A Peep Into Hirsutism

Hair is one of the most beautiful gifts to mankind. It has been adored and admired by the people for long. Amidst the people looking for hair related cures like cure for hair loss, dandruff cure or baldness treatment, there are some who are worried because of excessive growth of hair at unwanted places. However, at times it grows at places where it is generally not found. Dermatology terms such outgrowth of hair as Hirsutism; meaning shaggy or hairy. Wikipedia defines it as, “excessive and increased hair growth in women in locations where the occurrence of terminal hair normally is minimal or absent”. It refers to a male pattern of body hair (androgenic hair) and it is therefore primarily of cosmetic and psychological concern. Hirsutism is a symptom rather than a disease and may be a sign of a more serious medical indication, especially if it develops well after puberty.nnHirsutism is a common disorder affecting approximately 8 - 10 percent of women folk. It occurs as a result of conditions that are not hazardous or life-threatening, such as chronic anovulation. The disorder reflects a sign of androgen action on hair follicles in an increased manner; from increased circulating levels of androgens (endogenous or exogenous) or increased sensitivity of hair follicles to normal levels of circulating androgens.nnAs a result of hirsutism in women, terminal hair grows from androgen-sensitive pilosebaceous units. Though 60 to 80 percent of women with hirsutism have increased levels of circulating androgens, the correlation between hirsutism and androgen levels is not very concrete. The major source of increased levels of testosterone in women who have hirsutism is the ovary.nnUse of exogenous pharmacologic agents, including danazol (Danocrine), anabolic steroids, and testosterone may also result in hirsutism. Oral contraceptives (OCs) frequently used by women contain levonorgestrel, norethindrone, and norgestrel. These chemical compounds have stronger androgenic effects leading to outgrowth of hair while those with ethynodiol diacetate, norgestimate, and desogestrel compounds are less androgenic. nnA thorough history and physical examination is mandatory to evaluate women with hirsutism. Family history assumes a great importance in people suffering from hirsutism. 50 percent of women suffering from hirsutism have a positive family history of the disorder. Physical examination facilitates in distinguishing between normal amounts of hair growth and hirsutism. nHirsutism treatment for patients can be done by various measures targeting local manifestations of hirsutism and pharmacologic therapy aimed at the underlying causes. For patients with mild hirsutism, temporary treatment in the form of shaving, bleaching, depilatories, and electrolysis may suffice. Electrolysis is one of the most effective and permanent methods of hair removal. However, electrolysis being costly and time consuming, has been supplanted by use of laser techniques for all types of unwanted hair removal. nnThe Pharmacologic treatment for underlying causes of hirsutism aim at blocking androgen action at hair follicles or suppression of androgen production. Response to pharmacologic agents is slow, occurring over many months and demands a patient approach. nnCure for hair loss, dandruff cure or baldness treatments are a common feature these days but treatment for hirsutism is still in its development stage. With the advent of numerous treatments and use of chemical compounds, this disorder can be eliminated permanently.