What is Hirsutism?

Hirsutism comes from Latin word where hirsutus means shaggy or hairy. Hirsutism is excessive hair growth in female on the area where normally hairs are absent. It is occur only in women and 5-15% women generally affect from it. Most of the time because of hirsutism psychological problems such as distress, anxiety and depression may happen. Unwanted dark and thick hairs occur on female in the area of face, chest, abdomen and back like that of man. If hirsutism arises after puberty then it is considered as sign of some serious disease.

Causes and Associated Disorders of Hirsutism

Variety of causes and disease are responsible for hirsutism. Below few of them are mentioned.

• High level of androgens
  
• Oversensitivity of hair follicles to androgens
  
• Nonandrogenic factors
  
• Idiopathic hirsutism
  
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
  
• Ovarian tumors
  
• Hereditary
  
• Adrenal disorders
  
• Thyroid dysfunction
  
• Specific drugs like cyclosporin, streptomycin etc.
  
• Cushing's syndrome

Sign and Symptoms of Hirsutism

1. Instability in menstruation,
   
2. Deficient in of ovulation,
   
3. Acne
   
4. Deepening of voice,
   
5. Balding and overweight.

Diagnosis and Test for Hirsutism

Diagnosis is done to confirm hirsutism disorder. It some times misunderstands as hypertrichosis so proper diagnosis is necessary.

• History of patients about disease
  
• Blood tests are done to measure androgen levels
  
• Ultrasound or special x-ray studies
  
• Hormone suppression or stimulation tests
  

Is Hirsutism treatable?

Depending upon causes treatment for hirsutism also varies. Various methods are available to cure hirsutism.

• Temporary treatment is hairs are removed by applying various hair removal methods.
  
• Many times spironolactone, dexamethasone, prednisone or oral contraceptive pill is prescribed by doctor to reduce level of androgen.
  
• If hirsutisms occur because of specific disorder then that disorder is treated first so that patients can recover from hirsutism.
  
• Hormone treatment is taken by patient to reduce further hair growth. But hairs which are present previously can not reduce by this method.
  
• Weight loss is also suggested to reduce level of androgen hormones.
  

• Atomoxetine
• Crohns disease
• Uric acid kidney stones
• Wart
• Disease condition e
• Chicken pox
• Benzonatate
• Oliguria
• Cervical polyp
• Nephrocalcinosis

Health Tip

The constipation can be eased by taking plenty of water, a fibre rich diet and bulk forming laxatives. Daily exercise can also regulate the bowel movement. Stress is a large causative component in chronic constipation.