QUESTION – What is the correlation between Women Health and Hirsutism? What is idiopathic hirsutism?
Idiopathic hirsutism – ANSWER from experts
Some young girls and women suffer from unwanted hair growing on face and body. This skin condition called “HIRSUTISM” which means the presence of terminal hairs in females in a male-like pattern. Hirsutism in general affects 5% – 10% of women. Some causes of hirsutism are well known – in most cases it is a result of hormonal dysfunctions, mainly increased production of male hormones in women body (produced by ovaries and/or adrenal glands).
Idiopathic hirsutism
So called “idiopathic hirsutism” means that the cause of hirsutism is not completely known. It is suspected that this type of hirsutism may be inherited (genetic) as most women with idiopathic hirsutism often have a family history of the condition. Other than the excessive growth of hair, women with this type of hirsutism show none of the symptoms associated with the other types of hirsutism.
In most cases of idiopathic hirsutism the affected person is healthy till puberty and during puberty the excessive hair grow (hirsutism) could be noted. In most cases clients have normal regular menstrual cycles with ovulation.
Ferriman-Gallwey Hirsute score
| Ferriman-Gallwey score (sum) |
Suggestion | Recommendation |
| 1 – 9 | Idiopathic hirsutism | Medical examination is not recommended. Avoid sun and creams. |
| 10 – 16 | Transition period | Evaluate during 3-6 months. If the growth will be noted – visit your doctor. |
| 17 – 40 | Hirsutism (symptom of diseases) |
It is strongly recommended to make hormonal tests and discover the main reason of hirsutism and treatment |
| 41 – 44 | Severe Hirsutism (tumors?) |
Urgently visit your doctor. Some tumors could provoke severe hirsutism |
