Hirsutism

Causes

Women develop Hirsutism and androgenic alopecia (lack of hair with a masculine pattern) when the levels of feminine hormones are low and the level of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a virilising masculine hormone that is proportionally elevated, which can be verified by the levels of androstanediol glucuronide, the metabolite of DHT elevated in serum.

The deficit of thyroid and of cortisol can end up favouring the development of hirsutism.
Thyroid deficit leads to an inhibition of the aromatase enzyme and consequently the decrease of the transformation of testosterone into estradiol.

At the same time it stimulates the 5α-reductases enzyme, creating more DHT.
The decrease of cortisol and its production within the adrenal glands, lead to an increase of ACTH, a hormone that will stimulate the production of more cortisol.

This stimulation leads to the production of androgens (DHEA and androstenedione) by the adrenal glands that will lead to the virilisation with excess of hair, by means, the hirsutism.

By giving dexamethasone a glucocorticoid of extended action, we are able to “calm” the adrenal gland taking it to reduce the production of these hormones that are being improperly produced.

Also with an increase of Prolactin can lead to the increase of masculine hormones called the androgens, by indirect mechanism, and others. There are diverse possible organic causes, some serious, however it is important to proceed to the study of pathology so that it can foil diseases that might cause an increase of masculine hormones in women and consequently virilisation sometimes.

The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) of late emergence, are causes that fit within this group.

It can be manifested as an isolated complain, or as part of a more complex clinical picture such as obesity, diabetes, menstrual disturbs and infertility. Therefore, there is the need to study conveniently the patient, given the multiple etiologic hypothesis within this condition.

In the majority of the times though, what happens is hypersensitivity to the masculine hormones, not observing in fact an increase on the levels of these hormones but an increase on the activity of the receptors on the hair follicles, or an increase on its free forms in the blood. This is called idiopathic hirsutism.

Hirsutism Appointment

At the first appointment it is conducted a clinical history of the patient and the objective exam, with full observation of the patient to foil any secondary causes associated to the signs and symptoms observed.

The patient takes a blood sample for the clinical exams that will confirm to us whether or not there is the presence of hyperandrogenism, or other hormonal alterations, so that the treatment is adequate to the patient in question.

Imaging examination like ultrasounds and others are eventually necessary.

The appointments are done at the following 3rd, 6th and 9th months, for the analytical and medical evaluation.

The treatments should be continued given the longevity of the hair follicle, at least a year. By stopping the therapy, eventually all of the symptoms can reappear depending on the cause of the hirsutism.

Therapy

The available therapy currently varies and will interfere with the “emergence” of new hair and not on the “elimination” of existing undesired hair, therefore it should always be supported with safe methods of hair removal, efficient and adequate to the situation of the patient, conducted in quality centres and of known efficiency.
The medical therapy, should be conducted by an experienced doctor and under the vigilance of this for the safety of the patient and due to the medication used.

We can inhibit the exaggerated growth of hair, controlling the hirsutism, achieving the first noticeable signs after 4 to 6 months.

The life of the hair follicle is in average of 7 years, in which the treatment should be continued.

The medical treatment is fundamental, and the hormonal diagnosis and the re-education of dietary habits should be implemented.

There are diverse medical treatments available, depending on the degree of the hirsutism analysed.

You can conduct a profile for the study of hirsutism that the Anti-ageing Clinic has already prepared and do a couple of imaging exams such as the gynaecological and abdominal/renal ultrasound.

Conclusion

By doing your hormonal profile you will know your biological age, you can begin to focus on prevention, improving your quality of life and eventually extending your longevity.

QUESTIONARY APPOINTMENT

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