Evaluation of women with hirsutism

Hirsutism is a common disorder of androgen activity that manifests in women as excessive growth of terminal hairs in androgen-dependent regions of the body. In most women with hirsutism, the condition is idiopathic or caused by polycystic ovary syndrome. However, a thorough evaluation is necessary to exclude more serious causes of hirsutism, such as adrenal or ovarian neoplasm. In most patients, an appropriate history and physical examination and minimal laboratory evaluation suffice. However, signs of virilization demand more extensive diagnostic evaluation.