Female Hirsutism: Pathophysiological Considerations and Therapeutic Implications*

In the document from 1984, female hirsutism is described as excessive hair growth in areas typically associated with male secondary sexual characteristics. It can be a symptom of endocrine diseases like polycystic ovarian disease (PCO) or Cushing's syndrome, but most cases are classified as idiopathic hirsutism, which presents without other signs of hyperandrogenism such as virilization or breast atrophy. Idiopathic hirsutism, which shows no clinical differences from other types of hirsutism, is not associated with racial differences in androgenic steroids, despite Mediterranean women being more prone to the disorder. The condition is characterized by local hyperandrogenization, leading to increased hair growth, sweat and sebum secretion, and total skin collagen content, as hair follicles and sebaceous glands are androgen-dependent.