Hirsutism and Hormonal Imbalance

Excessive Hair Growth

• Hirsutism is a condition characterized by excessive hair growth in women, particularly on the face, chest, back, and buttocks.
• The hair growth is typically thick, dark, and coarse, similar to male pattern hair growth.
• Excessive hair growth can be a source of emotional distress and low self-esteem for women with hirsutism.

Hormonal Imbalance

• Hirsutism is often caused by hormonal imbalances, particularly an excess of androgens (male hormones) in women.
• Androgens stimulate hair growth, and high levels can lead to excessive hair growth in areas of the body where it is not typical for women.
• Hormonal imbalances can be caused by various factors, including:
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
  • Adrenal gland disorders
  • Certain medications

Androgen Hormones

• Androgens are a group of hormones that play a crucial role in the development of male characteristics.
• In women, androgens are produced in small amounts by the ovaries and adrenal glands.
• The main androgen hormones involved in hirsutism are:
  • Testosterone
  • Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
  • Androstenedione
• Androgens can be converted to estrogen in the body, but excess levels can lead to hirsutism and other symptoms, such as acne, male pattern baldness, and deepening of the voice.

Hirsutism

• Characterized by excessive hair growth in women, particularly on the face, chest, back, and buttocks.
• Hair growth is typically thick, dark, and coarse, similar to male pattern hair growth.
• Can be a source of emotional distress and low self-esteem for women.

Causes of Hirsutism

• Hormonal imbalances, particularly an excess of androgens (male hormones) in women.
• Androgens stimulate hair growth, and high levels can lead to excessive hair growth in areas of the body where it is not typical for women.
• Hormonal imbalances can be caused by:
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
  • Adrenal gland disorders
  • Certain medications

Androgen Hormones

• Play a crucial role in the development of male characteristics.
• In women, androgens are produced in small amounts by the ovaries and adrenal glands.
• Main androgen hormones involved in hirsutism are:
  • Testosterone
  • Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
  • Androstenedione
• Excess levels can lead to hirsutism and other symptoms, such as:
  • Acne
  • Male pattern baldness
  • Deepening of the voice