Causes of Hirsutism
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Health Fitness -> subcategory Women s Issues.
Causes of Hirsutism
Overview
Hirsutism, characterized by excessive unwanted facial and body hair in areas such as the neck, chest, and lower abdomen, is a common condition affecting mainly women. It impacts between 5% and 15% of women, creating significant social and psychological distress. However, with modern diagnosis and treatment, it can be effectively managed.
Understanding Hirsutism
At its core, hirsutism is a sign of hyperandrogenism, which involves elevated levels of androgens. Let's explore the primary causes:
Familial and Idiopathic Hirsutism
These common causes result from peripheral androgen activity, beginning at puberty and slowly progressing. Women with this condition typically have normal menstruation and hormone levels. The diagnosis often involves ruling out other causes.
- Idiopathic Hirsutism: Occurs in 6% to 17% of affected women, with normal androgen levels and ovulation. It may be due to enhanced peripheral 5 alpha-reductase activity, altered androgen metabolism, or different androgen receptor functions.
Ovarian Causes
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Affects about 6% of women of reproductive age, with over 70% showing signs of hyperandrogenism. This condition is characterized by follicular cysts, identified via ultrasound, along with symptoms like irregular periods, infertility, obesity, and acne. Diagnosis relies on excluding other causes and confirming ovulatory dysfunction alongside clinical or biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenism.
Adrenal Causes
- Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH): A group of inherited disorders affecting adrenal steroid production, leading to excess androgen production. Symptoms include acne, menstrual irregularities, and hirsutism developing during adolescence or adulthood.
- Cushing's Syndrome: Caused by overproduction of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) due to various factors such as pituitary abnormalities or adrenal tumors. This syndrome presents with pronounced clinical symptoms, including hirsutism.
- Adrenal and Ovarian Tumors: Although rare, these tumors secrete androgens, leading to rapid virilization and hirsutism.
Medication-Induced Causes
Certain medications can trigger hirsutism, including:
- Exogenous Agents: Testosterone, anabolic steroids, and danazol.
- Oral Contraceptives: Those containing norgestrel, levonorgestrel, and norethindrone may have stronger androgenic effects compared to others like desogestrel and ethynodiol diacetate.
Rare Causes
Other factors contributing to hirsutism include:
- Medications inducing Hyperprolactinemia
- Increased Growth Hormone Production
- Hyperinsulinemia
- Hypothyroidism
Conclusion
Understanding the causes of hirsutism facilitates effective treatment and management. By addressing the underlying issues, individuals can find relief and improve their quality of life.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Causes of Hirsutism.
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