Updates on Hirsutism: A Narrative Review

The document is a narrative review on hirsutism, which is excessive hair growth in women in male-pattern areas. It discusses the condition's association with androgen excess, often due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and other causes like idiopathic hirsutism, medication, or underlying conditions. The pathophysiology, involving androgens, SHBG, and 5-alpha-reductase, is explained, as well as the importance of clinical assessment using the Ferriman-Gallwey scale and biochemical testing. Treatment options include hair removal techniques, pharmacological therapy with oral contraceptives and antiandrogens, and insulin-sensitizing agents like metformin for PCOS. The review stresses the need for realistic treatment expectations and an interdisciplinary approach to address the condition's cosmetic and emotional impacts. The document concludes with an acknowledgment of support from the Deanship of Scientific Research at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University and a statement of no competing interests from the authors.