003, a study involving 53 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was conducted to examine the psychological impact of perceived hirsutism, which is the presence of excess body hair in a pattern typically associated with males. The study found that while there were overall elevated levels of psychological distress among the participants, there was no significant correlation between the degree of perceived hirsutism and psychological distress. Additionally, four semi-structured interviews revealed that societal beauty standards significantly influence the experiences of women with hirsutism. These standards lead to feelings of deviance and stigma unless the excess hair is effectively concealed, allowing women to 'pass' for normal and maintain high levels of functioning while upholding cultural norms.