Hirsutism is defined as excessive and increased
hair growth in women in locations where the occurrence of terminal
hair normally is minimal or absent. It refers to a male pattern
of body hair and it is therefore primarily of cosmetic and psychological
concern. Hirsutism is a symptom rather than a disease and may
be a sign of a more serious medical indication, especially if
it develops well after puberty.
Causes An ostensible cause of hirsutism
can be either an increased level of androgens (male hormones)
or an overly sensibility of hair follicles to androgens. Male
hormones such as testosterone stimulate hair growth, increase
size and intensify the pigmentation of hair. Other symptoms
associated with a high level of male hormones include acne,
irregular menstrual periods, deepening of the voice and increased
muscle mass.
The following may be some of the conditions that may increase
a woman's normally low level of male hormones:
* Polycystic ovary syndrome
* Cushing's disease
* Tumors in the ovaries or adrenal gland (cancer)
* Certain medications
Appearance and Evaluation
Hirsutism
only affects women since the rising of androgens cause a male
pattern of body hair, particularly in locations where women
normally do not develop terminal hair within their puberty
(chest, abdomen, back, limbs and face). The medical term for
excessive hair growth that affect both men and women is hypertrichosis.
One method of evaluating hirsutism is the Ferriman-Gallwey
score which gives a score based on the amount and location
of hair growth on a woman.
Treatment Many women with unwanted
hair seek methods of hair removal to control the appearance
of hirsutism. But the actual causes should be evaluated by
physicians, who can with a few blood tests pinpoint the specific
origin of the abnormal hair growth and advise on the best
course of treatment.
All above text, from the Wikipedia article"Hirsutism,"
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