Hirsutism

This review is a pragmatic attempt to highlight recent research and some background reading in hirsutism. It should not be considered exhaustive, simply a way of reviewing some of the major developments and current thinking in the area.

Related Evidence Review: PCOS

Click here to see all the TRIP Evidence Reviews.

Evidence-Based Reports

• What is the best approach to the evaluation of hirsutism? Family Practice Inquiries Network, 2005
• Eflornithine Cream (Vaniqa). UK Medicines Information, 2005

Clinical Guidelines

• Medical management of facial hirsutism. Primary Care Dermatology Society, 2006
• PCOS. PRODIGY, 2007
• Gonadal disorders: hirsutism. Towards Optimized Practice, 2005
• Hirsutism: Evaluation and Treatment. Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, 2002

Systematic Reviews

• Insulin-sensitising drugs versus the combined oral contraceptive pill for hirsutism, acne and risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer in polycystic ovary syndrome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2007
• Cyproterone acetate for hirsutism. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2003
• Spironolactone versus placebo or in combination with steroids for hirsutism and/or acne. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2003
• Eflornithine (Vaniqa). Scottish Medicines Consortium, 2005
• Laser treatment of unwanted hair. Health Technology Assessment, 2003

Recent articles from core medical journals

• Evaluation and Treatment of Women with Hirsutism. American Family Physician, 2003
• Hirsutism in women. Student BMJ, 2006

eTextbooks

• eMedicine
• Merck Manual
• GP Notebook
• DermNet NZ

Clinical Queries

• What effect does metformin have on hirsutism and acne in women with polycystic ovary syndrome? UK Medicines Information Q&A, 2005
• A young girl with hirsutism age 13, probably normal but what blood test should be done to reassure no hormonal cause? NLH Q&A Service, 2006
• In investigation of PCOS and hirsutism, above what level of serum testosterone would be considered abnormal or may warrant referral? NLH Q&A Service, 2005
• What is the relevance of a raised androstenedione level (in a hirsutism blood screen)? NLH Q&A Service, 2006
• Are any HRT preparations associated with hirsutism? Also, what investigations should I be considering? NLH Q&A Service, 2005
• For women with hirsutism associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome, can the combined oral contraceptive, Dianette, be used safely? FFPRHC, 2004
• For women with hirsutism, is there any evidence of an association with the use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system? FFPRHC, 2004

Patient Information

• British Association of Dermatologists
• Medline Plus
• Family Doctor
• Mayo Clinic