Hirsutism: Evaluation and Treatment

October 2017 in “ JOGC/Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Canada ”

Kimberly Liu, Tarek Motan, Paul Claman

hirsutism polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS androgen idiopathic hirsutism Ferriman-Gallwey score combined hormonal contraceptive therapy anti-androgens laser hair removal electrolysis hyperandrogenism birth control pills

Studysummary This review discusses the causes and management of hirsutism and suggests improvement can be achieved with a combination of hair removal, suppression of androgen production, and lifestyle changes over 6 to 9 months. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The document "No. 350-Hirsutism: Evaluation and Treatment" from 2017 reviewed the causes, evaluation, and treatment of hirsutism, emphasizing a comprehensive approach involving history, physical examination, and laboratory evaluations. It identified polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as the most common cause, followed by idiopathic hirsutism. Treatment options included pharmacologic interventions to suppress androgen production and block androgen receptors, mechanical hair removal, and lifestyle modifications, with improvement typically requiring 6-9 months. The Ferriman-Gallwey score was recommended for assessing severity. Combined hormonal contraceptive therapy was suggested as the first-line treatment, with anti-androgens for more severe cases. Permanent hair reduction was achievable through laser hair removal and electrolysis. The guidelines stressed the importance of a comprehensive evaluation to address long-term health consequences associated with hyperandrogenism and PCOS.

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Research cited in this study

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