How Serious is Hirsutism?
Excessive hair-growth in women is neither a disease nor, in most cases, a sign of disease. Sudden or severe hirsutism, however, does require medical attention, especially if accompanied by menstrual irregularities or signs of increased androgen levels, such as baldness or a deepening of the voice. In these cases, a doctor will look for possible underlying causes, including polycystic ovarian disease, adrenal gland disorders and (rarely) adrenal or ovarian tumors. Hirsutism can also be caused by drugs that have an androgen effect, such as the drug danazol, used to treat endometriosis and fibrocystic breast disease. If a drug cause is suspected, the doctor may prescribe an alternative medication. Treatment Options for Unwanted Hair Hirsutism can be treated by physically removing unwanted hair or with drugs that help reduce androgen levels. Oral contraceptives and the diuretic spironolactane are commonly prescribed for hirsutism. Often taken together, these drugs help suppress androgen pr
