Importance of Hair Growth in Hirsutism: Diagnosis and Treatment

November 2021 in “ International Journal of Current Pharmaceutical Research ”

AANCHHAL, Rahul Mehra, Amit Barwal, Surya P. Gautam

hirsutism androgens oral contraceptives antiandrogens androgen antagonists laser epilation photo epilation birth control pills laser hair removal

TLDR Diagnose and treat hirsutism with oral contraceptives and laser hair removal for best results.

The review discussed the pathogenesis, causes, and treatment of hirsutism, emphasizing its impact on quality of life. It stressed the importance of diagnosing elevated androgen levels in women with moderate to severe hirsutism, particularly if symptoms were sudden or rapidly progressive. A treatment duration of 6-9 months was recommended, with oral contraceptives as the primary therapy and antiandrogens as an addition if needed. The review advised against using androgen antagonist monotherapy without contraception and discouraged insulin-lowering drugs. For hair removal, laser/photo epilation was suggested.

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Research cited in this study

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American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American College of Endocrinology, and Androgen Excess and PCOS Society Disease State Clinical Review: Guide to the Best Practices in the Evaluation and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - Part 1

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343 citations , October 2015 in “Endocrine Practice”

The guide recommends specific methods for diagnosing PCOS and various treatments for its symptoms, while considering the health impacts on adolescents.

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In-office laser hair removal works well long-term, especially Nd:YAG for darker skin, but home devices need more testing.

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17 citations , October 2012 in “Dermatologic clinics”

Treating excessive hair in women requires a holistic approach, including medical, aesthetic, and emotional support.

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49 citations , September 2012 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

The document concludes with guidance for doctors on diagnosing and treating hirsutism effectively and safely.

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207 citations , January 2011 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Laser hair removal is the most requested cosmetic procedure and has become a scientifically-based treatment suitable for all skin types.

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41 citations , April 2010 in “Gender Medicine”

The conclusion is that hirsutism should be diagnosed and treated because it affects quality of life and may signal other health problems.

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67 citations , September 2008 in “Dermatologic therapy”

Hirsutism is excessive hair growth in women often caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome, and identifying the cause is important for managing associated health risks.

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121 citations , April 2008 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

Insulin sensitizers may slightly reduce hirsutism but are less effective than other treatments.

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502 citations , February 2008 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

Treat significant hirsutism with medication and hair removal; use birth control pills first, adding antiandrogens if needed.

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125 citations , February 2007 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Combining eflornithine cream with laser treatment removes facial hair better than laser alone.

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85 citations , June 2006 in “Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

The document concludes that hirsutism is the main sign for diagnosing hyperandrogenism, which requires a detailed patient history and physical exam.

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Different women's hair and skin glands respond to hormones in varied ways, which can cause unwanted hair growth even with normal hormone levels, and more research is needed to treat this effectively.

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12 citations , May 2005 in “Current obstetrics and gynaecology/Current obstetrics & gynaecology”

Hirsutism is too much hair growth in women like the pattern in men, often caused by high male hormones, and can be treated with hormone control and hair removal methods.

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19 citations , September 2004 in “Reviews in gynaecological practice”

Effective hirsutism management requires identifying the cause, combining new and traditional treatments, and setting realistic expectations for patients.

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Most women with excess male hormones have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and hormonal therapy can improve symptoms but may cause side effects.

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Cyproterone acetate with estradiol may subjectively improve excessive hair growth in women, but it's not clinically better than other treatments.

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The document explains the types of excessive hair growth and how to manage it.

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63 citations , March 2001 in “Fertility and Sterility”

Diane 35 plus finasteride is more effective for treating hirsutism.

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The guidelines help doctors diagnose and treat hormone-related disorders in women.

Idiopathic Hirsutism: Androgen Role and Treatment Options

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21 citations , March 1982 in “JAMA”

Spironolactone is effective and safe for treating excessive facial hair in women.