Exploring Hirsutism: Epidemiology, Associated Endocrinal Abnormalities, and Societal Challenges in GCC—A Narrative Review

June 2025 in “ International Journal of Molecular Sciences ”

Mohamed Anas Patni, Rajani Dube, Subhranshu Sekhar Kar, Biji Thomas George, Manjunatha Goud, Suresh Kumar Srinivasamurthy, Abdalla Ahmed Eldaw Elamin

hirsutism endocrinal abnormalities polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS consanguinity obesity lifestyle habits diagnostic tools public health initiatives

TLDR Hirsutism in GCC countries is influenced by genetics, obesity, and lifestyle, with cultural stigma delaying treatment, highlighting the need for tailored health strategies.

This narrative review examines hirsutism in GCC countries, highlighting its prevalence, endocrinal factors, cultural influences, and management strategies. It identifies regional factors such as consanguinity, obesity, and lifestyle habits that contribute to higher rates of hirsutism and related disorders like PCOS. Cultural stigmas delay diagnosis and treatment, exacerbating psychological distress. The review emphasizes the need for region-specific diagnostic tools and public health initiatives to reduce stigma and promote early detection. Recommendations include culturally tailored research and advanced diagnostic strategies to improve patient outcomes and inform policy development. The study synthesizes findings from 109 scientific articles to provide a comprehensive overview of hirsutism in the GCC context.

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Research cited in this study

14 / 14 results

research Self-Esteem and Body Image Satisfaction in Women with PCOS in the Middle East: Cross-Sectional Social Media Study

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Women with PCOS have lower self-esteem and body image satisfaction.

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63 citations , August 2022 in “Diagnostics”

Hirsutism can occur in women with PCOS even if their androgen levels are normal, making diagnosis challenging.

research A Systematic Review of the Effects of Exercise on Hormones in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

98 citations , May 2020 in “Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology”

Exercise, especially vigorous aerobic and resistance training, can improve hormone levels in women with PCOS.

research Hirsutism in Women: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

11 citations , August 2019 in “PubMed”

Hirsutism in women is mostly caused by polycystic ovary syndrome and idiopathic hyperandrogenism.

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20 citations , January 2019 in “Frontiers of Hormone Research”

The book explains how excess male hormones can affect various conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Cushing's disease.

Large-Scale Genome-Wide Meta-Analysis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Suggests Shared Genetic Architecture for Different Diagnosis Criteria

research Large-Scale Genome-Wide Meta-Analysis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Suggests Shared Genetic Architecture for Different Diagnosis Criteria

308 citations , December 2018 in “PLOS Genetics”

The research found that PCOS has common genetic factors regardless of how it is diagnosed and is linked to metabolic and reproductive issues.

research Long-Term Response of Hirsutism and Other Hyperandrogenic Symptoms to Combination Therapy in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

13 citations , June 2018 in “Journal of Womens Health”

Combination therapy with oral contraceptives and spironolactone improves hair growth, menstrual issues, and acne in women with PCOS.

research Hirsutism: Diagnosis and Treatment

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.

Effects of an Oral Contraceptive Containing Chlormadinone Acetate and Ethinylestradiol on Hair and Skin Quality in Women Wishing to Use Hormonal Contraception

research Effects of an Oral Contraceptive Containing Chlormadinone Acetate and Ethinylestradiol on Hair and Skin Quality in Women Wishing to Use Hormonal Contraception

6 citations , March 2012 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

The oral contraceptive improved hair and skin quality in women.

Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Hirsutism: A Consensus Statement by the Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society

research Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Hirsutism: A Consensus Statement by the Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society

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.

research Non-Polycystic Ovary Syndrome–Related Endocrine Disorders Associated with Hirsutism

39 citations , May 2011 in “European Journal of Clinical Investigation”

Hirsutism can be caused by various conditions besides PCOS, and it's important to treat the underlying issue and manage symptoms with medication and cosmetic approaches.

research Spearmint Herbal Tea Has Significant Anti-Androgen Effects in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

90 citations , July 2009 in “PTR. Phytotherapy research/Phytotherapy research”

Spearmint tea may reduce testosterone and self-reported hair growth in women with PCOS.

research Medical Treatment Regimens of Hirsutism

12 citations , January 2004 in “Reproductive biomedicine online”

Low-dose anti-androgen drugs and certain drug combinations are effective for hirsutism, and insulin sensitizers show promise, especially for those with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

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