Hirsutism

Hirsutism is defined as excessive hairiness, the common clinical use of the term is in reference to women with excess growth of terminal hair in a male pattern, i.e. not just excess hair on the lower legs or arms but hair occurring more thickly than usual on limbs, face and chest, or an extension of public hair on the abdomen and bottom.

In endocrine-related cases, hirsutism is caused by an imbalance of male and female hormone production. An excess of male sex hormones (androgens) can be due to a dysfunction of the adrenal cortex or the ovaries, since the ovaries are a major site of production of circulating androgens. A tumour in the respective organs is only rarely the cause for hirsutism. An estrogen deficiency - generally during menopause - can also result in a hormonal imbalance.

If hirsutism is due to an underlying endocrine disorder, treatment of the disorder with hormone preparations (e.g. specific anti-androgens, or oral contraceptives such as "the pill") may resolve the excessive hair growth and other symptoms. A combination of anti-androgens and estrogens is effective in the treatment of hirsutism during menopause. This treatment should be effected in close cooperation with the treating physician.

The mechanical removal of hair is an additional possibility (hair depilation). New, modern methods using intense laser light destroy hair roots permanently. Needle electrolysis is an alternative to laser hair removal, and in the hands of a professional leads to good cosmetic results.