Rational Investigations in the Diagnosis and Management of Women with Hirsutism or Androgenetic Alopecia

March 2001 in “ Clinics in Dermatology ”

Julian H. Barth

hirsutism androgenetic alopecia polycystic ovaries androgen-secreting tumors serum testosterone hormone tests polycystic ovary syndrome body fat distribution flutamide oral contraceptives PCOS birth control pills

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.

View this study on sciencedirect.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

9 / 9 results

Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Low-Dose Flutamide Alone and Combined with an Oral Contraceptive for the Treatment of Idiopathic Hirsutism

research Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Low-Dose Flutamide Alone and Combined with an Oral Contraceptive for the Treatment of Idiopathic Hirsutism

36 citations, November 1995 in “Clinical endocrinology”

Low-dose flutamide helps reduce excessive hair growth and is even more effective with birth control, without bad effects on blood fats.

A Prospective Study of the Prevalence of Clear-Cut Endocrine Disorders and Polycystic Ovaries in 350 Patients Presenting with Hirsutism or Androgenic Alopecia

research A Prospective Study of the Prevalence of Clear-Cut Endocrine Disorders and Polycystic Ovaries in 350 Patients Presenting with Hirsutism or Androgenic Alopecia

135 citations, August 1994 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

Most women with hirsutism or androgenic alopecia had polycystic ovaries, especially if they had irregular periods.

research Female Androgenic Alopecia

6 citations, May 1994 in “Hair transplant forum international”

Women can also experience hair loss due to hormone changes.

The Importance of Adequate Serum Ferritin Levels During Oral Cyproterone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol Treatment of Diffuse Androgen-Dependent Alopecia in Women

research The Importance of Adequate Serum Ferritin Levels During Oral Cyproterone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol Treatment of Diffuse Androgen-Dependent Alopecia in Women

83 citations, April 1992 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

Having enough iron improves the effectiveness of a specific hair loss treatment in women.

research Biochemical and Trichological Characterization of Diffuse Alopecia in Women

124 citations, August 1990 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Diffuse alopecia in women may be related to androgens and iron deficiency, and basic hormone and nutrient screening is useful.

research Reduced Serum Vitamin B12 Levels During Oral Cyproterone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol Therapy in Women With Diffuse Androgen-Dependent Alopecia

20 citations, July 1990 in “Clinical and experimental dermatology”

Taking cyproterone acetate and ethinyl oestradiol for hair loss can lower vitamin B12 levels in women.

research Plasma C19 Steroid Sulfate Levels and Indices of Androgen Bioavailability in Female Pattern Androgenic Alopecia

32 citations, January 1990 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

Women with female pattern hair loss have higher levels of certain androgens, suggesting increased androgen exposure to hair follicles.

Female Androgenic Alopecia: The 3 Alpha, 17 Beta-Androstanediol Glucuronide/Sex Hormone Binding Globulin Ratio as a Possible Marker for Female Pattern Baldness

research Female Androgenic Alopecia: The 3 Alpha, 17 Beta-Androstanediol Glucuronide/Sex Hormone Binding Globulin Ratio as a Possible Marker for Female Pattern Baldness

13 citations, September 1986 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Women with more 3α,17β-androstanediol glucuronide compared to sex hormone binding globulin are more likely to have female pattern baldness.

research Measurement of Hair Growth

26 citations, March 1986 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

Scalp hair grows at 0.37 mm/day, forearm hair at 0.18 mm/day, and thigh hair at 0.30 mm/day, with no significant differences found in people with certain hair conditions.

Related Research

2 / 2 results

research Non-Surgical Interventions for Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

January 2009

research The Management of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

8 citations, January 1989 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

This text talks about how to treat hair loss in women. It suggests different options and stresses the importance of support.