Hirsutism overview
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Hirsutism overview On the Web |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: ; Ogheneochuko Ajari, MB.BS, MS [2];Rasam Hajiannasab M.D.[3]
Overview
Hirsutism (from Latin hirsutus = shaggy, hairy) is defined as excessive and increased hair growth in women in locations where the occurrence of terminal hair normally is minimal or absent. It refers to a male pattern of body hair (androgenic hair) and it is therefore primarily of cosmetic and psychological concern. Hirsutism is a symptom rather than a disease and may be a sign of a more serious medical indication, especially if it develops well after puberty.
It affects 5-15% of women . In most of the cases there is an underlying hormonal imbalance . Excessive amount of androgen plays a major role, as 70% of patients with excessive androgen will develop hirsutism. However in 5 to 15% of patients suffering from hirsutism , there is no increase in androgen level and are considered as idiopathic hirsutism.[1] About 50% of hirsutism cases have high androgen level. Free testosterone is the main circulating androgen and is often elevated in hirsute women and the level of androgens and hair follicle sensitivity to androgens play the major role .[2] Ovulatory dysfunction (PCOs), diabetes, thyroid hormone abnormalities are some of the underlying causes for hirsutism.[1]
There is a scoring system which is called Ferriman–Gallwey scale, which quantitates the extent of hair growth in the most androgen-sensitive sites and patients with a score of 8 or more ,would be considered a hirstue .
Hirsutism must be distinguished from hypertrichosis which is a result of either heredity or the use of medications such as glucocorticoids, phenytoin, minoxidil, or cyclosporine. Hypertrichosis is not caused by excess androgen.
Hirsutism can happen due to PCOS, CAH , androgen secreting tumors ,medications or can be idiopathic.For treatment , undeyling cause should be addressed first. Treatment options include :cosmetic and hormonal therapy .