Hirsutism in women. Effective therapy that is safe for long-term use

Hirsutism should be considered part of the androgen-excess syndrome unless another cause (e.g., masculinizing tumor, androgenic-drug use) can be established. Medical evaluation for transient or late-onset androgen excess, polycystic ovary syndrome, and insulin resistance is important because of the risks associated with chronic androgen excess. Treatment of insulin resistance with antiandrogen and/or insulin-lowering therapy can reduce ovarian testosterone levels and hirsutism. Simple laboratory evaluation (i.e., measuring total and free testosterone, DHEAS, and androstenedione) identifies about half of patients with hyperandrogenism. More extensive evaluation and testing are required in the remaining half. Combination therapies, specifically oral contraceptives along with antiandrogen agents, are the most effective. Studies suggest that addition of low-dose GnRH agonist therapy prolongs remission of hirsutism. Most methods produce improvement within 6 months, with continued improvement at 12 months. Successful treatment results in finer hair, decreased rate of growth, decreased need for cosmetic camouflage or removal, and improved appearance. All methods, whether used continuously or intermittently, should be considered long term.