Table of Contents
Polycystic
ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Highlights
1. Hirsutism refers to the excessive
unwanted growth of dark hair in male like pattern in females.
2. Diet, polycystic ovary syndrome,
increased androgen production, adrenal hyperplasia, thyroid hormone imbalance
and certain medications contribute to the etiology of hirsutism.
3. Dietary habits such as use of chicken,
carbonated drinks and bakery items on regular basis increase the risk of
hirsutism.
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Hirsutism
Hirsutism refers to the excessive
unwanted growth of dark hair in male like pattern in females. This condition is
rapidly increasing among the females of different geographical locations particularly
in the women of South Asian and Middle Eastern ancestry.
Hirsutism leads to various
psychological problems such as sadness, social isolation and lack of confidence
in females therefore, awareness and coping strategies are essential to avoid
this problem (1).
Various factors contribute to
excessive hair growth in females and some important factors are described here.
Causes of hirsutism
1. Diet
A recent study reported the
association of hirsutism with stress, sedentary life style, hormonal imbalance
and dietary habits such as use of chicken, carbonated drinks and bakery items on
regular basis (2).
2. Polycystic ovary syndrome
PCOS accounts for 70% of the hirsutism
cases. PCOS is mainly characterized by irregular periods, fluid filled sacs in
ovaries and excessive release of androgens (particularly testosterone). Testosterone
is the main contributing factor towards increased body and facial hair in
females (3).
3. Idopethic hyperandrogensim
It is responsible for 15% cases
of hirsutism. Idopethic hyperandrogensim describes the normal ovaries but elevated
levels of androgen in females (4).
4. Idiopathic hirsutism
Idiopathic hirsutism contributes
to the 10% cases of hirsutism. In this condition, women have normal ovaries,
regular periods and normal androgen levels but excess of facial hair due to
unknown reasons (4).
5. Adrenal hyperplasia
It encompasses a set of genetic
disorders that primarily affect the adrenal gland (pair of small sized organs present
above the kidneys) (5).
6. Androgen-secreting
tumors
The tumors such as ovarian and adrenal
tumors that release excess of androgen can contribute to hirsutism in rare
cases (6).
7. Medications
Various drugs increase facial
hair growth that include androgens, phenytoin, estrogen antagonists (tamoxifen,
clomiphene), D-penicillamine, progestins, cyclosporine, minoxidil, diazoxide, interferon,
glucocorticosteroids and danazol (7).
Moreover, hyperprolactinemia
(increased levels of prolactin in blood), Cushing
syndrome (increased cortisol production) and thyroid disorders may also
contribute to the hirsutism in certain instances (5).
Conclusion
Diet, PCOS, increased androgen
production, adrenal hyperplasia, thyroid hormone imbalance and certain
medications contribute to the etiology of hirsutism.
Therefore, the women that experience
hirsutism must consider the underlying causes and consult the physician for
proper examination. Various treatment options are available to manage this
condition that will be discussed in the next article.
References
1. https://www.pjmr.org.pk/index.php/pjmr/article/view/10
2. https://sites2.uol.edu.pk/journals/AJAHS/article/view/839/525
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26509855/
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22064667/
5.https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2019/0801/p168.html#afp20190801p168-b14
6. https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/103/4/1233/4924418
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