| The One Page Answer To Hirsutism |
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Amidst the people looking for a cure for hair loss, dandruff cure or baldness treatments there are some for whom the cause of concern is diametrically opposite - excessive growth of hair at unwanted places. Hirsutism is the presence of excessive terminal hair in androgen-dependent areas of a woman's body. The disorder is a sign of increased androgen action on hair follicles, from increased circulating levels of androgens (endogenous or exogenous) or increased sensitivity of hair follicles to normal levels of circulating androgens. Dermatology terms such outgrowth of hair as shaggy or hairy. Wikipedia defines it as, excessive and increased hair growth in women in locations where the occurrence of terminal hair normally is minimal or absent. It refers to a male pattern of body hair (androgenic hair) and it is therefore primarily of cosmetic and psychological concern. Hirsutism is a symptom rather than a disease and may be a sign of a more serious medical indication, especially if it develops well after puberty. Hirsutism is a common disorder affecting approximately 8- 10 percent of women folk. It occurs as a result of conditions that are not hazardous or life-threatening, such as chronic anovulation. The disorder reflects a sign of androgen action on hair follicles in an increased manner; from increased circulating levels of androgens (endogenous or exogenous) or increased sensitivity of hair follicles to normal levels of circulating androgens. As a result of hirsutism in women, terminal hair grows from androgen-sensitive pilosebaceous units. Though 60 to 80 percent of women with hirsutism have increased levels of circulating androgens, the correlation between hirsutism and androgen levels is not very concrete. The major source of increased levels of testosterone in women who have hirsutism is the ovary. Use of exogenous pharmacologic agents, including danazol (Danocrine), anabolic steroids, and testosterone may also result in hirsutism. Oral contraceptives (OCs) frequently used by women contain levonorgestrel, norethindrone, and norgestrel. These chemical compounds tend to have stronger androgenic effects, while those with ethynodiol diacetate, norgestimate, and desogestrel are less androgenic. A thorough history and physical examination are essential to evaluate women with hirsutism. Family history assumes a great importance in people suffering from hirsutism. 50 percent of women with hirsutism have a positive family history of the disorder. Physical examination results in distinguishing between normal amounts of hair growth and hirsutism. The treatment options for hirsutism patients can be divided into measures targeting local manifestations of hirsutism and pharmacologic therapy aimed at the underlying causes. For patients with mild hirsutism, local measures such as shaving, bleaching, depilatories, and electrolysis may suffice. Electrolysis is one of the most effective and permanent methods of hair removal, and may be an adjunct to hormonal treatment. However, electrolysis is costly and time consuming, and largely has been supplanted by use of laser techniques. Laser techniques are increasingly becoming popular for all types of unwanted hair removal. The Pharmacologic treatment for underlying causes of hirsutism aim at blocking androgen action at hair follicles or suppression of androgen production. Response to pharmacologic agents is slow, occurring over many months and demands a patient approach. Cure for hair loss, dandruff cure or baldness treatments are a common feature these days but hirsutism treatment is still to find its roots. Its treatment is gaining acceptance from the people suffering from the disorder. With the advent of numerous treatments and usage of chemical compounds hirsutism can be eliminated permanently. About AuthorThe author is an expert in natural hair and skin treatments. If you take good care of your hair, you may never need to visit a hair loss clinic. Hair loss treatment and dandruff treatment can be easily done at home. Problems like hirsutism need professional help.Source: ArticleTrader.com Read more at: ?a=articles&p=52098. |
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