Hirsutism Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms and signs of some disorders associated with hirsutism may include:

Excess hair growth (on the face, arms, legs, or chest)
Abnormal or absent menstrual periods
Decreased breast size
Male-pattern baldness (in a woman)
Deepened voice
Increased size of clitoris
High blood pressure
Enlarged ovaries
Enlarged adrenal glands
Abnormal cholesterol and glucose intolerance

Adrenal Gland

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include:

Blood tests—to measure the amounts of certain hormones
Stimulation or suppression tests—to measure how hormone levels in the blood respond to changes
X-ray —a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body
Ultrasound—a test that uses sound waves to examine the inside of the body
CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the body
MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the inside of the body

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.