Best Doctors for Hirsutism in Chennai

Types/Stages of Hirsutism

Hirsutism varies in severity across individuals and is broadly categorised into two stages:

• Mild Hirsutism: This stage is marked by minimal to moderate hair growth. The condition can often be managed with self-care methods, such as regular shaving, waxing, or the use of topical treatments like eflornithine cream.

• Moderate to Severe Hirsutism: This stage is characterised by extensive hair growth that typically necessitates more comprehensive treatment options and medical intervention.

Symptoms of Hirsutism

Signs of hirsutism may vary among individuals but usually include:

• Excessive Hair Growth: Dark or coarse hair appearing on the face, chest, back, lower abdomen, upper arms, or lower legs.

• Virilisation: Development of secondary sex characteristics typical of men such as balding, deepening of the voice, acne, decreased breast size, increased muscle mass or clitoral enlargement.

• Menstrual Irregularities: Irregular or absent menstrual cycles are often associated with hirsutism, particularly in the context of PCOS.

Tests to Diagnose Hirsutism

For an accurate diagnosis, doctors for abnormal hair growth may recommend the following tests:

• Medical History: The doctor will ask about your age of onset, rate of growth, menstrual history, medication use and family history of hirsutism.

• Physical Examination: This includes checking for signs of hyperandrogenism like acne, oily skin or a deep voice.

• Laboratory Tests: Blood tests might be recommended to measure the levels of total testosterone, free testosterone and other androgens.

• Imaging studies: Pelvic ultrasound to visualise ovarian cysts associated with PCOS and adrenal ultrasound or CT scan to identify potential adrenal abnormalities, may be used as part of the diagnostic process.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Hirsutism at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai

At Apollo Hospitals in Chennai, some of the best doctors specialising in hirsutism treatment offer treatment options such as:

• Self-Care Methods: For mild hirsutism, regular shaving, waxing or using depilatory creams can effectively manage hair growth.

• Topical Treatments: Certain creams or gels containing eflornithine, finasteride, or spironolactone can help manage mild to moderate hirsutism.

• Oral Medications: For moderate to severe hirsutism, oral anti-androgens like spironolactone, flutamide or finasteride are commonly prescribed to block the effects of androgens and reduce hair growth.

• Hormonal Contraceptives: These medications help regulate hormonal imbalances, thereby reducing androgen levels and hair growth.

• Surgical Options: In rare cases, surgical removal of excess hair or treatment of underlying hormonal imbalances may be necessary.