The Clinical Evaluation of Hirsutism

    September 2008 in “ Dermatologic therapy ”
    Najwa Somani, Shannon Harrison, Wilma F. Bergfeld
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    TLDR Hirsutism is excessive hair growth in women often caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome, and identifying the cause is important for managing associated health risks.
    The document from 2008 discusses hirsutism, a condition characterized by excessive hair growth in women in areas typically associated with male hair patterns. It is often linked to elevated androgen levels, although not always. Androgens are produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands, and also in the skin and fat. The most frequent cause of hirsutism is polycystic ovarian syndrome, but it can also be due to idiopathic hirsutism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Cushing's syndrome, and HAIR-AN syndrome, with pituitary, ovarian, and adrenal tumors being rare causes. A detailed medical history and examination are crucial for patients, especially those with moderate to severe hirsutism, sudden onset, or rapid progression of the condition. Laboratory tests are essential to identify the cause, which, while not changing the management of hirsutism itself, is important for recognizing associated risks such as infertility, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial carcinoma.
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