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Although many people have seen the manifestations of it, not too many have heard for the medical condition called Hirsutism.
Although most women always look at this condition as a sigh of something much more serious, this is far from correct! Several researches done in the past have confirmed that women with mild hirsutism and regular periods rarely have any underlying serious medical problem. Some of the most common possible causes of hirsutism are listed below
Inherited condition
What's very important to know is that, in the great majority of hirsutism cases- the condition is simply inherited and may be present in other female relatives in the same family trait. It is also interesting to point out that most of these women have normal amounts of testosterone. How come? Well, it’s simple- problem isn't in the hormone, but in hair! In these cases- the hairs are more sensitive to small amounts of male hormone and so grow more quickly and thicker.
Racial
A racial causes of hirsutism are also noted because, some races, for example dark haired women from Mediterranean countries, have the highest incidence of this condition.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Well, like it is already mentioned, a very common cause of hirsutism is also a PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It is well known that this condition is also associated with other symptoms such as acne, irregular periods, infertility and obesity.Drugs
Some of the most common medications which can cause hormonal imbalances and hirsutism are:- Phenytoin (Epanutin) – most common medication used in the treatment of epilepsy
- Cyclosporine – one of many medication commonly used after some organ transplant
- Anabolic Steroids - used all around the world by athletes and body-buildersMinoxidil – This is famous medication used in the treatment of high blood pressure and baldness
Hormonal imbalances- overproduction of androgens
Although women in generally produce small amounts of androgens. Locations of this androgen production are:
- the adrenal glands
- the ovary
- fat and muscle tissue
Any problem with these organs can cause hormonal imbalance and hirsutism!
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia is one hereditary condition which affects the adrenal glands and makes them produce male-type hormones in big quantities! In generally, it is a problem with producing the Cortisol. Problem is also that it is often not diagnosed until teenage years or later in adult life.
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