Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of a Patient with Hirsutism
March 2008
in “
Nature clinical practice endocrinology & metabolism
”
TLDR A combined drug and laser treatment improved hirsutism in a PCOS patient, also enhancing her heart health and requiring regular liver and kidney checks.
In 2008, a 20-year-old woman with hirsutism and irregular menstrual cycles was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Her condition was confirmed through hormonal analyses and a pelvic ultrasound, revealing elevated testosterone levels and polycystic ovaries. She was treated with cyproterone acetate, ethinylestradiol, spironolactone, and laser hair removal. After one year, her symptoms and testosterone levels improved, and her cardiovascular risk profile was better. The case study underlines the effectiveness of a combined pharmacological and mechanical treatment approach for hirsutism in PCOS patients, the necessity for psychological support, and the importance of monitoring for cardiometabolic risks. Treatment results are typically seen after 6 months, with optimal outcomes in 12-24 months, and liver and kidney functions should be tested before and during treatment.