Best Doctors for Hirsutism in Mumbai

Types/Stages of Hirsutism

Hirsutism can manifest uniquely in each individual based on various factors such as age, underlying causes, and the body’s response to androgen. The condition does not have specific types or stages but is characterised by three phases of the hair follicle cycle:

• Anagen Phase: This phase marks active hair growth, during which the hair follicle produces hair that can last for months to years.

• Catagen Phase: Hair growth slows down in the catagen phase. This transitional period prepares the hair follicle to enter a resting phase.

• Telogen Phase: This is the resting phase where growth ceases. During this time, the hair follicle remains inactive for several months before eventually shedding the old hair and restarting the cycle with new growth.

Symptoms of Hirsutism

Hirsutism is characterised by several distinct signs and symptoms:

• Dark or coarse hair appears predominantly on the face, chest, back, lower abdomen, upper arms, or lower legs.

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

• Irregular or missing menstrual cycles are often tied to PCOS.

Tests to Diagnose Hirsutism

At Apollo Hospitals in Mumbai, diagnosis is performed by doctors for excessive hair growth through a comprehensive approach that includes:

• Medical History: Doctors inquire about the age of onset, progression rate, menstrual history, medication use, and family history of hirsutism.

• Physical Examination: A thorough examination is conducted to detect signs of hyperandrogenism, such as acne, oily skin, and a deepened voice.

• Laboratory Tests: These measure total testosterone, free testosterone and various other androgens to identify the underlying cause.

• Pelvic Ultrasound: This checks for ovarian cysts or polycystic ovaries in suspected cases of PCOS.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Hirsutism at Apollo Hospitals in Mumbai

Apollo Hospitals provides an array of treatment options tailored to the severity and cause of Hirsutism, guided by the best doctors specialising in hirsutism treatment:

• Self-Care Methods: This is recommended for mild cases, including regular shaving, waxing, or using depilatory creams to manage excess hair growth.

• Topical Treatments: Prescribed creams or gels containing eflornithine (slows down hair growth), finasteride (inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone), or spironolactone (blocks androgen receptors) are effective for mild to moderate cases of hirsutism.

• Oral Medications: Anti-androgens such as spironolactone, flutamide, or finasteride may be prescribed for moderate to severe hirsutism.

• Hormonal Contraceptives: Combination oral contraceptives containing estrogen and progestin, or progestin-only pills, can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce androgen production.

• Surgical Options: In rare cases where conservative treatments are ineffective, surgical removal of excess hair or treatment of underlying hormonal imbalances may be recommended.