The Clinical Evaluation of Hirsutism
September 2008
in “
Dermatologic therapy
”
Studysummary This paper reviews causes of hirsutism in women and emphasizes the importance of identifying underlying conditions for risk assessment, though it reports 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 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.
