Hirsutism

Hirsutism, characterized by excessive male-pattern hair growth in women, is primarily caused by hyperandrogenemia, with polycystic ovary syndrome and idiopathic hirsutism being the most common culprits. It can lead to significant psychological distress if left untreated. Diagnosis involves a thorough history, examination, and targeted investigations, with a serum testosterone level above 150 ng/dl indicating the need for further tests to rule out an androgen-secreting tumor. Treatment typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, androgen suppression, peripheral androgen blockage, and cosmetic approaches, with patients advised that improvements may take 3–6 months and ongoing treatment may be necessary to maintain results. The document provides an overview of the condition, its causes, diagnostic process, and management strategies, along with the authors' recommendations.