Hirsutism

Hirsutism is excessive growth of coarse terminal hair in women in androgen-sensitive areas, such as the face, chest, and abdomen. It reflects androgen exposure or increased sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens.

Androgen: A steroid hormone that promotes male-typical traits and reproductive functions in people of all sexes. Androgens stimulate terminal-hair growth in the body regions affected by hirsutism.
Polycystic ovary syndrome: A hormonal and metabolic disorder associated with irregular ovulation, excess androgen activity, and polycystic ovarian morphology. It is the most common endocrine cause of hirsutism.
Ferriman–Gallwey score: A clinical score that grades terminal-hair growth across androgen-sensitive body areas. It standardizes the examination used to estimate hirsutism severity.
Hypertrichosis: Excessive hair growth that is not limited to androgen-dependent areas and is not necessarily androgen-driven. Unlike hirsutism, it can affect non-androgen-sensitive regions and occur in any sex.
Acne: A skin disorder involving clogged and inflamed hair follicles and oil glands. Acne may accompany hirsutism when both arise from androgen excess.
Hair follicle: A skin structure that produces hair through cycles of growth, regression, and rest. Follicles convert androgen signals into thicker, more visible terminal hairs.
Nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia: A milder inherited enzyme disorder that can increase adrenal androgen production after childhood. It can produce hirsutism and resemble polycystic ovary syndrome.
Serum testosterone: A blood measurement of testosterone concentration. Testing can identify biochemical androgen excess when symptoms or progression warrant evaluation.
Virilization: Development of male-typical physical traits in a woman, such as voice deepening or clitoral enlargement. Virilization signals more severe androgen effects than isolated hirsutism.
Menstrual irregularity: Variation or disruption in the timing and frequency of menstrual bleeding. Its combination with hirsutism can point to an ovulatory or endocrine disorder.

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