DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF HIRSUTISM

Abstract

Hirsutism or hypertrichosis is a term used to indicate the presence of excessive hair on various body surfaces which normally grow hair or the appearance of hair on body regions which are normally hairless. The term is somewhat relative in that what might be considered excessive and unwanted depends upon the individual, the sex, and even the race. For example, a mustache is preferred by some men and unwanted by most women; yet, a light growth on the upper lip of women is considered a sign of a loving nature in certain Latin countries and therefore is desirable to a woman. Axillary hair is hastily shaved, depilated, or removed in some manner by most American women but is carefully preserved by women in many other countries. A full head of hair is a much desired masculine attribute; yet, one well-known male screen star has made tremendous capital of his shining