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Hirsutism, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Definition, Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment, What Is Hirsutism, About Hirsutism, Acne Hirsutism, Cures, Extreme Hirsutism, Hair Growth Hirsutism, Disease, Emedicine, Hirsutism Genetic, Side Effects, Therapy |
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Hirsutism
Definition:
Hirsutism is excess hair growth in women and children.
Whether or not hair growth is abnormal depends on:
- A person's idea of "normal"
- Family tendencies
- Ethnic background
Causes:
True hirsutism may be due to:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Defects in the enzymes made by the adrenal glands
- Ovarian tumors
- Adrenal tumors
- Some forms of Cushing's syndrome
- Luteoma of pregnancy
- Excess growth hormone
- Certain drugs, including:
- Minoxidil
- Cyclosporine
- Phenytoin
- Anabolic steroids
- Diazoxide
- Progestin-containing medications
Risk Factors:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors include:
- Family members with hirsutism
- Lack of ovulation
- Disorders of the adrenal glands
- Use of androgens
- Older age
Symptoms:
Symptoms and signs of some disorders associated with hirsutism may include:
- Excess hair growth (on the face, arms, legs, or chest)
- Abnormal or absent menstrual periods
- Decreased breast size
- Male-pattern baldness (in a woman)
- Deepened voice
- Increased size of clitoris
- High blood pressure
- Enlarged adrenal glands
- Enlarged ovaries
Diagnosis:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include:
- Blood Tests–to measure the amounts of certain hormones
- Stimulation or Suppression Tests–to measure how hormone levels in the blood respond to changes
- X-ray–a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body
- Ultrasound–a test that uses sound waves to examine the inside of the body
- CT Scan – a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the body
- MRI scan–a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the inside of the body
Treatment:
Treatment is directed at the underlying cause of the hirsutism and may include:
Medications
These may include:
- Spironolactone
- Finasteride (Proscar, Propecia)
- Flutamide
- Oral contraceptives
- Glucophage (Metformin)
Local Hair Removal
Methods of removing hair include:
- Shaving
- Chemical treatment (depilatories)
- Waxing
- Electrolysis
- Laser treatment
- Bleaching
Treatment of Other Conditions
If you are diagnosed with a condition that may be causing hirsutism, proper treatment may resolve the hirsutism.
Prevention:
Hirsutism may be prevented by treating the underlying cause.
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| Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. |
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