Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyDrug Reaction DataReferences

Information for Patients

View all Images (30)

Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Hirsutism

Contributors: Gaurav Singh MD, MPH, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Hirsutism is excessive androgen-dependent male-pattern terminal hair growth in females. In contrast, hypertrichosis refers to an increase in nonsexual (non-androgen dependent) vellus hair growth. Hirsutism occurs in areas where high levels of androgen are required for hair growth, such as the upper lip, chin, chest, upper back, stomach, and thighs. The condition affects 5%-10% of individuals of childbearing age.

Hirsutism may be idiopathic, or it may be linked to other conditions. Familial hirsutism is generally facial with a prolonged preauricular hair line. Other etiologies can be considered on the basis of the organ causing the abnormality. Adrenal hirsutism may be due to congenital adrenal hyperplasia or hypercorticism. Causes of increased cortisol include primary nodular hyperplasia, adrenal adenoma, and adrenal carcinoma.

Ovarian hirsutism can be due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or ovarian tumors. Pituitary hirsutism is associated with Cushing disease, a prolactin-secreting adenoma, and psychotropic medications that increase prolactin (ie, antipsychotics). Ectopic hormone production, such as the production of ACTH by small cell lung cancer or HCG by choriocarcinoma, also leads to hirsutism. Anabolic steroids lead to the condition as well.

Hirsutism may be associated with seborrhea, acne, and androgenetic alopecia (termed SAHA syndrome). These findings can also be seen in PCOS; however, in SAHA, menstrual cycles are not anovulatory and ovarian ultrasound is unremarkable. HAIR-AN syndrome has also been characterized, which is marked by hyperandrogenemia, insulin resistance, and acanthosis nigricans.

Codes

ICD10CM:
L68.0 – Hirsutism

SNOMEDCT:
399939002 – Hirsutism

Look For

Subscription Required

Diagnostic Pearls

Subscription Required

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

Differential diagnosis of causes of hirsutism:

Best Tests

Subscription Required

Management Pearls

Subscription Required

Therapy

Subscription Required

Drug Reaction Data

Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Reviewed:06/25/2018
Last Updated:08/10/2021
Copyright © 2023 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Patient Information for Hirsutism
Print E-Mail Images (30)
Contributors: Medical staff writer

Overview

Hirsutism describes excessive hair growth in females caused by androgen hormones (male hormones) in the body as well as other masculine changes. Hirsutism is a common condition and is different from hypertrichosis, or excessive hairiness. Hirsutism is a "male" hair growth pattern found in such places as the chest, chin, upper lip, and stomach. Other such changes might include deepening of the voice, acne, and increased muscle growth. There are family and ethnic factors that affect hair growth, but hirsutism is usually caused by a disease or the use of certain medications.

Since there are a number of causes of hirsutism, you should see a doctor for medical care to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Who’s At Risk

Women in their 20s and 30s are typically at risk for this male pattern excess hair growth. Women may also have female relatives with the same condition.

Signs & Symptoms

Look for excessive hair growth in areas such as the sideburns, upper lip, chin, chest, stomach, and groin. Deepening voice, acne, reduction in breast size, increased sex drive, and increased muscle growth are other signs.

There are many other symptoms that can be found with hirsutism, including sudden weight gain, irregular menstrual periods, and an inability to become pregnant.

You may also have high blood pressure, easy bruising, muscle weakness, and purple-colored stretch marks on the stomach.

Self-Care Guidelines

You can remove the unsightly hair on your own using tweezers, by shaving, or with hair removal creams; however, the hair might return, and removing large amounts of unwanted hair with these techniques may be frustrating.

When to Seek Medical Care

Hirsutism is mainly a cosmetic problem but can also mean something is going on within the body. Your doctor can determine if the excessive hair is normal or because of an underlying disease, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), Cushing syndrome, or congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Your doctor may run tests to check testosterone levels and other androgens, such as androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), found in the blood that might be increased in hirsutism. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist.

Treatments

If your doctor suspects an underlying cause, you will likely need to see a specialist for treatment.

If no underlying problem is determined, your doctor may prescribe oral medications to block the action of androgens such as an oral contraceptive or spironolactone (not FDA approved for treating hirsutism).

Hair removal may be achieved by different methods.

Remove the hair mechanically:
  • Depilatory (removing hair from the surface of the skin) – Includes shaving and chemical treatments. Contrary to popular belief, shaving hair does not make it grow back thicker or grow in faster.
  • Epilatory (removing hair along with the root) – Includes tweezing, waxing, laser therapy, and electrolysis. Electrolysis can help with mild hirsutism for permanent hair removal, especially if performed by an experienced electrologist. Laser therapy is another option for permanent hair removal for moderate to severe hirsutism but may be expensive and time consuming.
The topical cream eflornithine (known as Vaniqa) is a medication prescribed by your doctor to prevent additional facial hair.

References


Suurmond D. Disorders of hair follicles and related disorders. In: Suurmond D, ed. Fitzpatrick's Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology. 6th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2009:section 32. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=5198818. Accessed May 03, 2013

Ehrmann DA. Hirsutism and virilization. In: Longo DL, Fauci AS, Kasper DL, Hauser SL, Jameson JL, Loscalzo J, eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 18th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2012:chap 49. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=9093260. Accessed May 03, 2013.
Copyright © 2023 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Hirsutism
A medical illustration showing key findings of Hirsutism : Virilization
Clinical image of Hirsutism - imageId=647011. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'Terminal hair growth in the beard area of a female patient secondary to a testosterone-secreting luteoma of pregnancy.'
Terminal hair growth in the beard area of a female patient secondary to a testosterone-secreting luteoma of pregnancy.
Copyright © 2023 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.