TLDR Hirsutism, excessive hair growth in women, often caused by high androgen levels and polycystic ovary syndrome, can be treated with medication and weight management.
Hirsutism, characterized by excessive terminal hair growth in females in a male pattern, was primarily triggered by hyperandrogenaemia, with genetic and metabolic factors influencing its severity. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was identified as the most common cause, with elevated serum testosterone levels (>5 nmol/l) necessitating further investigation for adrenal pathology or androgen-secreting tumors. Treatment varied based on the underlying cause, with cyproterone acetate and oestradiol being effective for PCOS or idiopathic hirsutism, and metformin as a secondary option. Weight reduction to achieve a normal BMI was crucial for effective therapy.
Cited in this study
7 / 7 results
5 citations
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March 2001 in “Clinics in Dermatology” Diagnose and manage hair issues in women by checking medical conditions and using personalized treatments.
113 citations
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April 1999 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Cyproterone acetate-estrogen most effective for hirsutism, but consider side effects and patient needs.
75 citations
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November 1996 in “Fertility and Sterility” Finasteride effectively reduces hair growth in women with idiopathic hirsutism, but requires careful contraception during treatment.
1947 citations
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September 1995 in “New England journal of medicine/The New England journal of medicine” PCOS is a common hormonal disorder causing irregular periods and increased hair growth, linked to insulin resistance and long-term health issues.
135 citations
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August 1994 in “Clinical Endocrinology” Most women with hirsutism or androgenic alopecia had polycystic ovaries, especially if they had irregular periods.
94 citations
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July 1991 in “Clinical endocrinology” Cyproterone acetate at 2mg daily is as effective as higher doses for treating excessive hair growth in women.
46 citations
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August 1990 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Ketoconazole reduced hair growth and improved acne in women, but caused side effects needing careful monitoring.
192 citations
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September 2003 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Metformin is effective for treating excessive hair growth in women with PCOS and may work better than the standard treatment in some ways.
