‘ Excessive body hair may point to PCOS in women’

Washington: Women with unwanted dark, course hair growing on the face, chest or back should undergo testing for polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS) and other underlying health problems, experts suggest. For the first time since 2008, the Endocrine Society issued an update to its Clinical Practice Guideline on hirsutism — a condition where women experience unwanted hair growth in areas where men typically grow hair. “Excess facial or body hair is not only distressing to women, it is often a symptom of an underlying medical problem,” said Kathryn A Martin, of Massachusetts General Hospital in the US. “It is important to see your health care provider to find out what is causing the excess hair growth and treat it,” said Martin. Hirsutism affects 5 to 10 per cent of women. The excess hair growth can be caused by PCOS, a common condition that contributes to infertility and metabolic health problems. Society experts now suggest all women with hirsutism undergo blood tests for testosterone and other male sex hormones called androgens. Women naturally have small amounts of these hormones, but the levels tend to be elevated in women with PCOS and other conditions that cause hirsutism. Experts previously called for testing for women with moderate to severe hirsutism, but the recommendation was broadened to improve diagnosis rates of PCOS and other underlying conditions. Hirsutism can cause personal distress, anxiety and depression when it is not treated. Experts suggests treating mild cases with no sign of an underlying condition with medication or direct hair removal. — PTI