Hirsutism

July 2012 in “ Obstetrics, gynaecology and reproductive medicine ”

Mostafa Metwally

hirsutism polycystic ovarian syndrome androgen metabolism disorders combined oral contraceptive pill anti-androgens GnRH agonists PCOS birth control pills gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists

TLDR Hirsutism in women often indicates health issues like polycystic ovarian syndrome and is treated with lifestyle changes, medication, and cosmetic measures.

The article from August 2012 discusses hirsutism, a condition that can be highly distressing for women and may indicate serious underlying health issues. It emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to diagnosis, including a detailed history, physical examination, and investigations to understand the physiology of hair growth and identify the cause of hirsutism. The most frequent cause mentioned is polycystic ovarian syndrome, but other androgen metabolism disorders are also considered. Treatment strategies involve addressing the root cause, lifestyle changes like weight loss, and cosmetic measures for existing hair. Pharmacological treatments, such as the combined oral contraceptive pill, are commonly used to prevent new hair growth, with anti-androgens and GnRH agonists being options for severe or treatment-resistant cases.

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Research cited in this study

5 / 5 results

research Spironolactone Versus Placebo or in Combination with Steroids for Hirsutism and/or Acne

112 citations , April 2009 in “Cochrane library”

Spironolactone may reduce excessive hair growth in women but its effectiveness for acne is not supported.

research The Clinical Evaluation of Hirsutism

67 citations , September 2008 in “Dermatologic therapy”

Hirsutism is excessive hair growth in women often caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome, and identifying the cause is important for managing associated health risks.

research Evaluation and Treatment of Hirsutism in Premenopausal Women: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

502 citations , February 2008 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

Treat significant hirsutism with medication and hair removal; use birth control pills first, adding antiandrogens if needed.

research Cyproterone Acetate for Hirsutism

78 citations , October 2003 in “Cochrane library”

Cyproterone acetate with estradiol may subjectively improve excessive hair growth in women, but it's not clinically better than other treatments.

research The Effect of Two Combined Oral Contraceptives Containing Either Drospirenone or Cyproterone Acetate on Acne and Seborrhea

74 citations , April 2002 in “PubMed”

Both oral contraceptives reduced acne effectively and had similar positive effects on skin oiliness and hair growth.

Related Research

1 / 1 results

research Managing the PCOS-Related Symptoms of Hirsutism, Acne, and Hair Loss

1 citations , August 2013 in “Springer eBooks”

Birth control pills and anti-androgen medications help manage hair growth, acne, and hair loss in women with PCOS.

Hirsutism

Research cited in this study

research Spironolactone Versus Placebo or in Combination with Steroids for Hirsutism and/or Acne

research The Clinical Evaluation of Hirsutism

research Evaluation and Treatment of Hirsutism in Premenopausal Women: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

research Cyproterone Acetate for Hirsutism

research The Effect of Two Combined Oral Contraceptives Containing Either Drospirenone or Cyproterone Acetate on Acne and Seborrhea

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Related Research

research Managing the PCOS-Related Symptoms of Hirsutism, Acne, and Hair Loss