Hirsutism

Period 1

Table 5

By: Allison, Sebastian, Jeffery

• Hirsutism arises from excess male hormones called androgens.

Causes

This excess of male hormones may come from:

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome• Genetics• Tumors on the adrenal gland or ovaries• Cushing’s Syndrome• Anabolic steroids

Symptoms of Hirsutism include:• Irregular menstrual periods• Acne• Loss of feminine body shape• Signs of masculinity in femalesSigns of masculinity are the main symptom of

this disease (particularly the growth of dark and coarse hair on the face, chest, and back.)

• Hirsutism may also be caused by some medications such as:

Anabolic steroidsDanazolMetoclopramideMethyldopaPhenothiazinesReserpine

• Affects both men and women• However, most men are not diagnosed with this disease

because hair growth in these areas is not abnormal. • 8% of adult women have Hirsutism

• One method of evaluating and quantifying Hirsutisnm is the Ferriman-Gallwey score.

• This is a representation of hair growth in a male pattern on a woman shown in four different degrees of severity in 9 different body parts.

• The 9 body parts are: Upper lip Chin Chest Upper back Lower back Upper abdomen Lower abdomen Upper arms Thighs Legs Forearms *Legs and forearms used to be a part of the Ferriman-Gallwey score but are

no longer included.

• The numbers are added up to a maximum count of 36.

• A final tally of 6 or more is enough to indicate Hirsutism

• There are no cures for this lifelong disease.

• However, there are ways of dealing with it:

Plucking Shaving Waxing Chemical hair softeners Laser hair-removal Electrolysis (small needle is inserted into

the hair follicle, and a small current of electricity is applied to kill it )

Estrogen containing medicines

• Dr. Anis (Jan 4, 2011). Hirsutism. Retrieved from http://memyselfanis.wordpress.com/2011/01/04/hirsutism/

• Ferriman D, Gallwey JD (1961). Journal of Clinical Endocrinology. Retrieved from Clinical assessment of body hair growth in women.

• Goodman N, Bledsoe M, Cobin R, Futterweit W, Goldzieher J, Petak S, Smith K, Steinberger E (2001). Endocrine Practice. Retrieved from American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Hyperandrogenism Guidelines.

• MayoClinic staff (2012). Hirsutism. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hirsutism/DS00858

• UMMC staff (2011). Hirsutism. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hirsutism/DS00858

• Linda V (Feb 7, 2011). Excessive or Unwanted Hair in Women. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003148.htm

Works Cited

• Melissa H, Peter C (June 15, 2003). Evaluation and Treatment of Women with Hirsutism. Retrieved from http://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0615/p2565.html

Ricardo A (May 2003). The Evaluation and Management of Hirsutism. Retrieved from http://www.utilis.net/Morning%20Topics/Gynecology/Hirsutism.pdf

• Akhyani M, Danesh Pazhooh M, Barzegari M, Ghandi N, Ghiasi M, Chenari Z, Soudavari S (2006). Frequency of Hirsutism. Retrived from http://iranjd.ir/abstract.asp?articleID=1390

• Basil H (Aug 1, 2011). Dermatologic Manifestations of Hirsutism. Retrieved from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1072031-overview

• Gold Bamboo (Feb 23, 2012). Hair Growth, Excessive. Retrieved from http://www.goldbamboo.com/topic-t8224-a1-6Hirsuitism.htm

• Dr. Balasaraswathy (Sep 12, 2010) Skin Care N Cure. Retrieved from http://www.skincarencure.com/hirsutism.htm

• Robert R (Dec 5, 2005). Hirsutism. Retrieved from http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMcp033496

Works Cited (continued)