TLDR Hirsutism worsens quality of life and mental health, and treatment with both medical help and therapy is most effective.
The study investigated the impact of hirsutism on the quality of life (QoL) of 100 women over 18 years old, revealing that higher levels of hirsutism significantly worsened QoL, anxiety, and depression. The findings indicated that hirsutism, while not life-threatening, caused substantial social, psychological, and emotional challenges. The study concluded that effective medical treatment for hirsutism, alongside psychotherapy, was more beneficial than psychotherapy alone, as the severity of hairiness was closely linked to the negative outcomes in QoL and mental health.
22 citations
,
May 2013 in “Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine” Minoxidil improves quality of life for women with hair loss.
86 citations
,
May 2011 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” How bad a woman's hair loss is doesn't always match how it affects her happiness and daily life.
32 citations
,
January 2010 in “Dermatology” Combining laser hair removal with topical eflornithine is recommended for better results in treating unwanted facial hair.
67 citations
,
September 2008 in “Dermatologic therapy” Hirsutism is excessive hair growth in women often caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome, and identifying the cause is important for managing associated health risks.
150 citations
,
February 2008 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Antiandrogens are somewhat effective in reducing excessive hair growth in women.
195 citations
,
May 2003 in “Obstetrics and gynecology (New York. 1953. Online)/Obstetrics and gynecology” Most women with excess hair growth have an underlying hormonal issue, often treated with medication and hair removal methods.
64 citations
,
May 2003 in “Journal of health psychology” Women with excess body hair feel psychological distress influenced by societal beauty standards, but distress isn't directly linked to the amount of hair.
11 citations
,
May 2003 in “Obstetrics and gynecology (New York. 1953. Online)/Obstetrics and gynecology” Hirsutism in women often indicates a hormonal imbalance and can be managed with a combination of hormonal treatments and hair removal methods.
63 citations
,
August 2022 in “Diagnostics” Hirsutism can occur in women with PCOS even if their androgen levels are normal, making diagnosis challenging.
