Dermatologic Manifestations of Hirsutism Follow-up

Author: Basil M Hantash, MD, PhD; Chief Editor: William D James, MD more...

Updated: Aug 1, 2011

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Further Outpatient Care
Complications
Prognosis
Patient Education
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Further Outpatient Care

Outpatient follow-up care depends on the cause of hirsutism. Idiopathic or familial hirsutism can be monitored and treated, if desired, by a dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon. Women with hormonal or gynecologic causes of hirsutism should be monitored closely by an endocrinologist, gynecologist, or both.

Complications

Complications vary depending on the etiology of the hirsutism. Complications may result from the adverse effects of hormonal or surgical treatment.

Prognosis

Prognosis of hirsutism depends on the underlying cause and the type of therapeutic intervention, if any.

Patient Education

If determined, explain to the patient the specific reason why she has hirsutism. In addition, explain the various therapeutic options available to her.

Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Basil M Hantash, MD, PhD Chairman, Elixir Institute of Regenerative Medicine

Basil M Hantash, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Sigma Xi, and Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Bobby Y Reddy, MS University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Leonard Sperling, MD Chair, Professor, Department of Dermatology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Leonard Sperling, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Richard P Vinson, MD Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L Foster School of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Mountain View Dermatology, PA

Richard P Vinson, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Association of Military Dermatologists, Texas Dermatological Society, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Lester F Libow, MD Dermatopathologist, South Texas Dermatopathology Laboratory

Lester F Libow, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatopathology, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Catherine M Quirk, MD Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania

Catherine M Quirk, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

William D James, MD Paul R Gross Professor of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; Vice-Chair, Program Director, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Health System

William D James, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology and Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Elsevier Royalty Other

Additional Contributors

The authors and editors of Medscape Reference gratefully acknowledge the contributions of previous authors, Herbert P. Goodheart, MD, and Hendrik I. Uyttendaele, MD, PhD, to the development and writing of this article.

References

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Idiopathic hirsutism in an elderly woman.

The patient has late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia. She has clinical features similar to those found in polycystic ovarian syndrome, including hirsutism, acne, obesity, diabetes, and menstrual irregularities.

The photograph depicts hirsutism in a young woman with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Note the acne lesions and excessive hair on her face and neck.

The photograph depicts familial hirsutism in a Pakistani woman.

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