Evaluation and treatment of women with hirsutism.
Hirsutism is a common disorder, often resulting from conditions that are not life-threatening. It may signal more serious clinical pathology, and clinical evaluation should differentiate benign causes from tumors or other conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, late-onset adrenal hyperplasia, and Cushing's syndrome. Laboratory testing should be based on the patient's history and physical findings, but screening for levels of serum testosterone and 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone is sufficient in most cases. Women with irregular menses and hirsutism should be screened for thyroid dysfunction and prolactin disorders. Pharmacologic and/or nonpharmacologic treatments may be used. Advances in laser hair removal methods and topical hair growth retardants offer new options. The use of insulin-sensitizing agents may be useful in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Hunter
Melissa H
MH
Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, College of Medicine, Charleston, South Carolina, USA. hunterlh@musc.edu
Carek
Peter J
PJ
D000465:Algorithms; D005260:Female; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D010808:Physical Examination