Hirsutism

Hirsutism is a condition of unwanted, male-pattern hair growth in women, particularly in locations where women normally do not develop terminal hair within their puberty (chest, abdomen, back and face). Hirsutism may arise from excess male hormones called androgens, the key hormone being testosterone, or it may be due to an ethnic or familial trait.

Growing evidence implicates high circulating levels of insulin in women to the development of hirsutism. This theory is consistent with the observation that obese (and thus presumably insulin resistant hyperinsulinemic) women are at high risk of becoming hirsute. Further, treatments that lower insulin levels will lead to a reduction in hirsutism.

A combination of self-care and medical therapies provides effective treatment for many women with hirsutism.