Rational Investigations in the Diagnosis and Management of Women with Hirsutism or Androgenetic Alopecia
March 2001
in “
Clinics in Dermatology
”
TLDR Diagnose and manage hair issues in women by checking medical conditions and using personalized treatments.
This document provides guidance on the diagnosis and management of hirsutism and androgenetic alopecia in women. It emphasizes the importance of ruling out underlying medical conditions and suggests various treatment options, including lifestyle changes, medications, and cosmetic procedures. The most common cause of hirsutism is polycystic ovaries, and androgen-secreting tumors should be identified through clinical evaluation and a single serum testosterone estimation. Hormone tests can help diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome, and body fat distribution can affect cardiovascular risk. Personalized treatment plans are recommended, and various treatments such as flutamide and oral contraceptives are discussed.