90: Hirsutism and Hypertrichosis Flashcards
What is hirsutism?
Hirsutism is a condition characterized by excessive terminal body hair growth in women, following a male pattern distribution. It is driven by elevated androgen levels and increased sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens.
How does hirsutism differ from hypertrichosis?
Hirsutism involves excessive hair growth in a male pattern distribution and is androgen-dependent. Hypertrichosis involves generalized excessive hair growth that is independent of androgens.
What are the main driving factors of hirsutism?
The main driving factors of hirsutism include elevated androgen levels and increased sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens.
What is the prevalence of hirsutism among women of reproductive age?
The prevalence of hirsutism is approximately 5% to 15% of the female population of reproductive age.
What are the phases of the hair growth cycle?
The hair growth cycle consists of three phases: 1. Anagen (growth phase) 2. Catagen (involution) 3. Telogen (rest phase)
How can hirsutism be categorized clinically?
Hirsutism can be categorized as primary or idiopathic and secondary hirsutism.
What are some signs of hyperandrogenism associated with hirsutism?
Signs of hyperandrogenism associated with hirsutism include acne, acanthosis nigricans, androgenetic alopecia, seborrheic dermatitis, and signs of virilization.
What is the significance of the hair growth cycle phases in the context of hirsutism?
The maturation of vellus hair to terminal hair is influenced by the activation of androgen receptors in the hair follicle, which is crucial in the development of hirsutism.
What does an abrupt onset of hirsutism indicate?
An abrupt onset of hirsutism should raise suspicion of malignancy.
What areas are most commonly involved in hirsutism?
The most commonly involved areas in hirsutism are the upper lip, thighs, lower abdomen, and upper back.
What is the modified Ferriman and Gallwey (mFG) scoring scale used for?
The modified Ferriman and Gallwey (mFG) scoring scale is a systematic tool for assessing the degree of hirsutism in nine body locations.
What characterizes idiopathic hirsutism?
Idiopathic hirsutism is characterized by hirsute patients who present with regular ovulation, normal to slightly elevated androgen levels, and no features suggesting other causes of hirsutism.
What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and its significance in hirsutism?
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common associated cause of hyperandrogenism in women of reproductive age and is a common secondary cause of hirsutism.
What are the clinical manifestations associated with HAIR-AN syndrome?
HAIR-AN syndrome is characterized by hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and acanthosis nigricans.
What is Saha syndrome and its manifestations?
Saha syndrome is characterized by seborrhea, acne, hirsutism, and androgenetic alopecia.
What does an mFG score of 16 indicate?
An mFG score of 16 indicates moderate to severe hirsutism.
What should be the primary concern with sudden onset of hirsutism and virilization?
Sudden onset of hirsutism and virilization raises suspicion of malignancy.
What are the diagnostic criteria for idiopathic hirsutism?
Idiopathic hirsutism is diagnosed in patients with regular ovulation, normal to slightly elevated androgen levels, and no features suggesting other causes.
What clinical features should raise suspicion of malignancy in a patient with hirsutism?
An abrupt onset of hirsutism should raise suspicion of malignancy.
What scoring system is used to evaluate the degree of hirsutism?
The modified Ferriman and Gallwey (mFG) scoring scale evaluates hirsutism in nine body locations, with scores ranging from 0 (no hair) to 4 (extensive hair growth).
What are the key clinical characteristics of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) related to hirsutism?
PCOS is associated with chronic anovulation, insulin resistance, infertility, and other manifestations like acne and alopecia.
What is the relationship between hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance in HAIR-AN syndrome?
HAIR-AN syndrome is characterized by hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and acanthosis nigricans.
What are the common cutaneous manifestations associated with Saha syndrome?
Saha syndrome is characterized by seborrhea, acne, hirsutism, and androgenetic alopecia.
What is the biochemical hallmark of adrenal hyperplasia associated with hirsutism?
An elevated 17-OHP (17-hydroxyprogesterone) level is the biochemical hallmark of adrenal hyperplasia associated with hirsutism.