An Approach to the Patient with Hirsutism

September 2012 in “ The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism ”

D. Lynn Loriaux

hirsutism adrenal adenocarcinoma endocrinological condition hair growth differential diagnosis treatments risks benefits

Studysummary This review discusses the physiology of hair growth, common abnormal patterns of hirsutism, and examines differential diagnoses and treatment options, but provides no new clinical findings.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The document from 2012 provides a review of hirsutism, an endocrinological condition characterized by excessive hair growth, which can range from a normal variation to a symptom of serious underlying conditions like adrenal adenocarcinoma. It discusses the physiology of normal hair growth in women, outlines common abnormal patterns, and presents a differential diagnosis for each pattern. The review describes a method for physicians to diagnose the causes of hirsutism and evaluates the available treatments, considering their risks and benefits. The focus is on guiding physicians towards an efficient, cost-effective, and safe clinical approach to managing patients with hirsutism.

View this study on academic.oup.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

8 / 8 results

research Hair Removal in Hirsute Women with Normal Testosterone Levels: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Long-Pulsed Diode Laser vs. Intense Pulsed Light

41 citations , September 2010 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

In this study, hirsute women with normal or medically normalized testosterone levels experienced similar, though declining, hair reduction from both intense pulsed light and long-pulsed diode laser treatments over six months.

research Evaluation and Treatment of Hirsutism in Premenopausal Women: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

502 citations , February 2008 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

This review discusses hirsutism management guidelines, recommending androgen testing only for women with abnormal hirsutism scores and advocating for combined therapy approaches depending on severity and underlying conditions, but it reports no new clinical results.

research A Randomized Bilateral Vehicle-Controlled Study of Eflornithine Cream Combined with Laser Treatment Versus Laser Treatment Alone for Facial Hirsutism in Women

125 citations , February 2007 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that adding topical eflornithine to laser hair removal significantly improved the reduction of unwanted facial hair in women over a 6-month period, compared to laser treatment alone.

research Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Topical Eflornithine HCl 13.9% Cream in the Treatment of Women with Facial Hair

133 citations , July 2006 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that topical eflornithine HCl 13.9% cream effectively reduced facial hair in women, with a favorable safety profile.

research Hypertrichosis

125 citations , February 2003 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This review discusses various forms and categories of hypertrichosis, as well as methods for managing the condition, but does not report new clinical results.

research Electrolysis: Observations from 13 Years and 140,000 Hours of Experience

132 citations , October 1995 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This report concludes that the blend method is the most effective electrolysis technique for permanent hair removal, requiring proper technique and preparation such as shaving before treatment to increase efficacy.

research Differential Suppression of Testosterone and Estradiol in Hirsute Women With the Superactive Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Leuprolide

49 citations , October 1988 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

This study found that low doses of leuprolide effectively suppressed serum estradiol and LH response, while higher doses were needed to suppress testosterone and reduce hair growth in hirsute women.

research Clinical and Hormonal Effects of Chronic Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Treatment in Polycystic Ovarian Disease

96 citations , October 1987 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

This study found that long-term GnRH agonist administration in premenopausal women with polycystic ovarian disease resulted in persistent suppression of ovarian steroid secretion, while adrenal steroid levels remained unchanged.