Which of the following conditions is characterized by excessive hair growth in women?

The condition characterized by excessive hair growth in women is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This hormonal disorder affects reproductive-age women and is associated with a variety of symptoms, one of the most notable being hirsutism, which is the presence of excessive hair growth in areas where men typically grow hair, such as the face, chest, and back.

PCOS is linked to an imbalance in hormones, especially elevated levels of androgens, which are male hormones that can lead to increased hair growth. Women with PCOS may also experience other symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, and acne, all of which are related to the underlying hormonal issues.

While the other conditions mentioned may have their own sets of symptoms, they do not primarily manifest as excessive hair growth. Endometriosis involves the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, causing pain and potentially infertility. Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a yeast infection that leads to itching and discharge but does not cause hirsutism. Ovarian cancer can present with various symptoms but does not typically lead to excessive hair growth. Thus, PCOS is the clear link to excessive hair growth in women.