Hirsutism is excess hair growth in women and children.

Whether or not hair growth is abnormal depends on:

• A person's idea of "normal"

• Family tendencies

• Ethnic background

Causes

True hirsutism may be due to:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome

• Defects in the enzymes made by the adrenal glands

• Ovarian tumors

• Adrenal tumors

• Some forms of Cushing's syndrome

• Luteoma of pregnancy

• Excess growth hormone

• Certain drugs, including:

• • Minoxidil

• • Cyclosporine

• • Phenytoin

• • Anabolic steroids

• • Diazoxide

• • Progestin-containing medications

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

Risk factors include:

• Family members with hirsutism

• Lack of ovulation

• Disorders of the adrenal glands

• Use of androgens

• Older age

Symptoms

Symptoms and signs of some disorders associated with hirsutism may include:

• Excess hair growth (on the face, arms, legs, or chest)

• Abnormal or absent menstrual periods

• Decreased breast size

• Male-pattern baldness (in a woman)

• Deepened voice

• Increased size of clitoris

• High blood pressure

• Enlarged adrenal glands

• Enlarged ovaries

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include:

• Blood Tests – to measure the amounts of certain hormones

• Stimulation or Suppression Tests – to measure how hormone levels in the blood respond to changes

• X-ray – a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body

• Ultrasound – a test that uses sound waves to examine the inside of the body

• CT Scan – a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the body

• MRI Scan – a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the inside of the body

Treatment

Treatment is directed at the underlying cause of the hirsutism and may include:

Prevention

Hirsutism may be prevented by treating the underlying cause.

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.aafp.org

Familydoctor.org
http://www.familydoctor.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

BC Health Guide
http://www.bchealthguide.org/

Canada Health Portal
http://chp-pcs.gc.ca/CHP/index_e.jsp

References:

Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment. Lange Medical Books; 2001.

Ferri's Clinical Advisor. Mosby; 2000.