Hirsutism: diagnosis and treatment
March 2014
in “Arquivos Brasileiros De Endocrinologia E Metabologia”
TLDR The document concludes that proper diagnosis and combined treatments are key for hirsutism management, and weight loss may help overweight patients.
The document from March 1, 2014, provides an overview of hirsutism, its causes, diagnosis, and treatment options. Hirsutism, characterized by excessive hair growth in women, is often caused by androgenic factors, with PCOS affecting 70-80% of those with the condition. The document highlights the complexity of hair growth and the importance of distinguishing hirsutism from hypertrichosis. It recommends against routine androgen testing in mild cases but suggests it for moderate to severe hirsutism or when accompanied by other symptoms. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, pharmacological interventions like oral contraceptives and anti-androgens, and permanent hair reduction techniques such as electrolysis and laser therapy. The efficacy of treatments should be monitored using self-assessment and the Ferriman-Gallwey score. The document concludes that while most cases of hirsutism are benign, proper diagnosis and combination therapy are crucial, and weight loss can be beneficial for overweight and obese women. Pharmacological treatments should be stopped if pregnancy is planned.
View this study on scielo.br →
Cited in this study
research Diagnosis and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline
The guideline suggests using specific criteria to diagnose PCOS, recommends various treatments for its symptoms, and advises screening for related health issues.
research How to Diagnose and Treat Medically Women with Excessive Hair
Treating excessive hair in women requires a holistic approach, including medical, aesthetic, and emotional support.
research An Approach to the Patient with Hirsutism
The document concludes with guidance for doctors on diagnosing and treating hirsutism effectively and safely.
research Epidemiology, diagnosis and management of hirsutism: a consensus statement by the Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society
Experts recommend using evidence-based methods to diagnose and treat hirsutism, focusing on symptoms and underlying causes.
research Hirsutism: Diagnosis and management
The conclusion is that hirsutism should be diagnosed and treated because it affects quality of life and may signal other health problems.
research The clinical evaluation of hirsutism
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 Hirsutism
Hirsutism is excessive male-pattern hair growth in women, often caused by hormonal imbalances, and requires ongoing treatment to manage.
research Acquired Hypertrichosis Lanuginosa: A Rare Cutaneous Paraneoplastic Syndrome
research The hair cycle
The document concludes that the hair cycle is a complex process involving growth, regression, and rest phases, regulated by various molecular signals.
research Relative Prevalence of Different Androgen Excess Disorders in 950 Women Referred because of Clinical Hyperandrogenism
Most women referred for excess male hormone symptoms had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), with other conditions being less common.
research The Biology of Hair Follicles
Hair follicle biology advancements may lead to better hair growth disorder treatments.
Related
research Polycystic ovary syndrome and acne.
Women with PCOS often have acne because of high androgen levels, and the article reviewed how to treat this type of acne.