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Hirsutism

George T Griffing, MD, Professor of Medicine, St Louis University School of Medicine

Updated: Aug 14, 2009

Introduction

Background

Although hirsutism is broadly defined as excessive hairiness, the common clinical use of the term refers to women with excess growth of terminal hair in a male pattern. In this sense, hirsutism is one of the most common endocrine disorders, affecting approximately 10% of women in the United States. In these women, the hairiness implies the presence of abnormal androgen action, which may represent a serious or, more likely, a nonserious medical problem. Regardless of the etiology, hirsutism can produce mental trauma and emotional anguish.1 Even mild cases of hirsutism may be viewed by the patient and others as a presumptive loss of femininity. In more severe cases, hirsutism can be a serious cosmetic problem. The major objectives in the management of hirsutism are to rule out a serious underlying medical condition and to devise a plan of treatment.2 (See image below and Image 1.)

Idiopathic hirsutism in an elderly woman.

Idiopathic hirsutism in an elderly woman.


Pathophysiology

Hormones and the intrinsic characteristics of the hair follicle determine the quality of hair growth. Vellus hairs are fine, unpigmented hairs that cover most of the body before puberty. Pubertal androgens promote the conversion of these vellus hairs to coarser, pigmented terminal hairs. The level and duration of exposure to androgens, the local 5-alpha-reductase activity, and the intrinsic sensitivity of the hair follicle to androgen action determine the extent of conversion from vellus to terminal hair. However, some terminal hair growth is androgen-independent (eg, scalp, eyebrows, lashes).3

The development of terminal hair or reversion back to a vellus pattern may not be immediately evident because of the characteristics of the hair cycle. This cycle has 2 phases that include active hair growth (anagen phase) and a resting period (telogen phase), which follows the anagen phase. During the resting period, the hair shaft separates from the dermal papillae at the follicle base, and no further growth takes place. Eventually, growth restarts and the new hair shaft formed by the reactivated papillae pushes the old hair out. The cycle may take months to complete, and this causes a delay in hair growth response to changes in the androgen milieu.

Dihydrotestosterone is the androgen that acts on the hair follicle to produce terminal hair. This hormone is derived from both the bloodstream and local conversion of a precursor, testosterone. The local production of dihydrotestosterone is determined by 5-alpha-reductase activity in the skin. Differences in the activity of this enzyme may explain why women with the same plasma levels of testosterone can have different degrees of hirsutism.

Frequency

United States

Hirsutism affects approximately 10% of women in the United States.

International

The prevalence rates of hirsutism in northern Europe are similar to those in the United States; in other places, rates are not known with certainty.

Mortality/Morbidity

The mortality and morbidity of hirsutism are determined by the underlying cause.

  • Most women with idiopathic hirsutism have no associated mortality or morbidity.
  • On the other extreme, a small number of women may have malignant disease with a grave prognosis.

Race

Ethnic origin significantly affects terminal hair growth in healthy women.

  • Northern, fair-skinned Europeans have the least amount of terminal hair, whereas southern European, dark-skinned Mediterranean women have the greatest amount of terminal hair.
  • The difference in the racial patterns of normal terminal hair growth may be related to genetic differences of 5-alpha-reductase activity in the skin.
  • With the exception of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), the prevalence of diseases that cause hyperandrogenism and hirsutism has not been shown to differ among persons of different races.

Sex

As a medical problem, hirsutism predominates in women.

  • Although hirsutism can occur in men, it is more difficult to recognize because of the wide variability of healthy male terminal hair growth.
  • Hirsutism in prepubertal children occurs equally between sexes, is usually a sign of precocious puberty, and may signify a serious underlying disease.

This discussion focuses on adult women.

Age

The age of onset of hirsutism depends on the etiology. Most forms of nonneoplastic hirsutism become evident around puberty. This includes polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), CAH, and idiopathic hirsutism. (See image below and Image 2.)

The photograph depicts hirsutism in a young woman...

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


Hirsutism may also develop after weight gain and cessation of the use of oral contraceptives (OCs) in young women. Normally, terminal hair growth becomes apparent after adrenarche and accelerates after puberty. Terminal hair continues to develop gradually in healthy women until after menopause, when loss of ovarian androgen leads to a loss of hair. Rapidly worsening hirsutism, especially in older women, should raise the suspicion of an androgen-secreting tumor.

Clinical

History

An accurate history of the patient's onset of hirsutism and developmental milestones can be helpful in the etiologic diagnosis.

  • Age of onset
    • Idiopathic hirsutism and the other less-serious causes of hirsutism usually begin at puberty.
    • Conversely, hirsutism that occurs in middle-aged or older women should suggest an adrenal or ovarian tumor. 
  • Family history: A patient with a family history of hirsutism is consistent with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH); however, idiopathic hirsutism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also be familial. (See image below and Image 3.)

  • The photograph depicts familial hirsutism in a Pa...

    The photograph depicts familial hirsutism in a Pakistani woman.


  • Hirsutism severity and rate of progression
    • The history of a benign form of hirsutism is usually characterized by pubertal onset with slow progression over many years. This is often true of hirsutism with PCOS.
    • When a history of rapid severe hirsutism or other signs of virilization are obtained, an androgen-secreting tumor is a possibility.
  • Adrenarche and puberty
    • Because the development of pubic hair depends on adrenal androgens, early development points toward CAH.
    • In contrast, ovarian hyperandrogenism is associated with normal adrenarche and delayed menarche or irregular menses.

Physical

The most important goal in the clinical evaluation of a patient with hirsutism is to rule out significant underlying disease. To do this, seek to understand the cause of hyperandrogenism, if this is present.
  • Excess androgens can be from either an exogenous or an endogenous source.
    • An exogenous source of androgens can usually be elicited by history findings; however, surreptitious androgen use has been reported in female athletes, especially those at a high level of competition.
    • Endogenous androgens originate from either the adrenal cortex or the ovary. Therefore, the evaluation of androgen excess can focus on disorders of these 2 glands. The principal possibilities are tumors of the ovary or the adrenal cortex, Cushing syndrome, CAH, and PCOS. Idiopathic hirsutism is the most common etiology, but it is a diagnosis of exclusion. Therefore, seek other causes first.
  • The initial task in the evaluation of hirsutism via the physical examination is to quantitate the disorder.4 This task requires that terminal hair, which depends on androgen, be differentiated from vellus hair, which is androgen-independent.
    • Vellus hair is fine, soft, and nonpigmented. An excess of vellus hair (hypertrichosis) is associated with metabolic disorders (eg, hyperthyroidism, anorexia nervosa, porphyria) and with some medications (eg, phenytoin, diazoxide, minoxidil, glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, hexachlorobenzene).
    • By contrast, terminal hair is coarse, curly, and pigmented. Because small amounts of terminal hair are normal in women, quantitation is important.
  • The most widely accepted method of quantitation uses the Ferriman and Gallwey scale. However, use care because this method has significant interobserver variability. In this approach, hair growth is judged in each of 11 androgen-sensitive areas.
    • The grade for each area ranges from 0 (no terminal hair) to 4 (frankly virile).
    • The body areas used to grade hirsutism are (1) the upper lip, (2) chin, (3) chest, (4) leg, (5) thigh, (6) upper arm, (7) forearm, (8) upper back, (9) lower back, (10), upper abdomen, and (11) lower abdomen.
    • Areas such as the axilla and pubis are not included because terminal hair grows in these places at normal androgen levels in women.
    • The total score correlates roughly with the elevation of androgen levels. A woman with a score of 8 or higher is considered to have hirsutism. Most women who seek medical attention for the disorder have scores of 15 or higher. Normal scores have also been established for Turkey (up to 11) and Thailand (up to 3 on the modified Ferriman and Gallwey scale).
  • In women with moderate-to-severe hirsutism (score >15), seek additional signs of hyperandrogenism, including (1) temporal hair recession, (2) oily skin, (3) masculine voice, (4) well-developed musculature, (5) enlargement of the clitoris (>35 mm2 in surface area), (6) irregular menses, and (7) psychological changes (eg, heightened libido, aggressiveness).
  • The degree to which these clinical factors are present suggests the level of androgen overproduction and, thus, helps to determine the degree of concern for the presence of an underlying disease.
  • The extent of the evaluation for the cause of hirsutism is greater in women who have more severe clinical evidence of masculinization.
  • A thorough abdominal and pelvic examination is important in patients with hirsutism because more than half of androgen-secreting adrenal and ovarian tumors are palpable.
  • Examine the skin for acanthosis nigricans, a manifestation of insulin resistance.
  • Women with hirsutism are usually obese, with increased waist-hip ratios, and are thought to be at an increased risk for atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. They also have increased bone mineral density scores at the hip and spine. These increases correlate with higher levels of serum free testosterone and estrogen.

Causes

Multiple diseases can cause hyperandrogenism and hirsutism. The etiologic forms of hirsutism include endocrine-related, idiopathic, medication-related, and miscellaneous. Endocrine-related causes include adrenocortical disorders and ovarian disorders.

  • Tumors, Cushing syndrome, and CAH are the adrenocortical causes.
    • Adrenal tumors: Adrenocortical tumors are almost always malignant in patients who present with hirsutism. These tumors are usually large and are associated with a very poor prognosis.
    • Cushing syndrome: In most instances, Cushing syndrome is caused by glucocorticoid therapy. Because pure glucocorticoids have no androgenic activity, the treatment rarely produces hirsutism. Instead, glucocorticoid therapy is one of the causes of hypertrichosis (see Physical), resulting in vellus hair growth, especially on the face. Thus, excess growth of terminal hair in a patient with the clinical stigmata of Cushing syndrome suggests that the syndrome has an endogenous origin, ie, a pituitary tumor that secretes adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), an adrenal tumor that secretes both cortisol and androgens, or an ectopic tumor that secretes ACTH. The pituitary tumor is the most likely possibility. Cushing syndrome, as a cause of hirsutism, is diagnosed based on the presence of dexamethasone that fails to suppress both androgens and cortisol.
    • CAH: CAH is actually a family of defects in 1 of 5 enzymes that are responsible for the biosynthesis of cortisol. The resulting cortisol deficiency heightens the secretion of ACTH and thereby leads to adrenal cell proliferation. However, only 3 of these defects can produce hirsutism—21-hydroxylase (most frequent), 3 β -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (less frequent), and 11-β -hydroxylase deficiency (least frequent). If CAH is considered, an ACTH-stimulation test is indicated, which is a search for exaggerated quantities of the precursors of cortisol. The stimulation test is required because baseline elevation of these steroids may be in the reference range. Hyperandrogenism in CAH can cause infertility, but dexamethasone therapy in this setting may induce ovulation. Two important reasons for the diagnosis of CAH are that specific therapy is available and genetic counseling may be necessary.
    • Women with both CAH (21-hydroxylase deficiency) and Cushing syndrome have been described with particularly severe hirsutism.
  • Tumors (malignant or benign) and PCOS are the ovarian causes of hirsutism.
    • Ovarian tumors may be malignant, and the threat can be serious. Androgen-secreting ovarian tumors are a less-serious threat. The most common among them is arrhenoblastoma, which accounts for less than 1% of all ovarian tumors. In patients with this neoplasm, the serum testosterone level is always elevated, and most patients have amenorrhea and a palpable ovarian mass.
    • Gonadoblastomas usually develop in younger persons (aged 10-30 y) who are genetic males with female external genitalia. Nearly half of these tumors are malignant, and many are bilateral. Pelvic examination findings are abnormal because internal female genitalia are absent.
    • Lipoid cell tumors are of 2 histologic types: adrenallike cells (in younger patients) and hilar or Leydiglike cells (in older patients). These tumors are usually palpable but are seldom malignant. Ovarian tumors, which are even less frequently encountered, include dysgerminomas, Brenner tumors, and cystic granulosa-theca cell tumors.
    • PCOS is the most common ovarian disorder associated with hirsutism. Although the cause of PCOS is not known, the etiology is speculated to be multifactorial. By definition, polycystic ovaries have 20 or more subcapsular follicles, which range from approximately 1-15 mm in diameter. The follicles are at various states of atresia, and hyperplasia of the theca interna, the anatomic source of ovarian androgens, is present. However, the basic abnormalities in PCOS are functional, rather than anatomic, in nature. In particular, levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) are tonically elevated (with LH levels higher than those of follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH]).
      • Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, manifested by acanthosis nigricans and elevated plasma insulin levels. Increased insulin levels have been speculated to stimulate androgen production from the ovarian theca interna cells. An experiment in nature supports this hypothesis; women with PCOS who have a specific genetic mutation that lowers insulin resistance have lower hirsutism scores. In addition, the importance of insulin resistance is emphasized by the therapeutic effect of insulin-sensitizing medications (eg, metformin, thiazolidinediones), which restore normal ovarian androgen production and ovulation.5
      • PCOS usually begins at puberty. The incidence has been estimated to be approximately 5% among adolescent girls and adult women in the United States. As noted, the characteristic endocrine abnormality is an elevation in levels of plasma free testosterone that is not suppressed by dexamethasone; however, as many as 50% of patients also show abnormal adrenal androgen secretion.
  • Idiopathic hirsutism is a diagnosis of exclusion.
    • The patient's hirsutism is not caused by well-defined abnormalities such as an androgen-secreting tumor or CAH.
    • The spectrum of clinical presentations ranges from normal menses and mild hirsutism to amenorrhea and signs of virilization, and testosterone levels range from normal to frankly elevated.
    • The hirsutism usually begins at puberty.
    • The disorder is often familial and may be associated with obesity and insulin resistance.
    • Some classification schemes distinguish patients with elevated adrenal androgen levels (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate [DHEAS]); in these cases, the disorder is called idiopathic adrenal hyperandrogenism.
    • Some patients with idiopathic hirsutism have normal plasma androgen levels. As noted above, the underlying mechanism in these patients may be an increase in androgen sensitivity or in 5-alpha-reductase activity in the skin. Increased activity of the enzyme has been demonstrated based on skin biopsy findings and by a finding of elevated urinary levels of dihydrotestosterone metabolites; however, presently, tests for 5-alpha-reductase activity have been used only in research.
  • Miscellaneous causes of hirsutism include other causes of insulin resistance and androgen excess.
  • Hypertrichosis should not be confused with hirsutism because hirsutism usually implies hyperandrogenism. Hypertrichosis, on the other hand, usually involves nonandrogenic hair. Hypertrichosis can be caused by porphyria, medications (phenytoin, minoxidil, cyclosporine, diazoxide, corticosteroids, streptomycin, hexachlorobenzene, penicillamine, heavy metals, sodium tetradecyl sulfate, acetazolamide, interferon), and genetic factors.

Differential Diagnoses

Adrenal Adenoma
Cushing Syndrome
Adrenal Carcinoma
Malignant Lesions of the Ovaries
C-11 Hydroxylase Deficiency
Ovarian Cancer
C-17 Hydroxylase Deficiency
Polycystic Ovarian Disease (Stein-Leventhal Syndrome)

Other Problems to Be Considered

Androgen-secreting adrenal tumors
Androgen-secreting ovarian tumors
Exogenous androgens
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Idiopathic hirsutism

Workup

Laboratory Studies

Approximately 50% of women with even minimal hirsutism have excessive androgen. Laboratory studies in hirsutism serve both to confirm the clinical impression of hyperandrogenism and to identify the source of excess androgens, either adrenal or ovarian. The workup described in the image below (see also Image 4) recommends 2 visits, a baseline evaluation followed by a 2-week dexamethasone treatment period. Specific discussion of the testing is below.

Etiologic diagnosis of hirsutism.

Etiologic diagnosis of hirsutism.



  • Testosterone: The most important assay is the level of serum testosterone, the major circulating androgen. If the total serum testosterone level is normal, measure the free serum level because hyperandrogenism (and insulin resistance, if present) decreases sex steroid-binding globulin, such that the unbound, biologically active testosterone moiety may be elevated even if the total level is unremarkable. Extremely high testosterone levels are likely to be associated with adrenal or ovarian tumors, whereas idiopathic and benign etiologies result in very mild elevations. Indeed, in idiopathic hirsutism, the results from testing androgen levels are often normal. In some of these women, hirsutism is thought to be caused by increased skin sensitivity to androgen or by increased skin 5-alpha-reductase activity. This enzyme is located in the skin near the hair follicle, and it converts plasma testosterone to the androgen metabolite dihydrotestosterone.
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS): Because testosterone can originate in either the adrenal cortex or the ovary, an elevated testosterone level does not indicate the gland of origin. Accordingly, measurement of elevated plasma levels of DHEAS, an androgen synthesized almost exclusively by the adrenal cortex, can indicate excess adrenal function. Elevations in both testosterone and DHEAS suggest an adrenal origin, whereas an isolated testosterone elevation indicates an ovarian source.
  • Dexamethasone suppression (see Image 4): Laboratory testing of testosterone (free or total) and DHEAS can be performed on the initial visit. At the same time, a diagnostic trial of dexamethasone therapy for 7-14 days can be initiated to help exclude adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH)–dependent hirsutism. When the patient returns, free testosterone, DHEAS, and plasma cortisol levels are measured. Dexamethasone-mediated suppression of androgens is observed in healthy women who do not have hirsutism and in those with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and idiopathic hirsutism.
  • Adrenocorticotropin stimulation: An ACTH-stimulation test (250 mcg for 30 min) can help differentiate between CAH and idiopathic hirsutism because CAH produces abnormal findings (elevations in metabolic precursors of cortisol).
    • Hirsutism caused by CAH is due to 1 of 3 cortisol biosynthetic defects, ie, 21-hydroxylase deficiency, 3 3 b -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, or 11-b -hydroxylase deficiency.
    • Because 21-hydroxylase deficiency accounts for the vast majority of cases of CAH (approximately 90%), the discussion is focused on this diagnosis. Investigate possible 21-hydroxylase deficiency by measuring plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels obtained between 0700 and 0900 hours. Values of less than 7 nmol/L exclude the diagnosis, and values of greater than 45 nmol/L (in women who are nongestational) confirm 21-hydroxylase deficiency. When basal values of 17-hydroxyprogesterone are between 7 and 45 nmol/L, an ACTH-stimulated concentration of greater than 45 nmol/L is also diagnostic.
    • Although elevated basal plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels (as high as 17 nmol/L) may be present during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and in PCOS, ACTH-stimulated increments are blunted.
  • Cortisol suppression: Investigation of subnormal dexamethasone suppression of androgens can be guided by the patient’s cortisol level, without the need for an ACTH-stimulation test. PCOS and adrenal and ovarian tumors are associated with normal suppression of cortisol by dexamethasone, whereas cortisol levels in patients with Cushing syndrome are not suppressed.

Other laboratory tests include the following:

  • Serum prolactin or FSH: Women with hirsutism and amenorrhea of unknown cause should have a serum prolactin or FSH test to evaluate for either a prolactinoma or ovarian failure.
  • Diabetes screening: Women with hirsutism, PCOS, obesity, or acanthosis nigricans may have insulin resistance, and screening for diabetes and hyperlipidemia is warranted. Approximately 50% of these women have increased insulin levels and 5% have undiagnosed diabetes mellitus.
  • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA): Ultrasensitive assays can detect PSA in women and is a potential marker for androgen excess. Studies thus far, however, have not shown a good correlation with the change in androgen levels after treatment. Therefore, further studies are needed.6

Imaging Studies

If indicated based on the findings from the clinical evaluation and laboratory testing, perform ovarian ultrasonography and adrenal computed tomography scanning or magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate for either ovarian or adrenal sources of androgen production.

Treatment

Medical Care

The treatment of hirsutism begins with a careful explanation about the cause of the problem and reassurance that the patient is not losing her femininity. Then, direct intervention, if possible, is instituted for the underlying disorder. If hirsutism persists (or the patient has idiopathic hirsutism), other cosmetic or systemic treatment may be necessary. In some cases, cosmetic measures may be sufficient. In others, the slow progress of systemic therapy may necessitate more immediate cosmetic treatment. The most effective strategy is to combine systemic therapy, which has a slow onset of effectiveness, with mechanical depilation (shaving, plucking, waxing, depilatory creams).

Hirsutism requires a careful and systematic clinical evaluation coupled with a rational approach to treatment. Throughout this process, the patient must understand that, although diagnostic testing can be time consuming (and even inconclusive), it is sometimes essential for determining an effective intervention. In other cases, counseling and education may be all that is needed. For the patient who desires treatment, a wide variety of pharmacologic strategies are available. Informing the patient that current systemic therapy is imperfect is important. Furthermore, none of the drugs used to treat hirsutism have US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for such use. Initiate therapy only in patients who give informed consent after a complete explanation of the potential benefits and risks of a particular treatment and alternative approaches.

  • Systemic therapies directed at hirsutism can be divided into those that decrease ovarian or adrenal androgen production and those that inhibit androgen action in the skin. The systemic therapies include glucocorticoids, oral contraceptives (OCs), spironolactone, flutamide, finasteride, cyproterone acetate (not available in the United States), and insulin sensitizers (metformin and rosiglitazone).
    • Glucocorticoids: Glucocorticoids (dexamethasone or prednisone), which suppress adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH)–dependent adrenal androgen synthesis, have been used with variable success in women with adrenal hirsutism, as in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) or idiopathic adrenal hyperandrogenism. Usually, 0.5-1 mg of dexamethasone at bedtime is sufficient to suppress ACTH and adrenal androgen production. Unfortunately, some patients gain weight and develop cushingoid features, even with this small of a dose. Further investigations may establish that lower doses (perhaps 0.25 mg) can be effective without adverse effects.
    • OCs: The drugs most widely used to suppress ovarian androgen production are OCs. They are probably the first choice for young women with hirsutism who do not want to become pregnant.
      • OCs are inexpensive and promote regular uterine bleeding. In addition, OCs can be used in combination with one of the antiandrogens or other forms of therapy. On the other hand, do not use OCs in women with a history of migraines, known or possible thrombotic disease, or breast or uterine cancer.
      • Moreover, for several reasons, OCs have a significant failure rate in patients with hirsutism. Low-dose OCs and progestin-only minipills fail to suppress ovulation in as many as 50% of women. Ovarian function continues at a variable rate, and ovarian androgens continue to be produced. Second, the progestins in OCs are attenuated derivatives of testosterone and have variable degrees of androgenic activity in women. The degree depends on the type of progestin and, more importantly, on individual susceptibility.
    • Spironolactone: Spironolactone, in daily doses of 50-200 mg, blocks androgen receptors. Spironolactone also decreases testosterone production, making it additionally effective for hirsutism. Spironolactone is especially useful in a patient with hypertension or edema because the drug is a mild diuretic.
      • Sexually active women taking spironolactone should ensure that contraceptive measures are adequate. In some cases, spironolactone can be combined with an OC for added effect on the hirsutism.
      • With current systemic therapies for hirsutism, 6 months to a year of therapy is usually required before results are noticeable. Even then, only approximately one half to three quarters of patients show improvement. The problem may lie partially in the nature of the hair follicle, which persists for 6 months to a year even after androgen levels have been normalized. Ineffectiveness may also be due to the inability of treatment to completely normalize elevated tissue dihydrotestosterone levels. Newer therapies directed at inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase or blockade of the androgen receptor may improve the ability to treat patients.
    • Finasteride: Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor approved for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. No adverse effects have been reported in women, and the efficacy is similar to that of spironolactone. In at least one study, finasteride was added to spironolactone, demonstrating an additive reduction in hirsutism scores. The main concern with finasteride, however, is the risk of ambiguous genitalia in male fetuses exposed to the enzyme inhibitor during the first trimester. Therefore, use this drug only in women who are postmenopausal with no chance of becoming pregnant.
    • Flutamide: Flutamide, an example of the newer therapies, is a potent nonsteroidal selective antiandrogen without progestational, estrogenic, corticoid, or antigonadotropin activity. Preliminary data indicate that it is effective as therapy for hirsutism (and also acne); however, flutamide is expensive and has caused fatal hepatitis.
      • Unluhizarci et al investigated the effectiveness of combining finasteride with flutamide for the treatment of hirsutism.7 Of the 44 women in the study, 14 patients received finasteride (5 mg/d), 16 women received flutamide (125 mg/d), and 14 women received a combination of finasteride and flutamide (5 mg/d and 125 mg/d, respectively).
      • The authors found that after 12 months of treatment, the hirsutism score for patients receiving combination therapy had been reduced by 49%, compared with 45% for the group receiving flutamide alone, and 32% for patients receiving only finasteride. They therefore concluded that a combination of finasteride and flutamide is approximately as effective as flutamide alone in the treatment of hirsutism and that both of these alternatives are more effective than the administration of finasteride by itself.
    • Cyproterone acetate has been effective in the treatment of hirsutism. When added to ethinyl estradiol, it is as effective as flutamide in the treatment of hirsutism. Cyproterone is not available in the United States.
    • Insulin sensitizers: Both metformin and rosiglitazone improve insulin resistance and have been shown to be effective in lowering androgen levels and in treating hirsutism.
    • Sibutramine: Weight loss with this anorectic agent improves hirsutism scores, androgen levels, and cardiovascular risk factors in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
  • Cosmetic measures for hirsutism and their disadvantages are as follows:
    • Hydrogen peroxide bleaching is not suitable for severe hirsutism.
    • Plucking can cause skin irritation, folliculitis, and scarring.
    • Waxing can cause skin irritation, folliculitis, and scarring. The wax used has a low melting point.
    • Shaving may be psychologically unacceptable.
    • Chemical depilatories can cause skin irritation.
    • Electrolysis can be painful, and short-wave diathermy can cause scarring.
    • Laser therapy has been shown not only to reduce unwanted hair but also to improve depression and anxiety in women with hirsutism.

Medication

The most effective strategy for treating hirsutism is to combine systemic therapy, which has a slow onset of effectiveness, with mechanical depilation (shaving, plucking, waxing, depilatory creams).

Systemic therapies directed at hirsutism can be divided into those that decrease ovarian or adrenal androgen production and those that inhibit androgen action in the skin.

Oral contraceptives

OCs inhibit ovarian androgen production and are probably the first choice for young women with hirsutism who do not want to become pregnant. OCs are inexpensive, and they promote regular uterine bleeding. OCs can be used in combination with antiandrogens or other agents. They have a significant failure rate in hirsutism for several reasons. Low-dose OCs and progestin-only minipills fail to suppress ovulation in as many as 50% of women. Ovarian function continues at a variable rate, and ovarian androgens continue to be produced. Second, the progestins in OCs are attenuated derivatives of testosterone and have variable degrees of androgenic activity in women. The degree depends on the type of progestin and, more importantly, on individual susceptibility.


Estrogen-progestin combinations (Ortho-Novum, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Triphasil)

Reduces secretion of LH and FSH from the pituitary gland by decreasing amount of gonadotropin-releasing hormones.

Dosing

Adult

1 tab PO qd

Pediatric

Not established

Interactions

May reduce hypoprothrombinemic effects of anticoagulants; estrogen levels may be reduced with coadministration of barbiturates, rifampin, and other agents that induce hepatic microsomal enzymes; corticosteroid levels may increase when administered concurrently with ethinyl estradiol; use of ethinyl estradiol with hydantoins may cause spotting, breakthrough bleeding, and decreased contraception; increase in fluid retention caused by estrogen intake may reduce seizure control

Contraindications

Documented hypersensitivity; thrombophlebitis; undiagnosed vaginal bleeding; cerebral apoplexy

Precautions

Pregnancy

X - Contraindicated; benefit does not outweigh risk

Precautions

Caution in patients with hepatic impairment, migraine, seizure disorders, cerebrovascular disorders, breast cancer, thromboembolic disease, asthma, depression, and renal or cardiac dysfunction

Glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids are used to inhibit adrenal androgens. These agents have antiinflammatory properties and cause profound and varied metabolic effects. Glucocorticoids suppress ACTH-dependent adrenal androgen synthesis. These agents are used with variable success in women with adrenal hirsutism, CAH, and idiopathic adrenal hyperandrogenism.


Prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, Meticorten)

May inhibit ACTH-dependent androgen synthesis through negative feedback.

Dosing

Adult

5 mg PO qhs

Pediatric

Not established

Interactions

Coadministration with estrogens may decrease clearance; concurrent use with digoxin may cause digitalis toxicity secondary to hypokalemia; phenobarbital, phenytoin, and rifampin may increase metabolism of glucocorticoids (consider increasing maintenance dose); monitor for hypokalemia with coadministration of diuretics

Contraindications

Documented hypersensitivity; viral infection; peptic ulcer disease; hepatic dysfunction; connective tissue infections; fungal or tubercular skin infections; GI disease

Precautions

Pregnancy

B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals

Precautions

Abrupt discontinuation of glucocorticoids may cause adrenal crisis; hyperglycemia, edema, osteonecrosis, myopathy, peptic ulcer disease, hypokalemia, osteoporosis, euphoria, psychosis, myasthenia gravis, growth suppression, and infections may develop with glucocorticoid use


Dexamethasone (Decadron, AK-Dex, Alba-Dex)

May inhibit ACTH-dependent androgen synthesis through negative feedback.
Lower doses (eg, 0.25 mg) may prove to be effective with fewer adverse effects.

Dosing

Adult

0.5-1 mg/d PO qhs

Pediatric

Not established

Interactions

Effects decrease with coadministration of barbiturates, phenytoin, and rifampin; decreases effect of salicylates and vaccines used for immunization

Contraindications

Documented hypersensitivity; active bacterial or fungal infection

Precautions

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Increases risk of multiple complications, including severe infections; monitor adrenal insufficiency when tapering drug; abrupt discontinuation of glucocorticoids may cause adrenal crisis; hyperglycemia, edema, weight gain, osteonecrosis, myopathy, peptic ulcer disease, hypokalemia, osteoporosis, euphoria, psychosis, myasthenia gravis, and growth suppression may develop

Antiandrogens

Antiandrogens are used to block androgen action.


Spironolactone (Aldactone)

Decreases testosterone production. Can be combined with OCs for added effects.

Dosing

Adult

50-200 mg PO qd

Pediatric

Not established

Interactions

May decrease effect of anticoagulants; potassium and potassium-sparing diuretics may increase toxicity

Contraindications

Documented hypersensitivity; anuria; renal failure; hyperkalemia

Precautions

Pregnancy

D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Caution in renal and hepatic impairment; contraception is imperative in sexually active women

5 alpha-reductase inhibitors

These agents are indicated for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and male pattern baldness. An unlabeled use is for the treatment of female hirsutism.


Finasteride (Proscar, Propecia)

Specific inhibitor of the intracellular enzyme that converts testosterone into the androgen 5-a -dihydrotestosterone. Efficacy in hirsutism is similar to that of spironolactone. To be used only in postmenopausal women with no chance of becoming pregnant.

Dosing

Adult

5 mg PO qd

Pediatric

Do not administer

Interactions

None reported

Contraindications

Documented hypersensitivity; not to be used in children, pregnancy, or women who may become pregnant

Precautions

Pregnancy

X - Contraindicated; benefit does not outweigh risk

Precautions

Caution in hepatic impairment; may cause ambiguous genitalia development in male fetus during first trimester of pregnancy

Follow-up

Prognosis

Prognosis depends on the etiology of the hirsutism and whether it is benign or malignant.

Patient Education

Hirsutism requires a careful and systematic clinical evaluation coupled with a rational approach to treatment. Throughout this process, the patient must understand that, although diagnostic testing can be time consuming (and even inconclusive), it is sometimes essential for the determination of an effective intervention. In other cases, counseling and education may be all that is needed.

For the patient who desires treatment, a wide variety of pharmacologic strategies are available. Informing the patient that current systemic therapy is imperfect is important. Furthermore, none of the drugs used to treat hirsutism has FDA approval for such use. Initiate therapy only in patients who give informed consent after a complete explanation of the potential benefits and risks of a particular treatment and alternative approaches.

Miscellaneous

Medicolegal Pitfalls

  • None of the drugs used to treat hirsutism has FDA approval for such use.
  • Therapy should be initiated only in patients who give informed consent after a complete explanation of the potential benefits and risks of a particular treatment and alternative approaches.

Multimedia

Idiopathic hirsutism in an elderly woman.

Media file 1: Idiopathic hirsutism in an elderly woman.

The photograph depicts hirsutism in a young woman...

Media file 2: The photograph depicts hirsutism in a young woman with polycystic ovary syndrome. Note the acne lesions and excessive hair on her face and neck.

The photograph depicts familial hirsutism in a Pa...

Media file 3: The photograph depicts familial hirsutism in a Pakistani woman.

Etiologic diagnosis of hirsutism.

Media file 4: Etiologic diagnosis of hirsutism.

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Keywords

hirsutism, hirsute women, androgen excess, PCOS, ovarian polycystic syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, polycystic ovarian disease, PCOD, virilization, masculinization, excessive hairiness, excess body hair, endocrine disorders, androgen levels, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, CAH, androgen-secreting tumor, hyperandrogenism, Cushing syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome, Ferriman and Gallwey scale, idiopathic hirsutism

Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

George T Griffing, MD, Professor of Medicine, St Louis University School of Medicine
George T Griffing, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American College of Medical Practice Executives, American College of Physician Executives, American College of Physicians, American Diabetes Association, American Federation for Medical Research, American Heart Association, Central Society for Clinical Research, Endocrine Society, International Society for Clinical Densitometry, and Southern Society for Clinical Investigation
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Medical Editor

Stanley Wallach, MD, Executive Director, American College of Nutrition; Clinical Professor, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine
Stanley Wallach, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, American Society for Clinical Investigation, American Society for Clinical Nutrition, American Society for Nutritional Sciences, Association of American Physicians, and Endocrine Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment

Managing Editor

Don S Schalch, MD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics
Don S Schalch, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Diabetes Association, American Federation for Medical Research, Central Society for Clinical Research, and Endocrine Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

CME Editor

Mark Cooper, MBBS, PhD, FRACP, Head, Diabetes & Metabolism Division, Baker Heart Research Institute, Professor of Medicine, Monash University
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Michel E Rivlin, MD, Professor, Coordinator of Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi School of Medicine
Michel E Rivlin, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Medical Association, Mississippi State Medical Association, and Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Further Reading

Related eMedicine topics:
3-Beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Deficiency
Androgen Excess
C-11 Hydroxylase Deficiency
Hirsutism [Dermatology]
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome [Obstetrics and Gynecology]
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome [Pediatrics: General Medicine]
Polycystic Ovarian Disease (Stein-Leventhal Syndrome)

Clinical guidelines:
Evaluation and treatment of hirsutism in premenopausal women: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline.
The Endocrine Society - Disease Specific Society.  2008 Feb.  29 pages.  NGC:006325

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists position statement on metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of polycystic ovary syndrome.
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists - Medical Specialty Society.  2005 Mar/Apr.  10 pages.  NGC:004279

Androgen therapy in women: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline.
The Endocrine Society - Disease Specific Society.  2006.  26 pages.  NGC:005343

Clinical trials:
A Study to Confirm Recurrent or Persistent Cushing's Syndrome in Patients With Signs or Symptoms of Hypercortisolemia

Effects of Fenofibrate on Metabolic and Reproductive Parameters in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Natural History Study of Patients With Excess Androgen


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