Hirsutism: pathogenesis and treatment.
When hirsutism is recognised as an endocrinopathy, a rational approach to treatment can be devised. In simple hirsutism, the ovaries are the most likely source of excess androgen production, and demonstrate a wide range of pathology. The adrenal cortex is sometimes of prime importance but is more frequently a contributor of androgen precursors. Long term hormonal suppressive treatment will successfully control hirsutism in the majority. Antiandrogens constitute a potential treatment for future years; physical methods of depilation remain as useful adjuncts to medical therapy.
D000302:Adrenal Cortex / Q000378:metabolism; D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D000726:Androgen Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004967:Estrogens / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair / Q000254:growth & development; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D010053:Ovary / Q000378:metabolism; D011372:Progestins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D014770:Virilism / Q000209:etiology
D000726:Androgen Antagonists; D004967:Estrogens; D011372:Progestins; D013739:Testosterone