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Test for Hirsutism

Hirsutism is the excessive and abnormal growth of body hair. This condition can affect men and women, but women typically find it more bothersome due to cosmetic reasons. The excess hair, which is usually thick and dark, can grow on the back, abdomen, chest, chin or lip. The abnormal hair is different from the fine hair normally found on the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, up to 10% of women have hirsutism.

  1. Causes

    • Hirstutism is commonly caused by an excessive amount of androgen, which is a male hormone, or polycystic ovarian syndrome. In some cases the cause of hirsutism may never be found. This condition runs in families. Rare causes of excessive hair growth are adrenal gland tumor or cancer, ovarian tumors or cancer, Cushing's syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia and hyperthecosis. Certain medications such as testosterone, danazol, anabolic steroids, glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, minoxidil and phenytoin may also cause hirsutism.

    Tests

    • The diagnosis of hirsutism is based on a physical examination, physical symptoms, blood tests and imaging tests. Not all tests will be indicated for each person. Blood tests that may be indicated for hirsutism are testosterone, dihydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin and 17-hydroxyprogesterone. Imaging tests, such as a computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound, are usually only performed to rule out an ovarian or adrenal gland tumor.

    Home Treatment

    • Treatment for excessive hair includes bleaching, plucking, waxing, shaving, electrolysis, laser hair removal and weight loss. Electrolysis and laser hair removal are expensive and multiple treatments are required. Plucking and waxing are not recommended for women affected by hirsutism because they can make hair grow faster by increasing blood flow to the follicles. Weight loss can decrease hair growth by reducing male hormone levels in your body.

    Prescription Medications

    • Depending on your medical history, your physician may prescribe birth control pills, medications or creams to treat hirsutism. Anti-androgen medications take three to six months to become effective. They work by controlling the androgen hormone and can decrease new hair growth, but probably won't change the amount of hair you have. The prescription cream used to control hirsutism slows facial hair growth and takes four to six weeks before the full benefits are seen.

    Warning

    • Symptoms of a more serious, but rare, disorder include sudden development of hirsutism, deepening voice, acne, decreased breast size, irregular menstrual periods and increased muscle mass. Contact your physician as soon as possible if you exibit these symptoms to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.

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