Interní Med. 2010; 12(11): 540-544

Hirsutism-not only cosmetic problem

MUDr.Jana Heresová, CSc.¹, MUDr.Marie Vrzáňová²

¹ Klinika nukleární medicíny a endokrinologie 2. LF UK a FN Motol, Praha

² Interní klinika 2. LF UK a FN Motol, Praha

Androgenic disorders have many negative physical effects. These effects may be caused by excess androgen (exogenous or endogenous)

or by end-organ sensitivity to normal levels of androgens. The most apparent signs of androgen excess are the external manifestations,

including: oily skin, acne, hirsutism, android obesity, and androgenic alopecia. Of equal concern are the potential metabolic disturbances

associated with hyperandrogenicity. Hirsutism is pathologic growth and distribution of hair in women in response to androgen

stimulation of pilosebaceous unit. Incidence in women is about 5–10 %. Hyperandrogenism must be considered in any girl with premature

pubarche. An association with menstrual irregularity or obesity in a teenage girl is the most common causes of functional ovarian

hyperandrogenism, one manifestation of which is polycystic ovary syndrome, and functional adrenal hyperandrogenism, which usually

seems to be due to an exaggeration of adrenarche. The plasma testosterone/free testosterone is a more sensitive indicator of hyperandrogenism.

Optimal therapeutic program is designed for many patients, including oral contraceptives, low-dose glucocorticoids, and

antiandrogens. Treatment should be chosen according to the patient‘s symptoms and source of androgens and should be combined

with traditional therapy for the specific dermatologic and cosmetologic disorder.

Keywords: hirsutism, androgens, enzym, therapy

Published: December 1, 2010  Show citation