This page is designed to organize content that is relevant to the topic of hirsutism. This term is used often in medicine, and it is important that we become as familiar as possible with it.
WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?
Before going any farther, let us make sure we clearly define the “medical problem”. Hirsutism refers to male pattern hair growth on a woman’s face, chest, or back.
WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?
Not only is this condition cosmetically unappealing to patients, but it may be a sign of a more serious underlying hormonal condition.
ORGANIZING THE DIFFERENTIAL
The differential diagnosis for TERM can be organized in a few different ways:
- Disease category
- Diagnostic modality
Now that the possible causes of TERM have been established, the focus can shift to how one would actually “work-up” a patient who presents with TERM.
- Collecting the history
- Performing the physical
- Ordering studies/tests
- Interpreting clinical data
Page Updated: 10.13.2016