Excessive facial hair in women due to hormonal imbalances is known as what?

The correct answer is hirsutism, which refers specifically to excessive hair growth in women that occurs in areas where men typically grow hair, such as the face, chest, and back. This condition is often the result of hormonal imbalances, particularly involving androgens, which can be elevated in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Understanding hirsutism is important because it highlights the interplay between hormones and physical traits, and addresses a common concern in women's health. Other conditions listed, like androgenic alopecia, melasma, and acanthosis nigricans, relate to different issues—such as hair loss, skin pigmentation changes, and skin thickening associated with insulin resistance, respectively. Thus, recognizing hirsutism specifically targets the issue of excessive hair growth driven by hormonal factors.