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Related Experiment Videos

'Hirsutism': a psychological analysis.

Anna Keegan1, Lih-Mei Liao, Mary Boyle

  • 1Ambrose King Centre, Royal London Hospital, London, E1 1BB, UK. anna.keegan@bartsandthelondon.nhs.uk

Journal of Health Psychology
|December 13, 2003
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Hirsutism in women causes psychological distress, but perceived hairiness doesn't correlate with distress levels. Concealing hair helps women maintain normal functioning despite societal pressures.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

Background:

  • Hirsutism, characterized by excess male-pattern hair growth in women, is linked to psychological distress and gender identity issues.
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of hirsutism, impacting many women's lives.
  • Limited research exists on the specific relationship between perceived hirsutism severity and psychological distress.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the psychological consequences of perceived hirsutism in women with PCOS.
  • To explore the lived experiences of hirsute women and their coping mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • A survey of 53 women with PCOS assessed perceived hirsutism and psychological distress.
  • Four semi-structured interviews provided in-depth qualitative data on women's experiences with hirsutism.

Related Experiment Videos

Main Results:

  • Overall psychological distress was elevated in the surveyed women.
  • No significant correlation was found between the perceived degree of hirsutism and psychological distress levels.
  • Qualitative analysis revealed that cultural norms regarding female hair growth contribute to feelings of deviance and stigma.

Conclusions:

  • While hirsutism is associated with distress, perceived severity does not directly correlate with distress levels in women with PCOS.
  • Effective hair concealment and 'passing' as normal enable women to function better.
  • Societal norms surrounding female appearance significantly impact the experience of hirsutism, leading to stigma and gender inconsistencies.