Hirsutism

Diagnosis The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include: Blood teststo measure the amounts of certain hormonesStimulation or suppression teststo measure how hormone levels in the blood respond to changesX-ray a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body Ultrasounda test that uses sound waves to examine the inside of the bodyCT 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 TreatmentTreatment is directed at the underlying cause of the hirsutism and may include: Medications These may include: SpironolactoneFinasteride (Proscar, Propecia)FlutamideOral contraceptivesGlucophage (Metformin)Elfornithine (Vaniqa) Local Hair Removal Methods of removing hair include: ShavingChemical treatment (depilatories)WaxingElectrolysisLaser treatmentBleaching Combination Treatment Researchers are also looking into combining treatment options for patients diagnosed with hirsutism. A study published in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology found that elfornithine 13.9% cream in addition to laser treatments further reduces unwanted facial hair for up to six months. *

Treatment of Other ConditionsIf you are diagnosed with a condition that may be causing hirsutism, proper treatment may resolve the hirsutism. PreventionHirsutism may be prevented by treating the underlying cause. RESOURCES: American Academy of Family Physicianshttp://www.aafp.org Familydoctor.orghttp://www.familydoctor.org CANADIAN RESOURCES: BC Health Guidehttp://www.bchealthguide.org/ Health Canadahttp://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html References: Azziz R. The evaluation and management of hirsutism. Obstet Gynecol. 2003;101:99-108. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment . Lange Medical Books; 2001. Ferri's Clinical Advisor . Mosby; 2000. Lustberg ME. Hirsutism. N Engl J Med. 2006;354:1532-1533. *Updated Treatment section on 11/1/2007 according to the following study, as cited by DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance : Hamzavi I, Tan E, Shapiro J, Lui H. A randomized bilateral vehicle-controlled study of eflornithine cream combined with laser treatment versus laser treatment alone for facial hirsutism in women. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007;57:54-59. Epub 2007 Jan 30.

Last reviewed December 2007 by Jill Landis, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.