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Hirsutism
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
Hirsutism (hypertrichosis) - excessive hair with or without virilization.
Hirsutism - excessive hair growth in the male type in women. The threshold for "too much hair" is largely determined by the stereotype of different cultures. Hirsutism occurs in men, for example, a large amount of hair on the back.
[What causes hirsutism?
Hirsutism in women is accompanied by the development of virilization, in which there is a cessation of menstruation, coarsening of the voice, hypertrophy of the clitoris. Almost all cases of hirsutism with virilization develop due to endocrine disorders and diseases of the ovaries or adrenals and are a medical and not a cosmetic problem.
Hirsutism without virilization is most often a genetic or physiological disorder (occurs during pregnancy or after menopause). However, the disease is due to the use of drugs (especially phenytoin, glucocorticoids and progestins) or be a sign of endocrine (thyroid, acromegaly) or metabolic (porphyria) disease.
The male does not need to carry out diagnostic tests. Women need consultation of the endocrinologist, as well as conducting laboratory tests.
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Treatment of hirsutism
Hirustism in moderate cases is treated with hair removal wax, but such treatment causes skin irritation and is temporary. It is possible to remove hair with a laser.