Hirsutism and hypertrichosis

Hirsutism and hypertrichosis

Hirsutism is the growth of terminal hair in a female (Fig. 13.15), which is distributed in the pattern norm-ally seen in a male. Hypertrichosis is an excessive growth of terminal hair that does not follow an androgen-induced pattern (Fig. 13.16)

Cause

Some degree of hirsutism may be a racial or familial trait, and minor facial hirsutism is common after the menopause. In addition, some patients without a family background of hirsutism become hirsute in the absence of any demonstrable hormonal cause (idiopathic hirsutism). Finally, some patients with hirsutism will have one of the disorders shown in Fig. 13.17.

Presentation

An excessive growth of hair appears in the beard area, on the chest and shoulder-tips, around the nipples and in the male pattern of pubic hair. Androgenetic alopecia may complete the picture.

Course

Familial, racial or idiopathic hirsutism tends to start at puberty and to worsen with age.

Complications

Virilization causes infertility; psychological disturb-ances are common.

Investigations

Significant hormonal abnormalities are not usually found in patients with a normal menstrual cycle.

Investigations are needed:

•   if hirsutism occurs in childhood;

•   if there are other features of virilization, such as clitoromegaly;

•   if the hirsutism is of sudden or recent onset; or

•   if there is menstrual irregularity or cessation. 

The tests used will include measurement of the serum testosterone, sex-hormone-binding globulin, dehy-droepiandrosterone sulphate, androstenedione and prolactin. Ovarian ultrasound is useful if polycystic ovaries are suspected.

Treatment (Fig. 13.17)

Any underlying disorder must be treated on its merits. Home remedies for minor hirsutism include commercial depilatory creams (often containing a thioglycollate), waxing or shaving, or making the appearance less obvious by bleaching; none remove the hair per-mamently. Plucking should probably be avoided as it can stimulate hair roots into anagen. The abnormally active follicles, if relatively few, can be destroyed by electrolysis. If the hairs are too numerous for this, the excess can be removed by laser. Topical therapy with eflornithine, an inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase, can slow regrowth. Oral antiandrogens (e.g. cyproterone acetate; Dianette) may sometimes be helpful, but will be needed long-term. Pregnancy must be avoided during such

treatment as it carries the risk of feminizing a male fetus. Spironolactone is used less often now.