Endocrinology Update: Hirsutism

Hirsutism was characterized by excessive terminal hair growth in a male pattern on androgen-dependent areas of the female body, and it could occur in both men and women. The condition was commonly associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, idiopathic hyperandrogenemia, and other endocrine disorders. Diagnostic guidelines primarily focused on premenopausal women, but evaluations for underlying endocrinopathies in postmenopausal women and men were also necessary. Management strategies included eliminating causative drugs, assessing hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis dysregulation, and identifying androgen-secreting tumors. Treatment options involved pharmacotherapy with estrogens-progestins, antiandrogens, and other agents, while surgical excision was considered for certain adenomas.