Hirsutism is best described as?

Hirsutism is best described as?

• A. Growth of hair on the scalp only
• B. Excess hair growth on limbs only
• C. Hair loss on the scalp
• D. Hirsutism is growth of male-pattern hair in women

Answer: (D)

Hirsutism is excessive male-pattern hair growth in a woman, driven by higher androgens or increased sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens. This typically shows up in areas where men normally have thicker hair—such as the face (upper lip, chin), chest, abdomen, back, and other androgen-sensitive regions. It’s not about hair on the scalp or limbs alone, and it isn’t hair loss from the scalp. Recognizing this pattern alerts clinicians to possible hyperandrogenism and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome or other sources of androgen excess.

Hirsutism is excessive male-pattern hair growth in a woman, driven by higher androgens or increased sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens. This typically shows up in areas where men normally have thicker hair—such as the face (upper lip, chin), chest, abdomen, back, and other androgen-sensitive regions. It’s not about hair on the scalp or limbs alone, and it isn’t hair loss from the scalp. Recognizing this pattern alerts clinicians to possible hyperandrogenism and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome or other sources of androgen excess.