52 citations,
March 2016 in “JAMA dermatology” Patients with PCOS rate their hirsutism higher than clinicians, and these self-ratings are more closely related to their quality of life and risk of depression.
343 citations,
October 2015 in “Endocrine Practice” The guide recommends specific methods for diagnosing PCOS and various treatments for its symptoms, while considering the health impacts on adolescents.
18 citations,
October 2015 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” 33 citations,
April 2015 in “Cochrane library” Some medicines can reduce excessive hair growth in women, but more research is needed to compare treatments and consider side effects.
26 citations,
March 2014 in “Arquivos Brasileiros De Endocrinologia E Metabologia” The document concludes that proper diagnosis and combined treatments are key for hirsutism management, and weight loss may help overweight patients.
6 citations,
July 2013 in “Acta Clinica Belgica” The document concludes that combination therapy is most effective for treating excessive hair growth in women with idiopathic hirsutism, and more research is needed to understand the condition.
49 citations,
September 2012 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” The document concludes with guidance for doctors on diagnosing and treating hirsutism effectively and safely.
378 citations,
November 2011 in “Human reproduction update” Experts recommend using evidence-based methods to diagnose and treat hirsutism, focusing on symptoms and underlying causes.
815 citations,
April 2010 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” Women with PCOS should be screened for heart disease risk and manage their health to prevent it.
41 citations,
April 2010 in “Gender Medicine” The conclusion is that hirsutism should be diagnosed and treated because it affects quality of life and may signal other health problems.
288 citations,
June 2009 in “Human reproduction update” The modified Ferriman-Gallwey method is a useful tool for diagnosing hirsutism.
112 citations,
April 2009 in “Cochrane library” Spironolactone may reduce excessive hair growth in women but its effectiveness for acne is not supported.
26 citations,
March 2009 in “Dermato-endocrinology” The document concludes that diagnosing and treating Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia is complex and requires a team approach due to its effects on the skin and other symptoms.
105 citations,
January 2009 in “Medicine” Hirsutism is more linked to high androgen levels than acne or hair loss, and a mix of hormonal tests is best for diagnosis; certain treatments can reduce symptoms.
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.
121 citations,
April 2008 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” Insulin sensitizers may slightly reduce hirsutism but are less effective than other treatments.
150 citations,
February 2008 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Antiandrogens are somewhat effective in reducing excessive hair growth in women.
14 citations,
September 2007 in “Steroids” The study concluded that androstendione and DHEA are important for diagnosing high male hormone levels in women with excessive hair growth.
96 citations,
February 2007 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” Women with type 1 diabetes often have polycystic ovary syndrome and excess male hormones, which are frequently undiagnosed.
125 citations,
February 2007 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” 
40 citations,
August 2006 in “Current Drug Safety” Some drugs can cause hair loss, excessive growth, or color changes, often reversible but sometimes permanent.
85 citations,
June 2006 in “Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” The document concludes that hirsutism is the main sign for diagnosing hyperandrogenism, which requires a detailed patient history and physical exam.
352 citations,
January 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Most women referred for excess male hormone symptoms had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), with other conditions being less common.
947 citations,
February 2004 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Most women with excess male hormones have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and hormonal therapy can improve symptoms but may cause side effects.
4809 citations,
January 2004 in “Fertility and Sterility” The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and highlighted increased risks of diabetes and heart disease for those affected.
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.
195 citations,
May 2003 in “Obstetrics and gynecology (New York. 1953. Online)/Obstetrics and gynecology” Most women with excess hair growth have an underlying hormonal issue, often treated with medication and hair removal methods.
63 citations,
March 2001 in “Fertility and Sterility” Diane 35 plus finasteride is more effective for treating hirsutism.
115 citations,
January 2001 in “American journal of clinical dermatology” Eflornithine cream effectively reduces women's unwanted facial hair but hair returns if treatment stops.
46 citations,
January 2000 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” 
113 citations,
April 1999 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Cyproterone acetate-estrogen most effective for hirsutism, but consider side effects and patient needs.
49 citations,
June 1998 in “Journal of Endocrinological Investigation” Cyproterone acetate plus ethinyl estradiol is generally more effective in treating hirsutism, but consider side effects and patient characteristics.
52 citations,
June 1998 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement” Ruby laser treatment is effective and well-tolerated for reducing hair growth.
91 citations,
July 1997 in “Dermatologic Clinics” Laser hair removal is an advanced and effective method for removing unwanted hair.
49 citations,
April 1997 in “Human reproduction” Hormone therapy for excessive hair growth is as good with GnRHa as with high-dose CPA, but GnRHa has longer-lasting results.
75 citations,
November 1996 in “Fertility and Sterility” Finasteride effectively reduces hair growth in women with idiopathic hirsutism, but requires careful contraception during treatment.
132 citations,
October 1995 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Electrolysis is effective for permanent hair removal, but technique is key to avoid scarring, and sometimes hormonal treatment is needed for women with hirsutism.
34 citations,
January 1995 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” 17 citations,
October 1994 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” 
22 citations,
September 1994 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Finasteride reduces dihydrotestosterone, increases testosterone, and may treat hirsutism in women.
165 citations,
February 1994 in “Fertility and Sterility” Flutamide is more effective and has fewer side effects than spironolactone for treating hirsutism.
94 citations,
July 1991 in “Clinical endocrinology” Cyproterone acetate at 2mg daily is as effective as higher doses for treating excessive hair growth in women.
