Hirsutism - Book Test at Low Cost

Hirsutism is a usual medical syndrome detected among women patients of all age groups. 5-10% of the global women population is diagnosed with it and is a frequent complaint that is heard by dermatologists. The major reason for this disease is hyperandrogenism which emerges either from the ovary or the adrenal glands. It may also be due to a syndrome of metabolism, idiopathic reasons or drug induction.

Hirsutism can be identified with the development of coarse hairs among female patients synonymous with males. Not only it is crucial to know the symptoms of hirsutism but also to determine the accurate treatment depending on the causative agents.

Diagnosis

The dominant factor for determining the diagnosis is the alteration in rate and type of hair growth. Hirsutism can be determined by using a video technique and computer software. Through methods of digitalized image hair development is recorded which demonstrates a significant difference in the hair form and growth rate between “non-hirsute” and “hirsute” women.

It can also be identified with testing blood samples for higher levels of male hormones among the female patients. The hormones tested are “Androstenedione”, “Testosterone” and “dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)”. Higher levels of these hormones indicate a strong indication of “Hirsutism”.

Causing Agents

The disease of hair growth in females has traditionally been considered a symbol of increased levels of androgens (Testosterone) among females either due to ovarian or adrenal diseases. Among major ovarian diseases that trigger the production of androgens are “polycystic ovarian syndrome” and ovary cancers.

The adrenal diseases that are responsible for” hyperandrogenism” are “Cushing’s syndrome”, “congenital adrenal hyperplasia” and “androgen” developing tumours mostly due to 21 hydroxylase deficiency. "Idiopathic Hirsutism" estimates 20% of global feminine patients have high levels of "androgen" and disruptive ovarian functions.

The excessive growth of hair among women is attributed to a disorder in peripheral androgen activity. Hirsutism is accredited either to the increase in sensitivity or production of the hair follicles circulating the androgens (Tst). Predominantly Tst is secreted either by the adrenal or ovaries. Androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone are the primary hormones from where the synthesis of Tst occurs, however only 1-2% of the Tst is in the free state and is altered to “dihydrotestosterone (DHT)” by the “5-alpha reductase”. This is the major cause of thick hairs among males and changed in metabolism due to the production of androgens.

Evaluation of the patients

It is extremely essential to thoroughly check in female patients whether the hair growth is present specifically as in males or if there is a general presence of hairs in the entire body. After diagnosing “hirsutism”, an individual must undergo the following processes:

• A detailed history of the patient including any existing diseases or medications, the onset of puberty, rate of onset of symptoms or any symptoms of virilism must be determined
• Through physical checkup must be undertaken that includes palpation of an ovarian mass.
• If the onset is due to the active usage of any drugs that must be immediately terminated, else laboratory evaluation of all serums must be undertaken.