What is hirsutism? Hirsutism is a male pattern of secondary or post-pubertal hair growth occurring in women. It arises in the moustache and beard areas at puberty when hair also appears in non-hirsute women in the underarm and pubic areas. Hirsute women may also develop thicker, longer hair than is usual on their limbs and trunk.. Hirsutism is also known as hirsutes.