Today, when all eyes are towards cure for hair loss, dandruff cure or baldness treatments, there are people who are looking for treatment of a different kind. A lot of people are troubled by excessive growth of hair at unwanted places. Dermatology terms this shaggy or hairy outgrowth of hair as Hirsutism. Wikipedia defines it as, “excessive and increased hair growth in women in locations where the occurrence of terminal hair normally is minimal or absent”. Hirsutism is a common disorder, resulting from conditions that are not life-threatening. It results in 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.
Hirsutism is a common disorder affecting approximately 8- 10 percent of the women folk. It occurs due to conditions that are not hazardous or life threatening, such as chronic anovulation. In this disorder, the androgen action on hair follicles is increased in a tremendous manner and involves treatment to bring down the androgen levels from the increased circulating levels (endogenous or exogenous) or increased sensitivity of hair follicles to normal levels of circulating androgens.
In women, terminal hair grows from androgen-sensitive pilosebaceous units as a result of hirsutism. 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 ovary is the major source of increased levels of testosterone in women who have hirsutism.
Use 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 tend to have stronger androgenic effects, while those with ethynodiol diacetate, norgestimate, and desogestrel are less androgenic.
A thorough history and physical examination are essential to evaluate women with hirsutism. Family history assumes a great importance in people suffering from hirsutism. 50 percent of women with hirsutism have a positive family history of the disorder. Physical examination results in differentiating between normal amounts of hair growth and hirsutism.
The hirsutism treatment options for patients can be divided into measures targeting local manifestations of hirsutism and pharmacologic therapy aimed at the underlying causes. For patients with mild hirsutism, local measures such as shaving, bleaching, depilatories, and electrolysis may suffice. Electrolysis is one of the most effective and permanent methods of hair removal, and may be an adjunct to hormonal treatment. However, electrolysis is costly and time consuming, and largely has been supplanted by use of laser techniques. Laser techniques are increasingly becoming popular for all types of unwanted hair removal.
The Pharmacologic treatment for underlying causes of hirsutism aim at blocking the androgen action at the hair follicles or suppression of the androgen production. Response to pharmacologic agents is slow at times, taking months to show its effects. A deliberate and patient approach is the key for undergoing this treatment.
Cure for hair loss, dandruff cure or baldness treatments are a common feature these days. However, hirsutism treatment is gaining ground with the advent of numerous techniques and the usage of chemical compounds by the patients.
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