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What is Hirsutism?

What is Hirsutism?

What is Hirsutism?

It is a condition of excessive hair growth in women due to hormonal disorders. It is a disorder seen in approximately 5-10% of women. It is considered normal to have fine hairs called peach fuzz on the female body and face. However, it is abnormal to see thick and dark hairs instead of peach fuzz in the abdomen, back, waist, upper lip and chest area. While it is normal to see this type of hard hair in the genital area and armpits, its appearance in the rest of the body indicates a hormonal disorder. Male pattern hair growth is related to androgen hormones, namely male hormones such as testosterone. These hormones are produced in the ovaries, or ovaries, and adrenal glands, in the female body. The levels of androgen hormones in the blood are checked and the diagnosis is made by evaluating the ovaries with ultrasound. In addition, if a tumor is suspected in the adrenal glands or ovaries, imaging methods such as MRI and CT are evaluated. At the same time, the hair growth level of the patient is evaluated on a scale of 0-4, called Ferriman-Gallway, in 9 areas of the body. A total score of more than 8 is sufficient for the diagnosis of hirsutism. A score of 8-15 is considered mild hirsutism, a score of 16-25 is moderate hirsutism, and a score of 26 and above is considered severe hirsutism.

Hirsutism can develop in connection with many diseases. Cushing’s syndrome, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), tumors in the adrenal glands, tumors in the ovaries, some drugs such as minoxidil, methenolone can cause Hirsutism. Diseases such as obesity, diabetes and insulin resistance can also be seen in patients with hirsutism. It is most commonly seen in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

What are The Symptoms of Hirsutism?

High levels of androgen hormones in the female body have many symptoms other than excessive hair growth. Symptoms such as deepening of the voice, acne problem, increase in muscle mass, and reduction of the breast can be observed. Problems such as infertility and menstrual irregularity can also be seen in patients with hirsutism. Hirsutism can cause self-esteem problems and depression, especially in teenage girls. Excessive hair growth, especially in the face, neck and chest area, can cause psychological problems in the individual. For this reason, patients with hirsutism should also be evaluated psychologically.

How is Hirsutism Treated? How Does the Process Work?

There are different methods for the treatment of hirsutism, such as drugs and cosmetics. First, the root cause of the problem is investigated and a medical solution is produced. For example, if the underlying cause of hirsutism is obesity, the patient should make changes in this regard. If the individual does not have any hormonal disorder, there is no need for drug treatment. For this reason, the underlying cause must be determined first.

It may be necessary to continue for a long time to get results from the drug treatment of hirsutism. The drugs used in drug treatment are generally birth control pills and anti-androgen drugs. With regular use, you can get results in 6 months from birth control pills. However, if there is no significant result, supplementation can be made with drugs that have a hormone-lowering effect.

There are methods of getting rid of hair temporarily or permanently cosmetically. The most appropriate method for the person should be determined by consulting a dermatologist. In addition to the use of drugs, the hairs must also be removed mechanically. Hair can be removed from the body permanently by methods such as laser epilation, electrolysis, and temporarily by methods such as shaving and waxing.

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