Hirsutism In Young Women
April 2009
in “
Obstetrician & gynaecologist/The obstetrician & gynaecologist
”
TLDR Hirsutism in young women is often caused by PCOS and managed with lifestyle changes, treatments, and hormonal therapy, which takes 9-12 months to work.
The document from April 1, 2009, discusses hirsutism, a condition that affects 5-15% of women and is often linked to an underlying endocrine disorder, with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) being the cause in 70-80% of cases. The management of hirsutism involves a combination of lifestyle changes, cosmetic and physical treatments, and medical interventions, with hormonal treatments requiring 9-12 months to achieve their full effect. The article aims to educate on the assessment of women with hirsutism, understanding its common and less common causes, and adopting a sensitive and sensible approach to management. It also raises ethical questions regarding the use of drugs not yet approved for hirsutism and the responsibilities of gynecologists in ensuring contraception for women on drugs like finasteride.