Diagnosis of Hirsutism

Hirsutism is a condition marked by excessive hair growth in women. The hair grows in areas that are more common in male hair growth patterns. For example, you may grow more hair on your face (upper lip and chin area), chest, shoulders, back, abdomen and inner thighs. The causes of the condition may be due to a family trait or an excess of androgen hormone production. According to the Mayo Clinic, nearly 10 percent of women suffer from a certain degree of the condition.

Causes

• Your body produces hormones known as androgens. The body hair on your body is usually fine and light. Once you hit puberty, this fine hair begins to become coarse and darker. If you have hirsutism, the hair on your body becomes thicker and more pronounced due to an increase of androgen levels. Certain conditions such as Cushing's syndrome or polycystic ovary syndrome can cause the condition. Cushing's is caused by an increase in the hormone cortisol. As a result, your sex hormones will increase, causing an excess of hair growth. Polycystic ovary syndrome causes an imbalance of sex hormones, resulting in hirsutism. According to the Mayo Clinic, polycistic ovary syndrome is the most common cause of hirsutism. Tests may be conducted to determine the exact cause of your condition.

History

• Your physician will ask you questions regarding your family history, and if any other family member suffers from excessive hair growth. You may be asked how long you have suffered from the hair growth. Your physician may also may ask about past medical conditions, and whether you currently suffer from any disorders such as ovarian or endocrine disorders. You may also be reviewed for menstrual history, possible eating disorders developed during your youth and fertility history.

Physical Examination

• You physician will check all areas of excessive hair growth. You will also be checked for virilization. Virilization is the determination of sexual changes within the body. For example, your physician will look for changes in androgen levels, an increase in acne, an increase in muscle mass, and if there is any change in your hair growth on your scalp. You may also be examined for masses (growths) upon your body. If it is determined that your hirsutism developed suddenly, then you may be tested for other medical conditions, such as ovarian cancer.

Other Tests

• Samples of your blood will be drawn to check for an increase in hormone levels. If you have elevated androgen levels, then this is a good indicator that you have hirsutism. An ultrasound may be performed on your ovaries or adrenal glands to check for cysts or tumors. According to the Mayo Clinic, a CT scan can be conducted to produce a cross sectional of your organs. A CT is somewhat like an X-ray, though the images are of higher quality. A CT may be conducted on your adrenal glands.

Treatments

• Hirsutism can cause emotional distress for women who suffer from the condition. There are many ways you can treat the condition. Electrolysis and laser therapy are treatments that can remove hair from your affected areas. Electrolysis is considered to be a painful course of treatment, but the hair removal is permanent. Laser therapy may require multiple treatments before you can go through long periods of time without hair growth. Oral contraceptives can prohibit the excess production of androgen in your ovaries. According to the Mayo Clinic, topical ointments such as eflornithine can treat excessive hair growth.