What Is hirsutism?
Hirsutism is excessive hair growth in unusual areas of a woman’s face and body, such as the mustache and beard areal like male. .
Hirsutism in women means that hair follicles are being over-stimulated by testosterone or other androgen hormones. Androgens are the dominant sex hormones in men. Women normally have low levels of androgens. Hirsutism can be caused by abnormally high levels of androgens or abnormal stimulation of hair follicles even when androgen levels are normal.
Causes:
Hirsutism can be caused by:
Polycystic ovary syndrome.
Cushing's syndrome.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Obesity.
Acromegaly.
Hypothyroidism.
Hyperprolactin.
Stress and Anxiety.
Medications.
Symptoms
significant growth of hair on the upper lip, chin, sideburn area, around the nipples or lower abdomen.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask you about your medical history with special attention to your menstrual cycles. He or she also will examine you. If you have a normal cyclic pattern of menstrual periods, the hirsutism is most likely genetic (inherited).
Expected Duration
Many women will have a satisfactory response to medical treatment if they continue the therapy for several months or longer. A few causes of hirsutism (such as tumors that produce androgen hormones or tumors in the pituitary gland) can be cured with surgical treatment, radiation or both.
Cosmetic treatments can remove unwanted hair temporarily, and may limit hair regrowth in treated areas.
Treatment
If a specific cause of hirsutism is diagnosed, your doctor may suggest appropriate treatment for that cause. For women who are overweight, losing weight may reduce androgen levels and improve hirsutism.
