HIRSUTISM, that is, the problem of excessive hair growth in women, can be a symptom of an underlying disease, not a disease. Yeditepe University Hospitals Medical Coordinator and Endocrinology specialist Prof. Dr. Fahrettin Keleştemur said, “Cosmetic measures such as laser epilation can remove hair temporarily. However, the first thing to do is to reveal if there is a disease underlying excessive hair growth.”
“ Hirsutism ” seen in women and young girls is defined as excessive hair growth on the female body. Stating that they call this male type hair growth ” Excessive Hair Growth in Women “, Prof. Dr. Fahrettin Keleştemur made important statements on the subject.
Emphasizing that 10 out of every 100 women have excessive hair growth during the period called the reproductive age, which starts with menstruation and continues until menopause, Yeditepe University Hospitals Endocrinology specialist Prof. Dr. Fahrettin Keleştemur said, “In women, hirsutism is diagnosed when there is more hair than normal in the chin area, upper mustache area, upper arm area, back area, lower waist area, upper abdomen, chest, lower abdomen and thigh areas.”
“There May Be Diseases Hidden by Excessive Hair Growth”
Noting that excessive hair growth is most common between the ages of 15-16 and 45-50, Prof. Dr. Fahrettin Keleştemur said , “This is a problem that bothers women rightly. Many women do not express this problem much and do not go to the doctor. They try to get rid of hair by applying to aestheticians or cosmetic centers. However, the important point is that excessive hair growth is not a disease but an underlying cause. “It is a symptom of a disease. If a woman has this ailment, the cause of it must be revealed. Correct treatment cannot be possible without understanding the underlying cause. The disease must be detected without causing loss of time.”
“The Most Common Cause of Hirsutism, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome”
Stating that one of the most common causes of excessive hair growth is polycystic ovary syndrome, Prof. Dr. Fahrettin Keleştemur, “The reason for hair growth is polycystic ovary syndrome at a rate of 70 percent. It is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. In women, it can cause menstrual irregularity, acne formation and hair loss as well as excessive hair growth. To diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome, the ovaries are examined under ultrasound guidance. The presence of enlarged ovaries and widely distributed small cysts on ultrasonography is one of the criteria. Polycystic ovary syndrome is also the most common cause of infertility in women. Most of these patients are overweight. Body mass indexes are high. Fat metabolism disorders are common in these patients. Diabetes, It is seen at least 5 times more in these patients.
“The Cause of Hirsutism May Be a Tumor or a Genetic Disease Although Rarely”
Pointing out that although rarely, tumors of the adrenal gland and ovary cause excessive secretion of androgen hormones, they cause complaints such as excessive hair growth and hair loss. Dr. Fahrettin Keleştemur continued his words as follows: “In these cases, hair growth starts suddenly and progresses rapidly. Since cancer progresses rapidly, it is important not to waste time and to consult a physician as soon as possible in case of sudden onset and rapidly progressing male pattern hair growth.
The genetic disease that concerns the adrenal gland, called Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, is caused by defects in the synthesis of steroid hormones in the adrenal gland. In this disease, symptoms such as male pattern hair growth, hair loss, acne and increased muscle mass, and in severe cases, deepening of the voice and enlargement of the clitoris can be seen. In addition to hormonal tests, genetic analyzes may also be required for diagnosis.
Apart from these diseases, there is no specific reason for excessive hair growth in some of the patients. Although androgen levels are within normal limits, this condition is defined as “Idiopathic Hirsutism” in patients with excessive hair growth, no polycystic ovaries detected in ovarian ultrasonography, and no menstrual irregularity.
“Multidisciplinary Treatment Required”
Pointing out that the treatment of excessive hair growth is a problem that should be evaluated together by different branches, Yeditepe University Hospitals Endocrinology specialist Prof. Dr. Fahrettin Keleştemur listed the points to be considered in the treatment as follows: “There must be an endocrinologist in the team. Endocrine abnormalities such as insulin resistance or obesity may be seen in these patients. In addition, a dermatologist, a gynecologist dealing with reproductive endocrinology, and a radiologist are part of the team . Dietitian and, if possible, behavioral therapy for the treatment of patients with obesity problemsIt would be helpful to have an experienced therapist. All this creates a multidisciplinary team. For patients who apply to Yeditepe University Hirsutism Center, the team primarily focuses on finding the underlying cause of the excessive hair growth problem.
Drug treatment is used in polycystic ovarian syndrome and hirsutism of unknown cause, which is mostly seen in people who apply with the complaint of excessive hair growth. In addition to regular drug use for at least 6 months, cosmetic treatment can be applied if necessary. It should be kept in mind that the treatment of excessive hair growth is not a permanent treatment method, chronic treatment may be necessary and drugs can only take effect within months. It is very important to continue regular medical check-ups during this period.”
Lifestyle Changes Are Also Necessary
Noting that lifestyle changes have an important place in the treatment of hirsutism, Prof. Dr. Fahrettin Keleştemur, “Whatever the underlying cause, especially in patients with obesity, proper diet and regular exercise have positive effects on excessive hair growth. In addition, if it is determined that the cause of excessive hair growth is a genetic abnormality, genetic counseling should also be provided to the patients.