Definition

Hirsutism is excess hair growth in women and children.

Whether or not hair growth is abnormal depends on:

• A person's idea of "normal"
• Family tendencies
• Ethnic background

Causes

True hirsutism may be due to:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome]]>
• Defects in the enzymes made by the adrenal glands
• Ovarian tumors
• Adrenal tumors
• Some forms of ]]>Cushing's syndrome]]>
• Luteoma of pregnancy
• Excess growth hormone
• Certain drugs, including:
  • ]]>Minoxidil]]>
  • ]]>Cyclosporine]]>
  • ]]>Phenytoin]]>
  • Anabolic steroids
  • ]]>Diazoxide]]>
  • Progestin-containing medications
  • Oral contraceptives

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

Risk factors include:

• Family members with hirsutism
• Lack of ovulation
• Disorders of the adrenal glands
• Use of androgens
• Older age

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

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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

Treatment

Treatment is directed at the underlying cause of the hirsutism and may include:

Prevention

Hirsutism may be prevented by treating the underlying cause.