Where Are We in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Hirsutism? A Narrative Review

This narrative review addresses the current state of diagnosis and treatment for hirsutism, a condition affecting women's physical and psychological health due to androgen dependency. Despite extensive research, significant gaps remain in understanding local androgen metabolism, insulin resistance, and individualized treatment responses. The review highlights recent advances in molecular understanding, diagnostic methods, and treatment options, emphasizing the need for a personalized, multidisciplinary approach that integrates endocrinology, gynecology, and dermatology. It underscores the importance of viewing hirsutism as a complex endocrine disorder rather than merely a cosmetic issue. Future research should focus on local androgen metabolism, tissue-specific enzyme activity, and insulin resistance to improve diagnostic and treatment strategies.