Hirsutism: Diagnosis and Treatment

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.