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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
The normal amount of body hair varies widely among women. Usually, a woman will only grow fine hair (peach fuzz) on her lips, chin, chest, abdomen, or back. When women grow coarse, dark | The normal amount of body hair varies widely among women. Usually, a woman will only grow fine hair (peach fuzz) on her [[lips]], [[chin]], [[chest]], [[abdomen]], or [[Human back|back]]. When women grow coarse, dark hair in these areas, the condition is termed as [[hirsutism]]. This pattern of hair growth is more typical of men. | ||
==What | ==What Causes Hirsutism?== | ||
*All women normally produce low levels of male hormones (androgens). Unwanted hair growth (hirsutism) in women may occur when the body makes too much male | *All women normally produce low levels of male [[hormones]] ([[androgens]]). Unwanted [[hair]] growth ([[hirsutism]]) in women may occur when the body makes too much male [[hormones]]. | ||
*In most cases, the exact cause is never identified. It tends to run in families. In general, hirsutism is a harmless condition. But many women find it bothersome, or even embarrassing. | *In most cases, the exact cause is never identified. It tends to run in families. In general, hirsutism is a harmless condition. But many women find it bothersome, or even embarrassing. | ||
*A common cause is [[Polycystic ovary syndrome (patient information)|polycystic ovarian syndrome]] (PCOS). Women with PCOS and other | *A common cause is [[Polycystic ovary syndrome (patient information)|polycystic ovarian syndrome]] ([[Polycystic ovary syndrome|PCOS]]). Women with [[Polycystic ovary syndrome|PCOS]] and other [[hormonal]] conditions that cause unwanted [[hair]] growth may also have [[Acne vulgaris (patient information)|acne]], problems with [[Menstrual cycle|menstrual]] periods, trouble losing weight, a deeper voice similar to that of men, and [[diabetes mellitus type 2 (patient information)|diabetes]]. If these [[symptoms]] start suddenly, there may be a [[tumor]] that releases male [[hormones]]. | ||
*The following other causes of unwanted hair growth are rare: | *The following other causes of unwanted [[hair]] growth are rare: | ||
:*[[Adrenal tumor (patient information)|Tumor or cancer of the adrenal gland]] | :*[[Adrenal tumor (patient information)|Tumor or cancer of the adrenal gland]] | ||
:*[[Ovarian cancer (patient information)|Tumor or cancer of the ovary]] | :*[[Ovarian cancer (patient information)|Tumor or cancer of the ovary]] | ||
:*[[Cushing's syndrome (patient information)|Cushing's syndrome]] | :*[[Cushing's syndrome (patient information)|Cushing's syndrome]] | ||
:*[[ | :*[[Congenital adrenal hyperplasia]] | ||
:*Hyperthecosis (a condition in which the ovaries produce too much male hormones) | :*Hyperthecosis (a condition in which the [[ovaries]] produce too much male [[hormones]]) | ||
:*Medications ([[testosterone]], [[danazol]], [[anabolic steroids]], [[glucocorticoids]], [[cyclosporine]], [[minoxidil]], [[phenytoin]]) | :*Medications ([[testosterone]], [[danazol]], [[anabolic steroids]], [[glucocorticoids]], [[cyclosporine]], [[minoxidil]], [[phenytoin]]) | ||
*Rarely a woman with hirsutism will have normal levels of male hormones, and the specific cause of the unwanted hair growth cannot be identified. | *Rarely, a woman with hirsutism will have normal levels of male [[hormones]], and the specific cause of the unwanted [[hair]] growth cannot be identified. | ||
==When | ==When To Seek Urgent Medical Care?== | ||
Call your doctor if: | Call your doctor if: | ||
*The hair grows rapidly. | *The [[hair]] grows rapidly. | ||
*The hair growth is associated with male features such as [[Acne vulgaris (patient information)|acne]], deepening voice, increased muscle mass, and decreased breast size. | *The [[hair]] growth is associated with male features such as [[Acne vulgaris (patient information)|acne]], deepening of voice, increased [[muscle]] mass, and decreased [[breast]] size. | ||
*You are concerned that medication may be worsening unwanted hair growth. | *You are concerned that a medication may be worsening unwanted hair growth. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
*Your doctor will perform a physical examination, including a pelvic examination if appropriate. | *Your doctor will perform a [[physical examination]], including a [[pelvic examination]], if appropriate. | ||
*The doctor will ask questions such as: | *The doctor will ask questions such as: | ||
:*Do other members of your family also have excessive | :*Do other members of your family also have excessive amount of [[hair]]? | ||
:*What medications are you taking? | :*What medications are you taking? | ||
:*Have your periods been regular? | :*Have your [[Menstrual cycle|periods]] been regular? | ||
:*Are you pregnant? | :*Are you [[pregnant]]? | ||
:*Have you noticed other signs of excess male hormones such as increased muscle mass, deepening voice, acne, or decreased breast size? | :*Have you noticed other signs of excess male [[hormones]] such as increased [[muscle]] mass, deepening of voice, [[acne]], or decreased [[breast]] size? | ||
:*When did you first notice these symptoms? | :*When did you first notice these [[symptoms]]? | ||
*Your doctor may measure different hormone levels if you have moderate or severe hirsutism or you have other symptoms: | *Your doctor may measure different [[hormone]] levels if you have moderate or severe [[hirsutism]] or you have other [[symptoms]]: | ||
:*[[Testosterone]] | :*[[Testosterone]] | ||
:* | :*[[Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate]] ([[DHEA-S]]) | ||
:*[[Luteinizing hormone]] (LH) | :*[[Luteinizing hormone]] (LH) | ||
:*[[Follicle stimulating hormone]] (FSH) | :*[[Follicle stimulating hormone]] (FSH) | ||
:*[[Prolactin]] | :*[[Prolactin]] | ||
:*17-hydroxyprogesterone | :*[[17-Hydroxyprogesterone|17-hydroxyprogesterone]] | ||
*If a tumor is suspected, x-ray tests such as a [[CT scan]] or [[ultrasound]] may be recommended. | *If a [[tumor]] is suspected, [[x-ray]] tests such as a [[CT scan]] or [[ultrasound]] may be recommended. | ||
==Treatment | ==Treatment Options== | ||
*Medications or other treatments your doctor may prescribe include: | *Medications or other treatments your doctor may prescribe include: | ||
:*[[Birth control pills]]. It may take several months to begin noticing a difference. | :*[[Birth control pills]]. It may take several months to begin noticing a difference. | ||
:*[[antiandrogens|Anti-androgen medications]] such as [[spironolactone]] may be tried if birth control pills do not work. There is a risk of birth defects if you become pregnant while taking these medicines. | :*[[antiandrogens|Anti-androgen medications]] such as [[spironolactone]] may be tried if birth control pills do not work. There is a risk of birth defects if you become [[pregnant]] while taking these medicines. | ||
:*Hair removal using laser and | :*[[Hair]] removal using laser and non-laser light sources damage individual [[hair follicles]] so they do not grow back. This is expensive and multiple treatments are needed. You may get a [[topical]] (applied to the [[skin]]) medicine called eflomithine during these treatments. | ||
==Home | ==Home Care== | ||
*Hirsutism is generally a long-term problem. There are a number of ways to remove or treat unwanted hair. Some treatment effects last longer than others. | *[[Hirsutism]] is generally a long-term problem. There are a number of ways to remove or treat unwanted [[hair]]. Some treatment effects last longer than others. | ||
*Weight loss in overweight women can reduce hair growth. Bleaching or lightening hair may make it less noticeable. | *[[Weight loss]] in overweight women can reduce [[hair]] growth. Bleaching or lightening of [[hair]] may make it less noticeable. | ||
*Temporary hair removal options include: | *Temporary hair removal options include: | ||
:*Shaving does not cause more hair to grow, but the hair may look thicker. | :*Shaving does not cause more [[hair]] to grow, but the hair may look thicker. | ||
:*Plucking and waxing are fairly safe and are not expensive. However, they can be painful and there is a risk for scarring, swelling, and skin darkening. | :*Plucking and waxing are fairly safe and are not expensive. However, they can be painful and there is a risk for scarring, [[swelling]], and [[skin]] darkening. | ||
:*Chemicals may be used, but most have a bad odor. | :*Chemicals may be used, but most have a bad odor. | ||
:*Laser hair removal (electrolysis) uses electrical current to permanently damage individual hair follicles so they do not grow back. This method is expensive and multiple treatments are needed. Swelling, scarring, and redness of the skin may occur. | :*Laser [[hair]] removal ([[electrolysis]]) uses electrical current to permanently damage individual hair follicles so they do not grow back. This method is expensive and multiple treatments are needed. [[Swelling]], scarring, and redness of the [[skin]] may occur. | ||
==Where | ==Where To Find Medical Care For Hirsutism?== | ||
[http://maps.google.com/maps?q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|map+top+hospital+Hirsutism}}}}&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl Directions to Hospitals Treating Hirsutism)] | [http://maps.google.com/maps?q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|map+top+hospital+Hirsutism}}}}&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl Directions to Hospitals Treating Hirsutism)] | ||
Latest revision as of 15:45, 6 November 2017
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
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Hirsutism |
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Hirsutism On the Web |
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Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [1] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, M.B.B.S.
Synonyms and Keywords: Hypertrichosis
Overview
The normal amount of body hair varies widely among women. Usually, a woman will only grow fine hair (peach fuzz) on her lips, chin, chest, abdomen, or back. When women grow coarse, dark hair in these areas, the condition is termed as hirsutism. This pattern of hair growth is more typical of men.
What Causes Hirsutism?
- All women normally produce low levels of male hormones (androgens). Unwanted hair growth (hirsutism) in women may occur when the body makes too much male hormones.
- In most cases, the exact cause is never identified. It tends to run in families. In general, hirsutism is a harmless condition. But many women find it bothersome, or even embarrassing.
- A common cause is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS and other hormonal conditions that cause unwanted hair growth may also have acne, problems with menstrual periods, trouble losing weight, a deeper voice similar to that of men, and diabetes. If these symptoms start suddenly, there may be a tumor that releases male hormones.
- The following other causes of unwanted hair growth are rare:
- Tumor or cancer of the adrenal gland
- Tumor or cancer of the ovary
- Cushing's syndrome
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Hyperthecosis (a condition in which the ovaries produce too much male hormones)
- Medications (testosterone, danazol, anabolic steroids, glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, minoxidil, phenytoin)
- Rarely, a woman with hirsutism will have normal levels of male hormones, and the specific cause of the unwanted hair growth cannot be identified.
When To Seek Urgent Medical Care?
Call your doctor if:
- The hair grows rapidly.
- The hair growth is associated with male features such as acne, deepening of voice, increased muscle mass, and decreased breast size.
- You are concerned that a medication may be worsening unwanted hair growth.
Diagnosis
- Your doctor will perform a physical examination, including a pelvic examination, if appropriate.
- The doctor will ask questions such as:
- Do other members of your family also have excessive amount of hair?
- What medications are you taking?
- Have your periods been regular?
- Are you pregnant?
- Have you noticed other signs of excess male hormones such as increased muscle mass, deepening of voice, acne, or decreased breast size?
- When did you first notice these symptoms?
- Your doctor may measure different hormone levels if you have moderate or severe hirsutism or you have other symptoms:
- If a tumor is suspected, x-ray tests such as a CT scan or ultrasound may be recommended.
Treatment Options
- Medications or other treatments your doctor may prescribe include:
- Birth control pills. It may take several months to begin noticing a difference.
- Anti-androgen medications such as spironolactone may be tried if birth control pills do not work. There is a risk of birth defects if you become pregnant while taking these medicines.
- Hair removal using laser and non-laser light sources damage individual hair follicles so they do not grow back. This is expensive and multiple treatments are needed. You may get a topical (applied to the skin) medicine called eflomithine during these treatments.
Home Care
- Hirsutism is generally a long-term problem. There are a number of ways to remove or treat unwanted hair. Some treatment effects last longer than others.
- Weight loss in overweight women can reduce hair growth. Bleaching or lightening of hair may make it less noticeable.
- Temporary hair removal options include:
- Shaving does not cause more hair to grow, but the hair may look thicker.
- Plucking and waxing are fairly safe and are not expensive. However, they can be painful and there is a risk for scarring, swelling, and skin darkening.
- Chemicals may be used, but most have a bad odor.
- Laser hair removal (electrolysis) uses electrical current to permanently damage individual hair follicles so they do not grow back. This method is expensive and multiple treatments are needed. Swelling, scarring, and redness of the skin may occur.
Where To Find Medical Care For Hirsutism?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Hirsutism)