title: Hirsutism: diagnosis and management.
abstract: The majority of women with hirsutism have the idiopathic variety characterized by normal circulating androgens. An index of suspicion should, however, be maintained for that subset of women whose hirsutism is indicative of a systemic hormonal aberration. The psychological consequences of this highly visible condition that can seriously impact quality of life substantiate the need for safer and more effective management options. The advent of a topical medication (eflornithine hydrochloride), devoid of systemic side effects, is one positive step toward this goal.
authors.affiliation: Ambulatory Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 697, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Mercurio
mesh_terms: D000312:Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / Q000150:complications; D000728:Androgens / Q000502:physiology; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000518:Eflornithine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D018120:Finasteride / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006197:Hair / Q000254:growth & development; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D000451:Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D013148:Spironolactone / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D000451:Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists; D013148:Spironolactone; D018120:Finasteride; D000518:Eflornithine