Short answer: Start with your primary care doctor (your GP in the UK). They can examine you, order the first blood tests and start common treatments.[1] From there, you may be referred to an endocrinologist (hormone specialist) if tests are abnormal or there are warning signs, to a gynecologist for period or fertility problems, or to a dermatologist for skin and hair removal treatments. No single specialist is “best”. The right one depends on the cause and on what bothers you most.
Which doctor should I see?
Answer 5 quick questions to find the right first appointment for unwanted hair growth. Nothing you click is stored or sent anywhere.
This tool gives general guidance, not medical advice. In the UK and many other countries, start with your GP, who refers you to specialists.
From our survey: Only 12% of the 269 women we surveyed talked to a doctor as soon as they noticed symptoms. The typical wait was three years. See the full results.
Many women put off this appointment for years, because unwanted hair feels embarrassing to talk about. Doctors should take it seriously. A 2025 expert review warns clinicians not to underestimate how distressing hirsutism can be.[4] This guide explains which doctor does what, so you can ask for the right help.
| Doctor | See them when | What they can do |
|---|---|---|
| Primary care doctor or GP | You notice unwanted coarse, dark hair | Exam, first blood tests, the pill, eflornithine cream, referral |
| Endocrinologist | Androgen tests are abnormal, growth is rapid, or you have signs of virilization | Full hormone workup, NCAH and tumor checks, PMOS care |
| Gynecologist | Your periods are irregular or missing, or you are trying to get pregnant | Pelvic ultrasound, contraception, fertility care |
| Dermatologist | Hair is the main issue, or you also have acne or scalp hair loss | Prescription creams, laser, electrolysis, skin care |
| Psychologist or counselor | Hair growth affects your mood, body image or daily life | Support for anxiety, depression and body image |
| Dietitian | You want help with weight or metabolic health | Nutrition plans that fit PMOS care |
Start with your primary care doctor or GP
The NHS advises seeing a GP if you have thick, dark hair on your face, neck, chest, tummy, lower back, buttocks or thighs, especially if you also have irregular periods.[1] At the first visit, expect questions about your health and medicines, a physical exam, and possibly blood tests for hormones such as testosterone.[5] Your GP may suggest weight loss if you are overweight, hair removal at home, eflornithine cream for the face, or a contraceptive pill if you have not been through menopause. They may refer you to a specialist if these do not help or if you need further tests.[1]
How to prepare
- Ask when you book whether you should stop removing hair before the checkup, so the doctor can see the growth.[5] Photos of the areas taken before hair removal can help too.
- List any changes in your periods or sex drive, other conditions you have, and all medicines and supplements with their doses.[5]
- Bring questions, such as “What is likely causing this?”, “What tests do I need?” and “Should I see a specialist?”[5]
- Score yourself first with our hirsutism self-check and bring the result.
When to see an endocrinologist
Endocrinologists specialize in hormones. The Endocrine Society hirsutism guideline is written for them.[2] An endocrinologist is the right next step if:
- Your hair score is abnormal and your androgen (male-type hormone) levels are high[2]
- Hair growth started or worsened quickly, keeps progressing despite treatment, or comes with virilization, such as a deeper voice or an enlarged clitoris[2]
- You may have non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCAH), Cushing’s syndrome, a thyroid problem or high prolactin. These are uncommon causes that need specific tests.[2]
- You have PMOS (formerly PCOS) and want help with its hormonal and metabolic sides.[3][7]
Hirsutism can occasionally be the first sign of a tumor that needs urgent treatment.[6] In that case, an endocrinologist works with radiologists, who perform the scans, and surgeons. Read how hirsutism is diagnosed.
When to see a gynecologist
A gynecologist is a good choice when hair growth comes with irregular or missing periods or fertility questions. PMOS, the most common cause of hirsutism,[4] is diagnosed using irregular ovulation, androgen excess, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound or a high anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level.[3] Gynecologists can do a pelvic ultrasound and help you choose contraception, which matters because anti-androgen medicines must be combined with reliable contraception.[2] See the difference between hirsutism and PMOS.
When to see a dermatologist
If your hair growth is limited to one area and you have no other hormonal signs, the Endocrine Society says you don’t need a full hormone workup before dermatologic treatment.[2] Dermatologists treat the hair and skin directly. They can prescribe eflornithine cream, offer laser or electrolysis, and treat related skin problems such as acne. Read about laser, IPL and electrolysis.
Treatments these doctors may offer
Combined birth control pills
Evidence: Strong The Endocrine Society suggests the combined estrogen-progestin pill as the first medicine for most premenopausal women with bothersome hirsutism.[2] GPs, gynecologists and endocrinologists can all prescribe it. Expect to wait: Hirsutism medicines often take 6 months or more to make a difference.[5]
Anti-androgens such as spironolactone
Evidence: Strong If the pill alone is not enough after 6 months, the guideline suggests adding an anti-androgen. It recommends against using anti-androgens alone unless you use adequate contraception, because they can harm a developing baby.[2][5] Results are modest.[5] Usually an endocrinologist, gynecologist, dermatologist or GP prescribes them. See hirsutism medication.
Laser and electrolysis
Evidence: Strong For most women who choose hair removal treatment, the Endocrine Society suggests laser or other light-based hair removal (photoepilation). Electrolysis is an alternative.[2] Dermatologists or trained practitioners provide these treatments. They are not usually available on the NHS and can be expensive.[1]
The guideline suggests against insulin-lowering drugs, such as metformin, for treating hirsutism itself.[2] Your doctor may still prescribe them for other PMOS-related reasons.
Mental health support: Psychologist or counselor
The 2023 International guideline asks doctors to screen all adults with PMOS for depression and anxiety, to refer or treat when symptoms are moderate or severe, and to recognize that PMOS features can harm body image.[3] You don’t need to wait for your doctor to raise it. Ask for a referral if hair growth affects your mood, relationships or daily life. Read what women with hirsutism want you to know and find support groups and online communities.
Dietitian
Healthy lifestyle advice is a core part of PMOS care, and the International guideline was developed with dietitians on its panels.[3] If you are overweight, losing weight can help control hormone levels.[1] A dietitian can help you make changes you can sustain, without weight stigma, which the guideline also warns about.[3]
When to see a doctor urgently
Ask for an urgent appointment if new thick, dark hair suddenly starts growing on your face and body, your voice is getting deeper, or your muscles are getting bigger.[1] An enlarged clitoris, rapidly worsening growth or missing periods should also be checked promptly.[2] See what virilization is.
Frequently asked questions
Should I see a dermatologist or an endocrinologist for hirsutism?
If you have hirsutism with irregular periods, high androgens or fast-changing symptoms, start with an endocrinologist. If the hair is limited to one area and your periods are regular, a dermatologist can treat it directly.[2]
Can a GP diagnose hirsutism?
Yes. A GP can examine you, order hormone blood tests and start treatment, then refer you if needed.[1]
What kind of doctor treats PMOS?
GPs, gynecologists and endocrinologists all manage PMOS, often as a team with dietitians and mental health professionals.[3]
Will treating the cause make the hair disappear?
Not on its own. Medicines slow new growth over 6 months or more, and many women add laser or electrolysis for existing hair.[2][5]
Key takeaways
- Your primary care doctor or GP is the usual first step and can manage many cases.
- See an endocrinologist for abnormal hormone tests, rapid growth or signs of virilization.
- Gynecologists help with periods, fertility and contraception. Dermatologists help with the hair and skin.
- Mental health support is part of good care, not an extra.
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A 12-page guide: what’s causing your hair growth, which tests to ask your doctor for, and which treatments actually work, plus a printable doctor visit checklist.
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Sources
- NHS. Excessive hair growth (hirsutism). Accessed October 2026. Link
- Martin KA, Anderson RR, Chang RJ, et al. Evaluation and Treatment of Hirsutism in Premenopausal Women: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018;103(4):1233-1257. PubMed 29522147
- Teede HJ, Tay CT, Laven JJE, et al. Recommendations From the 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2023;108(10):2447-2469. PubMed 37580314
- Azziz R, Amiri M, Bril F, et al. Approach to the Patient: Hirsutism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2025;110(10):e3503-e3519. PubMed 40200552
- Mayo Clinic. Hirsutism: Diagnosis and treatment. Accessed October 2026. Link
- Escobar-Morreale HF, Carmina E, Dewailly D, et al. Epidemiology, diagnosis and management of hirsutism: a consensus statement by the Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society. Hum Reprod Update. 2012;18(2):146-170. PubMed 22064667
- Teede HJ, Bahri Khomami M, Morman R, et al. Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: a multistep global consensus process. Lancet. 2026;407(10545):2329-2339. PubMed 42119588
This article is for education and is not medical advice. Talk to a doctor about diagnosis and treatment.