Hirsutism
May 2018
in “
Obstetrics, gynaecology and reproductive medicine
”
TLDR Most women with hirsutism have it because of PCOS, and they need long-term treatment including medication and hair removal to improve their condition.
Hirsutism, affecting 5-10% of women of reproductive age, is often accompanied by acne and oily skin and can significantly impact quality of life. Diagnosis is confirmed through patient history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. The article indicates that the predominant cause of hirsutism is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), responsible for 75% of cases. Treatment options include pharmacological interventions to reduce androgen production from the ovaries or adrenal glands and to block androgen receptors in hair follicles. Additionally, hair removal techniques and lifestyle changes can enhance treatment outcomes. However, due to the hair follicle's long life cycle, a prolonged period of treatment is necessary to see improvements in the condition.
