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The Symptoms of Hirsutism

If you ever notice unusually high dense growth on yourself or others, it may be hirsuitism. The U.S. National Library of Medicine defines hirsutism as "an excess growth of terminal hairs in androgen-dependent areas of women." Hirsutism does not have symptoms, but is rather itself a symptom of other conditions. The Ferriman-Gallwey score can diagnose hirsitusm, and further examination can determine the cause of hirsutism. Properly evaluating hirsutism gives important information regarding a person's health.

  1. Diagnosis of Hirsutism

    • The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists states that the Ferriman-Gallwey score can diagnose hirsutism. This involves examining the density of hair on the upper lip, chin, sideburns, neck, chest, upper back, lower back, buttocks, upper abdomen, lower abdomen, inguinal area, perianal area, arm, forearm, thigh, leg, foot, toes and fingers. The examiner rates the density of hair in these areas in grades and adds those grades together to determine the overall density of hair. The sum of the grades determines the presence and severity of hirsutism.

    Androgenic Hirsuitsm

    • According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, hirsutism typically comes from elevated level of androgens. The ovaries and adrenal glands produce androgens; medical professionals can examine activity in these organs to determine an abnormal level of androgens. If an examiner detects an increased androgen level, hirsutism may be a symptom of a condition effecting one of these organs. A medical profesional can use hirsutism to diagnose further conditions.

    Rarer Causes of Hirsuitsm

    • The U.S. National Library of Medicine also lists additional causes of hirsutism that are less common than elevated androgen levels. Late onset adrenal hyperplasia, Cushing's disease and HAIR-AN syndrome also cause hirsutism. Although rare, tumors in the pituitary gland, ovaries or adrenal gland can also cause hirsutism. Hirsutism may also be idiopathic, meaning that it may not be a symptom of any known condition.

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