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1994-01-17
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$Unique_ID{BRK01988}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Excessive Hair Development on a Woman}
$Subject{excess Excessive Hair hairs develop Development developments Woman
women female females face leg legs sign signs hirsutism mustache beard
sideburns chest breast breasts abdomen back thigh thighs virilism cystic acne
menstrual menstruation menstruate disturbance disturbances clitoral enlarge
enlargement atrophy bald balding menopause medicine medicines medication
medications phenytoin Dilantin minoxidil diazoxide androgen contraceptive
contraceptives tumor tumors androgen hormone hormones test tests testing cause
causes caused causing grow growing growth treat treating treatment treatments
Surgery surgeries drug drugs therapy therapies spironolactone cyproterone
acetate chemical chemicals shave Shaving remove removers tweezer tweezing wax
epilation electrolysis}
$Volume{}
$Log{}
Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
Excessive Hair Development on a Woman
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QUESTION: My sister, a woman of some 47 years, visited with me for the first
time in a year. I was shocked by some of the physical changes I noted in her
appearance, especially the amount of hair around her face, and what I could
observe of her legs. I couldn't bring myself to mention it, but wonder if all
this could be a sign of anything seriously wrong. She seems unaware of how
much hair she has. What can you tell me about this, and what should I do?
Thank you.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: The condition is known as "hirsutism" which can be defined as
excessive amounts of coarse hair in a woman that grows in a pattern that
resembles men's hair. Most commonly it affects the face, mustache, beard and
sideburns, but also extends across the chest, on the breasts, down the midline
of the abdomen, on the lower back and thighs. Hair may be only one of the
signs of "virilism" in a woman, the other signs include cystic acne and
menstrual disturbances, and in more severe cases, clitoral enlargement, breast
atrophy and even balding.
In the greater number of cases, when a bit of excess facial hair, or
unwanted upper lip hair is present, it is a minor complaint, often appearing
after menopause. It may also be brought about by certain medications, such as
phenytoin (Dilantin), minoxidil (used for reducing blood pressure), diazoxide,
and androgen-like contraceptives.
However serious, rapid and pronounced hirsutism may be the result of
tumors which produce androgen or male-like hormones. A variety of tests exist
that can help determine the exact cause of the excessive hair growth, and
provide a direction for the treatment. Surgery is required when androgen
secreting tumors are identified. However drug therapies are also useful in
suppressing androgen production or blocking its action. These include
spironolactone and cyproterone acetate. In some cases oral contraceptives can
reduce the amount of hair growth after several months. For simple cases, the
removal of unwanted hair can be accomplished by tweezing, hot wax epilation,
and electrolysis. Shaving, which contrary to a common belief doesn't
stimulate the hair follicle to increased growth, and chemical hair removers
may be enough to achieve a cosmetically satisfactory result. Your sister may
already be aware of all the many aspects of her condition, but providing her
with this answer may help you open the channels of communication that may lead
to diagnosis and treatment.
----------------
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.