The problem of hirsutism is one of the exhausting problems that a lady suffers from. The share of 10% of women is one of the most common endocrine diseases, and the likelihood of developing it increases in adulthood.
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Hirsutism
This phenomenon is represented by the appearance of excessive hair in many areas of the body. This is associated with several hormonal factors that cause the appearance of unwanted excess hair on the inside of the thigh, face and chest.
Causes of hirsutism
Among the most important causes of hirsutism in women are the following:
- Hormonal disorders
The phenomenon of hirsutism resulting from excessive secretion of androgenic hormones is characterized by excessive growth of hair on the face, chin, neck, middle of the chest, abdomen, back, and inner thighs.
The hair is coarse and black in color, and it can be associated with an increase in sebaceous glands secretions in the skin and the appearance of acne.
- Pathological causes
Excess hair in women appears due to the following diseases:
o Ovarian dysfunction, such as: polycystic ovary syndrome.
o Adrenal or pituitary problems.
o Anorexia nervosa.
- Taking certain medications
Taking some medications leads to hirsutism in women, including:
o Corticosteroids.
o Testosterone.
o Cyclosporine.
o Minoxidil.
o Phentoin.
o Danazol.
o Some antidepressant medications.
Symptoms of hirsutism
Hirsutism causes some symptoms that cause anxiety in women, including:
- The appearance of masculine features such as roughness of voice, increased muscle size, baldness, decreased or stopped the number of menstruations, and the appearance of acne.
- Sudden and rapid growth of excess hair within weeks to months.
Complications of hirsutism
Some women can feel ashamed and depressed by having unwanted hair. And also if she has hirsutism, irregular menstrual cycles and polycystic ovary syndrome that can affect fertility or cause infertility.
Women taking certain medications to treat hirsutism should avoid pregnancy during this period due to the risk of congenital malformations of the fetus.
Factors that increase the risk of hirsutism in women
Among the most important factors that increase the problem of the appearance of hirsutism in women are the following:
- Family history and genetics.
- Obesity: Obesity leads to an increase in the level of androgen.
- Race: Women from the Middle East, the Mediterranean or South Asia are more likely to grow excess body hair.
Diagnosis of hirsutism in Turkey
The doctor diagnoses excess hair in women through the following:
- Taking information about medical history:
The doctor asks the woman about her medical history, and ascertains the date and regularity of her menstrual cycle.
If your menstrual period is regular, hormonal factors can be ruled out as the cause of this problem, as the source of this problem may be genetic.
If there is an irregular menstrual cycle, it is possible that the cause is polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Tests performed
There are some tests conducted to diagnose hirsutism in Turkey, namely:
o Screening for testosterone and other androgenic hormones.
o Screening for polycystic ovary syndrome, ovarian tumors and adrenal tumors.
o Examination of the level of hormones secreted by the adrenal gland and pituitary.
o Check the level of cholesterol and sugar in the blood.
o Computed tomography for adrenal scan.
o Ovarian ultrasound examination.
Treatment of hirsutism in Turkey
- Treatment of the underlying cause of excess hair in women:
When discovering the cause behind the appearance of hirsutism, the doctor may recommend several treatments that help overcome this problem and reduce the level of the hormone androgen in the blood. In overweight women, significant weight loss may help reduce the level of the hormone, reducing excess hair growth.
- Remove excess hair by modern methods:
In order to get long-lasting results and get rid of excess hair. Infrared or laser hair removal or heat treatment can be resorted to that destroys hair follicles and does not allow hair to reappear.
Laser technology is more effective than other treatments, and can suit all hair types.
- Home remedies:
If hair growth is not thick, it can be removed with wax, excess hair removal creams, or shaving.
These treatments can cause skin irritation and must be repeated several times in order to obtain satisfactory results.
Can hirsutism be prevented?
In general, the problem of hirsutism in women is an unpreventable problem. But weight-loss methods and treatment of causative agents may help reduce the aggravation of the problem.
We have shed light on everything related to the problem of hirsutism in Turkey. For more information, you can request a free and immediate consultation by contacting the best gynecologist in Istanbul, Prof. Dr. med. Sona Özdemir. You can book an appointment to visit Medicsey Center using our website. With more than 30 years of experience, our medical staff strives to provide the best results at the best acceptable prices.
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