Hirsutism
Hirsutism refers to excess hair growing in a male pattern on a woman’s face, chest, or abdomen. The hair is typically dark and coarse rather than fine vellus hair, and the root cause is almost always hormonal, with androgens stimulating follicles in hormone-sensitive areas.
Medicines used to treat Hirsutism
Cyproterone Acetate and Ethinylestradiol Tablets
2/0.035mg
Formulated to treat androgen-dependent skin conditions; indicated to alleviate symptoms of severe acne in women.
What drives the excess hair
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) accounts for the majority of cases and is widely prevalent across South and Southeast Asia. Beyond PCOS, adrenal disorders, thyroid dysfunction, and certain medicines can raise androgen levels enough to trigger hirsutism. A smaller proportion of cases have no identifiable hormonal cause.
Hormonal and topical approaches
Because androgens are usually the driving force, treatment is aimed at lowering their effect on follicles. Combined oral contraceptives containing cyproterone and ethinylestradiol are a well-established option: cyproterone is an anti-androgen that blocks the receptor, while ethinylestradiol suppresses ovarian androgen output. For unwanted facial hair specifically, a cream containing eflornithine can slow regrowth by inhibiting an enzyme the follicle needs. These treatments sit within the broader areas of women’s health and skin care. Results take several months to become visible, and hair that is already present requires physical removal alongside any medical treatment.
If hirsutism appears suddenly or worsens quickly, an underlying cause such as an adrenal or ovarian tumour should be ruled out promptly.