Best Doctors for Hirsutism in Delhi

Types/Stages of Hirsutism

Hirsutism presents in various stages, depending on the severity and underlying cause:

• Mild Hirsutism: This is characterised by a slight increase in body hair growth in areas such as the upper lip, chin, and lower abdomen.

• Moderate Hirsutism: This includes a noticeable increase in body hair growth on the face, chest, and back. It is often accompanied by irregular menstrual cycles.

• Severe Hirsutism: This is marked by extensive body hair growth and symptoms of virilisation such as deepening voice, increased muscle mass, severe acne, and significant menstrual irregularities.

Symptoms of Hirsutism

The symptoms of hirsutism are distinct and easily identifiable, including:

• Dark or coarse hair growing in a male-like pattern on a woman’s face, chest, back, lower abdomen, upper arms or lower legs.

• Manifestation of male secondary sex characteristics such as a deepening voice, balding, acne, decreased breast size, increased muscle mass, and enlargement of the clitoris.

• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles are often associated with PCOS.

• Oily skin and increased perspiration.

Tests to Diagnose Hirsutism

The best doctors specialising in hirsutism treatment diagnose the condition through a combination of medical history, physical examination and laboratory tests. Some of these tests include:

• Medical History: This includes questions about the age of onset, rate of symptom progression, menstrual cycle history, current and past medication use and family history of hirsutism.

• Physical Examination: Doctors look for signs of hyperandrogenism such as acne, oily skin, masculine voice and excessive hair growth in a male-like pattern.

• Total Testosterone Test: Elevated levels of total testosterone can indicate androgen excess, which may be due to conditions such as PCOS or adrenal disorders.

• Free Testosterone Test: This test is more sensitive than the total testosterone test and is often elevated in cases of PCOS, providing a clearer indication of the bioavailable testosterone in the body.

• Androgen Profile: This assesses various androgens to identify the underlying cause.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Hirsutism at Apollo Hospitals in Delhi

Expert doctors specialising in hirsutism treatment at Apollo Hospitals in Delhi offer a comprehensive range of treatments based on the severity and cause of the condition. These include:

• Self-Care Methods: For mild hirsutism, regular shaving, waxing or using depilatory creams can be effective. Additionally, bleaching can lighten hair, making it less noticeable.

• Topical Treatments: Creams or gels containing eflornithine (slows facial hair growth), finasteride or spironolactone are effective for mild to moderate hirsutism.

• Oral Medications: For moderate to severe hirsutism, anti-androgens like spironolactone, flutamide or finasteride may be recommended.

• Hormonal Contraceptives: Combination oral contraceptives or progestin-only pills can be used to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce androgen levels.

• Surgical Options: In rare cases, surgical removal of excess hair or treatment of underlying hormonal imbalances may be considered. This can include procedures like ovarian drilling for PCOS or adrenal gland surgery if tumours are present.