Hirsutism
October 2007
in “
PubMed
”
TLDR Hirsutism, often caused by PCOS, is treated with medication and weight loss is important for obese women with PCOS.
Hirsutism, characterized by excessive male-pattern hair growth in women, was primarily linked to androgen excess, often due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Idiopathic hirsutism was the second most common cause, with a minority of cases stemming from serious adrenal or ovarian disorders. Diagnostic procedures aimed to identify underlying pathologies, with a Ferriman and Gallwey score >6 indicating the need for androgen level analysis. Treatments included drugs that inhibit androgen production or block androgen receptors, with spironolactone or cyproterone acetate combined with oral contraceptives being the most effective. Weight loss was crucial for obese women with PCOS.