Idiopathic hirsutism: excessive bodily and facial hair in women

Abstract

Hirsutism is the excessive and increased bodily and facial hair growth in women in locations where hair is normally minimal or absent. It refers to the growth of hair in a pattern normally occurring only in men, and therefore primarily raises psychological, cosmetic and social concerns. Idiopathic hirsutism (IH), where the cause of excessive hair growth is unknown, is considered to be the most common form of hirsutism. It is suspected that this type of hirsutism may be familial, as there is often a family history of the condition. Women with IH will generally have normal menses and normal levels of testosterone. There are many treatment modalities that fall into two broad groups: medical and mechanical treatment. An example of a medical treatment is when an agent is used, which interferes with the synthesis of androgen at the ovarian or adrenal level, or by inhibiting the effect of androgen at the receptor level. An example of a mechanical treatment is laser hair removal, where the hair follicle is destroyed; however, much depends on the on the skill of the treating practitioner, laser type, laser spot size, skin type, hair colour, and the stage at which the hair follicles were during their hair growth cycle, and the delivered wavelength. Laser offers the fastest method of hair loss. Other mechanical treatments include electrolysis, depilatory creams, plucking and waxing. This article presents a general overview of IH, including a definition, diagnostic measures, clinical manifestations, normal and abnormal physiology, and treatment options.

Congenital Leptin Deficiency and Leptin Gene Missense Mutation Found in Two Colombian Sisters with Severe Obesity

“…The most common endocrine condition causing hirsutism is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) [58]. Idiopatic hirsutism (IH) [59], the second most common cause of hirsutism after PCOS, is considered when hirsutism is associated with normal ovulatory function and normal circulating serum androgen concentrations. The pathogenesis of IH is still unclear, although increased activity of peripheral 5-α reductase enzyme [60], androgen receptor gene polymorphism [61], and increased sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens have been proposed [62].…”

Effect of Aslagh Capsule, a Traditional Compound Herbal Product on Oligomenorrhea in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Three-Arm, Open-label, Randomized, Controlled Trial

“…In the study conducted by Ozbek et al (2003) on rats, fennel essence reduced liver enzymes, and its hepatoprotective effect was proved [ 60 ]. Furthermore, fennel enhances hepatic synthesis of sex hormone-binding globulin, which is bound to testosterone in the bloodstream and reduces serum levels of free testosterone [ 61 ]. Patients with PCOS have lipid profile disorders, and many of their symptoms are due to high androgens.…”

The involvement of androgens in human hair growth

“…There are several conditions which can cause hirsutism such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which is characterised by excessive production of androgen [59]. However, a small portion of cases have idiopathic hirsutism, with no detectable hormonality [60].…”