DEFINITION, ETIOLOGY & RISK FACTORS
DEFINITION
Hirsutism: excessive hair growth in androgen-dependent locations: face, chest, lower back, abdomen, upper arms, upper thighs
ETIOLOGY
Most common: PCOS
Other causes:
- Androgen secreting tumours
- Endocrine causes: Cushing’s syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, thyroid deficiency, hyperprolactinaemia, acromegaly
- Medications: anabolic steroids, tamoxifen, sodium valproate
- Hypertrichosis
RISK FACTORS
- Family history (in congenital adrenal hyperplasia)
- Medications use
- Endocrine disorders