Diagnosis and treatments of hirsutism: Where are we?

Abstract

Hirsutism refers to an excess of terminal hair on body sites where terminal hair is normally minimal or absent. Women are more likely to experience stress, anxiety or low self-esteem as a result of hirsutism than men. A number of grading systems are available that define normal and excess body hair; however, they should be interpreted in the context of ethnic and cultural norms. Hirsutism may be idiopathic or secondary to virilization, in which case it may be a sign of a serious medical condition. Androgen activation of hair follicle androgen receptors leads to hair follicle enlargement and increased anagen duration. This in turn produces increased hair diameter and hair fiber elongation. Hi..