Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) Tips

Benign Prostrate Hyperplasia - What Are The Signs Of It?

MS - General Surgery, DNB - Urology/Genito - Urinary Surgery, MBBS
Urologist, Delhi
Benign Prostrate Hyperplasia - What Are The Signs Of It?

Benign Prostrate Hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition which results in the enlargement of the prostate gland. The prostrate grand is situated near the Urethra (a tube which helps flush out the urine from the bladder). Generally, the chances of developing BPH increase after one crosses the age of 50. But it is yet not know, why some men experience more severe symptoms than others.

Causes of BPH

This condition generally occurs because of old age and affects almost all men above the age of 75. It occurs because of the various hormonal changes and changes in cell growth that the body goes through, as one becomes old. Sometimes BPH can set in due to genetics. If BPH sets in due to genetically reasons, it usually is quite severe and affects men before they reach 60.

Symptoms of BPH

Quite a few men who develop BPH, experience no symptoms at all. But when symptoms of BPH, known as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUT) start, they can be either mild or very severe. The severity of the symptoms is not related to the extent of the enlargement. Many a times men with only a mild enlargement complain about severe symptoms, while men with a highly enlarge prostate gland may do not complain of any discomfort.

Symptoms of BPH tend to worsen due to cold weather and also because of physical and emotional overexertion.
There are certain medicines which should be avoided if you suffer from BPH, as they have a tendency to worsen your symptoms, for example- diphenhydramine, pseudoephedrine, oxymetazoline spray and other antidepressants.

The symptoms of BPH are related to issues with bladder emptying and issues with bladder storage. Symptoms related to the urine drainage from the bladder are

1. Strain while urinating
2. Weak urine flow
3. Some dribbling after urination
4. Sudden urge to urinate
5. Pain while urinating

Symptoms related to storage of urine in the bladder are

1. Waking during the night to urinate
2. Urinating frequently during the day and at night
3. Sudden urge to urinate, which may be hard to control

It however, has to be kept in mind that these symptoms may not primarily occur due to prostate enlargement, but may be the result of other conditions like urinary tract infections, prostatitis, prostate cancer, neurological disorders and even diabetes. Thus it is essential that you visit a doctor and get the cause for these symptoms diagnosed properly.

 

1530 people found this helpful

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - How Homeopathic Treatment Can Help?

Dr. K Jyothi Rao 92% (67 ratings)
DHMS (Diploma in Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery), M.Sc - Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics, MSc - Psychotherapy & Counselling
Homeopathy Doctor, Bangalore
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - How Homeopathic Treatment Can Help?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia(BPH) is the enlargement of the prostate gland which can lead to other serious problems of the urinary tract, bladder, and kidneys.

It might be the result of an infection of the urinary tract or a scar in the bladder from an earlier surgery. Prostrate inflammation or urethral narrowing can also cause an enlargement of the gland. Kidney or bladder stones may also be responsible for prostate enlargement.

Age also plays a role in the enlargement of the gland. The hormonal changes that are natural with advances in age can cause the gland to grow in size. The prostate, in fact, doubles in size when men enter puberty, and later when they are about 25 years of age, it begins to grow again. In most cases, this growth continues for the rest of their lives.

Symptoms of BPH
As the prostate gland continues to grow, it can begin to exert pressure on the urethra. This affects the flow of urine and leads to some of the most common symptoms of BPH. These include-

  • A difficulty in starting urination.
  • A weak or irregular stream of urine.
  • A sudden and urgent need to urinate.
  • An inability to empty the bladder completely.
  • An increase in the frequency of urination during the night.
  • Dribbling after one finishes.

Though quite rare, you might find yourself unable to urinate or notice blood in your urine. If you notice one or more of the above-mentioned symptoms, consult a physician at your earliest possible. BPH can lead to a number of serious ailments that include bladder stones, severe damage to the bladder and even damage to the kidneys.

Role of Homeopathy
Given that in most men the prostate gland continues to grow throughout their lives, it is best to take the necessary preventive measures to ensure that it doesn’t progress to a serious health condition. Homeopathy, being both natural and effective, is one of the most popular methods of prevention.

A practitioner of homeopathy will evaluate all aspects of your lifestyle and health and prescribe a combination of medications designed to both reduce the inflammation of the prostate and regulate your urinary problems. You might even be prescribed natural pain relievers that will help manage any pain that you might be experiencing during urination. A pro-active approach is advised when it comes to the treatment of the prostate gland.

The 5 best homeopathic medicines for prostate enlargement or BPH are-

1. Baryta Carb- best medicine for enlarged prostate in old people

2. Digitalis- best medicine for enlarged prostate problem with heart trouble

3. Staphysagria– best medicine for BPH with painful urination

4. Conium-best homeopathic remedy for prostate enlargement with frequent urination

5. Sabal Serrulata- best medicine for prostate gland enlargement in homeopathy

3162 people found this helpful

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia - Tips That Can Help You Prevent It!

Dr. Anil Agarwal 92% (167 ratings)
MBBS, MS - Urology, DNB
Urologist, Guwahati
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia - Tips That Can Help You Prevent It!

The prostate, a small walnut-shaped gland located under the bladder. Its main function is to add fluid to the semen produced by the reproductive system. It does not cause any problems in men till later in life when it begins to grow. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH can affect some men, but you can reduce your risk of this condition.

Risk factors for BPH
Knowing and understanding factors that cause BPH will help you avoid or reduce your risk of this condition. In addition to age the other risk factors of BPH are:

  1. Family history: If a close family member such as father or brother has had BPH you are more likely to have this condition
  2. Ethnic background: According to a study published in the Journal of Urology, Black and Hispanic men are at a high risk of being affected by BPH than white men.
  3. Diabetes: A study published in the journal Differentiation has suggested that diabetes can cause the prostate growth.
  4. Obesity: Men who are overweight or have a high amount of body fat could also have high levels of the female hormone estrogen which causes the prostate to grow
  5. Inactivity: Inactive men or those that do little or no exercise are at a higher risk of BPH. Exercising will help you keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check and keep your heart healthy which reduces the risk of BPH. Heart disease which can be caused due to inactivity or obesity is known to cause BPH

Preventing BPH
Although certain risk factors such as family history, age and ethnic background, are beyond your control, you can control a few others.

  1. Exercising such as swimming, cycling and walking for just half an hour can help lower your risk of BPH. Diet too plays an important role in keeping your weight in check and preventing conditions such as diabetes which can cause BPH.
  2. Certain foods too are said to slow the rate of prostate growth. A diet low in sugar and saturated fats but rich in healthy fats such as that found in nuts and oily fish is usually recommended.
  3. Supplements can also help. If you feel you are not getting all the nutrition you require from your diet it might be advisable to take supplements. There are many different types of natural supplements available. Ensure that you discuss this with your doctor before starting on a daily supplement.
  4. Limiting or reducing your intake of caffeine can be beneficial for not only the prostate but also the bladder. Drink plenty of water instead.
  5. Stress can trigger and worsen symptoms of BPH such as the frequency to urinate and pain
  6. Discussing the risk factors of BPH with your doctor and working with them to set up diet or meal plans will help you reduce your risk of this condition.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

2853 people found this helpful

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia - Know Factors That Contribute To It!

MBBS, MS - General Surgery, DNB Urology, MCh [Urology & Kidney Transplant], FAIS, MRCS-Edinburgh, DipMIS
Urologist, Faridabad
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia - Know Factors That Contribute To It!

The prostate, a small walnut-shaped gland located under the bladder. Its main function is to add fluid to the semen produced by the reproductive system. It does not cause any problems in men until later in life when it begins to grow. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH can affect some men, but you can reduce your risk of this condition.

Risk factors for BPH
Knowing and understanding factors that cause BPH will help you avoid or reduce your risk of this condition. In addition to age the other risk factors of BPH are:

  1. Family history: If a close family member such as father or brother has had BPH you are more likely to have this condition
  2. Ethnic background: According to a study published in the Journal of Urology, Black and Hispanic men are at a high risk of being affected by BPH than white men.
  3. Diabetes: A study published in the journal Differentiation has suggested that diabetes can cause the prostate growth.
  4. Obesity: Men who are overweight or have a high amount of body fat could also have high levels of the female hormone estrogen which causes the prostate to grow
  5. Inactivity: Inactive men or those that do little or no exercise are at a higher risk of BPH. Exercising will help you keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check and keep your heart healthy which reduces the risk of BPH. Heart disease which can be caused due to inactivity or obesity is known to cause BPH

Preventing BPH
Although certain risk factors such as family history, age and ethnic background, are beyond your control, you can control a few others.

  1. Exercising such as swimming, cycling and walking for just half an hour can help lower your risk of BPH. Diet too plays an important role in keeping your weight in check and preventing conditions such as diabetes which can cause BPH.
  2. Certain foods too are said to slow the rate of prostate growth. A diet low in sugar and saturated fats but rich in healthy fats such as that found in nuts and oily fish is usually recommended.
  3. Supplements can also help. If you feel you are not getting all the nutrition you require from your diet it might be advisable to take supplements. There are many different types of natural supplements available. Ensure that you discuss this with your doctor before starting on a daily supplement.
  4. Limiting or reducing your intake of caffeine can be beneficial for not only the prostate but also the bladder. Drink plenty of water instead.
  5. Stress can trigger and worsen symptoms of BPH such as the frequency to urinate and pain
  6. Discussing the risk factors of BPH with your doctor and working with them to set up diet or meal plans will help you reduce your risk of this condition.
1100 people found this helpful

Congenital Heart Defects: Symptoms Your Child Might Be Suffering From It!

Dr. Viveka Kumar 91% (117 ratings)
DM - Cardiology -, MD - General Medicine - , MBBS, FSCAI, MHRS, FACC, FESC , Fellowship in Interventional Cardiology & EP, Interventional Cardiology & EP and Devices, Senior Specialist( Interventional Cardiology), Fellow of southeast Asian Interventional Cardiology Society, International Award of Excellence in Cardiology
Cardiologist, Delhi
Congenital Heart Defects: Symptoms Your Child Might Be Suffering From It!

Most families refer to their newborn baby as their 'bundle of joy'. The news of a child being born brings immense joy to the entire family. However, due to various reasons, a child could be born with some medical abnormalities, which would be known as congenital abnormalities. There are several different types of heart defects that can be congenital. These usually manifest themselves either immediately after birth or in the early years of life. In some cases, the abnormality could be detected on prenatal ultrasounds. In others, it may not be and the family could be caught off guard about the condition. This causes a lot of stress, both for the child, who does not receive regular postnatal care and for the parents immediately after the delivery process.

If the baby has the following symptoms within the first few hours of life, there could be a serious underlying condition, which requires medical attention. The presence and severity of the symptoms would depend on the actual abnormality.

  1. The skin is pale gray or blue in color due to excessive venous flow in the system
  2. Excessive sweating
  3. The child is exerting to breathe regularly
  4. Rapid breathing causes added load on the heart accompanied by a grunting noise
  5. Flared nostrils i.e. the baby attempts to take in more oxygen with each breath causes flared nostrils
  6. Swollen legs, eyes, and abdomen: Fluid retention in the legs and abdomen is quite common, and this could be characteristic of newborns with congenital heart disease
  7. Shortness of breath, even during feeding
  8. Clubbed fingernails
  9. Lethargy and low energy, even with feeding, therefore very poor feeding pattern
  10. Chest pain, which may cause the newborn to cry incessantly
  11. Low weight gain, as they feed less

In some children, symptoms manifest only during the teenage years or early adulthood. These conditions are not very severe and the symptoms include:

  1. Swelling of the hands, feet, and ankles due to fluid accumulation
  2. Lowered energy levels, leading to easy fatigue
  3. Shortness of breath with even minimal physical activity
  4. Inability to exercise
  5. Developmental delays and changes in growth milestones
  6. Recurrent respiratory tract infections including sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia
  7. Endocarditis
  8. Pulmonary hypertension
  9. Heart failure, where the heart is not able to effectively function and pump blood to all parts of the body.

Some or more of these symptoms should trigger a warning to get the child tested for congenital heart disease. While some would just require a monitoring until severe symptoms develop, severe conditions like holes, abnormal valves, narrowed arteries, and blood vessel abnormalities might require immediate intervention. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a cardiologist.

3354 people found this helpful

Adrenal Gland Cancer - 15 Tell Tale Signs You Must be Aware of

Dr. Anirban Biswas 93% (1351 ratings)
PG Diploma in Diabetology, Fellowship in Non-Invasive Cardiology, MD - Medicine, MBBS, PG Diploma In cardiology, PG Diploma in Diabetes and Renal management
Diabetologist, Delhi
Adrenal Gland Cancer - 15 Tell Tale Signs You Must be Aware of

Adrenal gland cancer is a form of cancer which usually affects adrenals (tiny glands which sit above each kidney). The kidneys are situated inside the upper abdomen. The tumor usually develops in the outer part of the adrenal gland called the cortex. These hormones are called steroids and produce cortisol (hormone made in the adrenal gland) and sex hormones. 

Types of Adrenal Tumors:

  1. Cancer in the outer part of the adrenal gland like adrenocortical carcinoma.
  2. Neuroblastoma (usually affects children).
  3. An extremely rare form of tumor called pheochromocytoma.

Symptoms of Adrenal Gland Cancer:

  1. Low levels of potassium
  2. High blood pressure
  3. Panic attacks and anxiety can also occur
  4. Nervousness
  5. Throbbing sensation in the heart
  6. Immense headache
  7. Excessive amount of sweating
  8. Pain in the abdominal area
  9. Extreme fluctuation in blood sugar levels (diabetes)
  10. Weight loss or weight gain for no reason.
  11. Weakness and feelings of fatigue
  12. Hair loss
  13. Some changes in the genitalia.
  14. Unusual occurrence of acne.
  15. Changes in sex drive (libido).

Treatments of Adrenal Gland Cancer:

  1. SurgeryThis option can be considered in extreme cases. Surgery usually involves surgically removing the tumors. If the tumor is smaller than 5 cm, it might not be cancerous or dangerous. In this case a laparoscopic surgery is suggested.
  2. Hormone Therapy: Adrenal glands might produce excess hormones during other treatments for curing adrenal gland cancer. The doctor might suggest drugs like metyrapone, streptozotocin, metyrosine and spironolactone to maintain your hormone levels.
  3. ChemotherapyThis is the most common form of treatment to kill the cancer cells. Chemotherapy stops the cells ability to divide and grow thus destroying the cancer cells. During chemotherapy a patient is given a combination of different drugs at a time. The amount of adrenocorticoids which is produced by the adrenal glands during adrenal cancer is greatly reduced. The side effects of chemotherapy include nausea, vomiting, risk of infection, loss of appetite, hair loss, diarrhea and fatigue. If you wish to discuss any specific problem, you can consult an endocrinologist.
3200 people found this helpful

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - Role Of Homeopathy In Treating It!

Dr. Parminder Punn 90% (346 ratings)
MD - Homeopathy, BHMS
Homeopathy Doctor, Ludhiana
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - Role Of Homeopathy In Treating It!

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia(BPH) is the enlargement of the prostate gland which can lead to other serious problems of the urinary tract, bladder, and kidneys.

It might be the result of an infection of the urinary tract or a scar in the bladder from an earlier surgery. Prostrate inflammation or urethral narrowing can also cause an enlargement of the gland. Kidney or bladder stones may also be responsible for prostate enlargement.
 

Age also plays a role in the enlargement of the gland. The hormonal changes that are natural with advances in age can cause the gland to grow in size. The prostate, in fact, doubles in size when men enter puberty, and later when they are about 25 years of age, it begins to grow again. In most cases, this growth continues for the rest of their lives.

Symptoms of BPH
As the prostate gland continues to grow, it can begin to exert pressure on the urethra. This affects the flow of urine and leads to some of the most common symptoms of BPH. These include-

 

  • A difficulty in starting urination.
  • A weak or irregular stream of urine.
  • A sudden and urgent need to urinate.
  • An inability to empty the bladder completely.
  • An increase in the frequency of urination during the night.
  • Dribbling after one finishes.

Though quite rare, you might find yourself unable to urinate or notice blood in your urine. If you notice one or more of the above-mentioned symptoms, consult a physician at your earliest possible. BPH can lead to a number of serious ailments that include bladder stones, severe damage to the bladder and even damage to the kidneys.

Role of Homeopathy
Given that in most men the prostate gland continues to grow throughout their lives, it is best to take the necessary preventive measures to ensure that it doesn’t progress to a serious health condition. Homeopathy, being both natural and effective, is one of the most popular methods of prevention.

A practitioner of homeopathy will evaluate all aspects of your lifestyle and health and prescribe a combination of medications designed to both reduce the inflammation of the prostate and regulate your urinary problems. You might even be prescribed natural pain relievers that will help manage any pain that you might be experiencing during urination. A pro-active approach is advised when it comes to the treatment of the prostate gland. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

3128 people found this helpful

Hirsutism - 4 Ways it Can be Treated!

Dr. Shaivalini Kamarapu 90% (316 ratings)
MBBS, MS - Obstetrics and Gynaecology, FMAS.Laparoscopy, Cosmetic Gynaecology
Gynaecologist, Hyderabad
Hirsutism - 4 Ways it Can be Treated!

There are women who feel their looks are spoilt because of the presence of excessive body hair. While hair on women's body is common, excessive body hair isn't a normal condition and must be taken seriously. Women are generally unaware that the condition is known as Hirsutism.

What is Hirsutism?

Hirsutism can be defined as growth of excessive facial and body hair in women. With the world obsessed with flawless skin, such changes from feminine hair pattern (soft, fine, vellus hair) to masculine hair pattern (hard, dark, terminal hair) in a woman is generally unwelcoming and, hence, very distressing for the woman.

Why do some women develop Hirsutism?

In order to understand the reasons for such excessive growth in some women, it is important to understand the differences in the physiology of men and women. The male or female appearance of one's body is dependent on a delicate balance between male and female sex hormones. There is a predominance of the hormone estrogen in a woman's body, whereas androgens (testosterone) are the predominant sex hormones among men. However, some amount of androgens is secreted by the ovaries and adrenal glands (located next to kidneys) in women also. But, an excessive production of these hormones results in Hirsutism. Hormonal imbalance is by far the most common cause of Hirsutism.

Causes of Hirsutism

The common causes of hirsutism include:

1. Endocrine causes

  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) - PCOS is a condition of hormonal imbalance in the body, which can result in an irregular menstrual cycle, enlarged ovaries with a cystic appearance on USG, infertility, obesity and hirsutism. For more information on the causes and management of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).
  • Cushing's syndrome - Excessive production of hormone Cortisol by the adrenal glands can lead to symptoms such as high blood pressure, abdominal obesity, skin discoloration, muscle weakness, irregular menstruation, and hirsutism etc. This syndrome is known as Cushing's syndrome.
  • Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) - CAH is a condition of excessive production of hormones Androgens and Cortisol by the adrenal glands and generally manifests in childhood in the form of virilization. In such cases, CAH can present with symptoms such as ambiguous genitals, obesity, hypertension etc. However, sometimes the manifestation of CAH is deferred to early adulthood and results in milder symptoms, hirsutism being one of them.

2. Tumors - Tumors in ovary or adrenal glands can again cause hirsutism due to excessive production of androgens

3. Medications

4. Idiopathic - The woman may be having hirsutism despite normal hormone levels


Treatments

There are essentially two lines of treatment for hirsutism - one is medical management and the other is a cosmetic treatment.

Medical treatments for hirsutism -

1. Birth control pills - It's possible to reduce the severity and intensity of hair growth using birth control pills- the most commonly prescribed medical intervention! The birth control pills help by decreasing the production of androgens by ovaries. Besides this, estrogen present in the pills also helps the liver to produce more of sex hormone binding protein- these proteins bind to circulating androgens, thereby reducing their action on the body. Both these actions help in reducing the growth of hair on the body.

2. Anti-androgen medications - There are three categories of anti-androgen medications, which are commonly used for the treatment of hirsutism.

- Spironolactone - Spironolactone is a diuretic medicine, which blocks the effects of androgens on the hair follicles, thus controlling hair growth.

- Finasteride - Finasteride works by blocking the conversion of body testosterone into its more potent chemical entity, thereby limiting the effect of testosterone on hair growth.

- Flutamide - Flutamide is a potent anti-androgen, which blocks the actions of androgens and helps in controlling the hair growth.

However, we have to ensure that the woman is not pregnant when taking any of these three medications. These medicines are often combined with oral contraceptives, which also have a synergistic effect in reducing the severity of hirsutism. One should also seek an expert opinion before starting these medications as there can be serious side effects, especially on liver.

3. Steroids - Low dose dexamethasone can be used to control the overactive adrenal glands when used carefully. However, long-term steroid therapy has got its own side effects and this therapy should only be considered under expert care and guidance.

4. Insulin sensitizing medicines - Medicines such as Metformin and Pioglitazone (Basically these are anti-diabetic medications) help in reducing insulin resistance in the body, which, in turn, helps in controlling the effects of excessive circulating androgens.

Cosmetic treatment for hirsutism -

One very important aspect of cosmetic management of hirsutism is self-care. This can include shaving, waxing, use of depilators and bleaching creams. All these measures help to reduce the amount of visible hair in undesired parts of the body. But, this needs to be done very frequently for a sustained visible effect.

Permanent hair removal is also possible using electrolysis or LASER treatment. In electrolysis treatment, electric current is passed into the hair follicle using a needle, which damages the root of the hair permanently. Similarly, LASER treatment uses LASER to destroy the hair follicle. Both these are effective methods to get rid of the undesired hair. However, we do not yet know if there are any long-term complications or side effects of these methods and these methods are not yet approved by the US FDA. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a dermatologist.

4038 people found this helpful

Hirsutism - What Are The Causes Behind It?

Dr. Kaushal Samir Kadam 89% (1206 ratings)
MD - Obstetrtics & Gynaecology, DGO
IVF Specialist, Mumbai
Hirsutism - What Are The Causes Behind It?

There are women who feel their looks are spoilt because of the presence of excessive body hair. While hair on women's body is common, excessive body hair isn't a normal condition and must be taken seriously. Women are generally unaware that the condition is known as Hirsutism.

What is Hirsutism?

Hirsutism can be defined as growth of excessive facial and body hair in women. With the world obsessed with flawless skin, such changes from feminine hair pattern (soft, fine, vellus hair) to masculine hair pattern (hard, dark, terminal hair) in a woman is generally unwelcoming and, hence, very distressing for the woman.

Why do some women develop Hirsutism?

In order to understand the reasons for such excessive growth in some women, it is important to understand the differences in the physiology of men and women. The male or female appearance of one's body is dependent on a delicate balance between male and female sex hormones. There is a predominance of the hormone estrogen in a woman's body, whereas androgens (testosterone) are the predominant sex hormones among men. However, some amount of androgens is secreted by the ovaries and adrenal glands (located next to kidneys) in women also. But, an excessive production of these hormones results in Hirsutism. Hormonal imbalance is by far the most common cause of Hirsutism.

Causes of Hirsutism

The common causes of hirsutism include:

1. Endocrine causes

  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) - PCOS is a condition of hormonal imbalance in the body, which can result in an irregular menstrual cycle, enlarged ovaries with a cystic appearance on USG, infertility, obesity and hirsutism. For more information on the causes and management of PCOS.
  • Cushing's syndrome - Excessive production of hormone Cortisol by the adrenal glands can lead to symptoms such as high blood pressure, abdominal obesity, skin discoloration, muscle weakness, irregular menstruation, and hirsutism etc. This syndrome is known as Cushing's syndrome.
  • Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) - CAH is a condition of excessive production of hormones Androgens and Cortisol by the adrenal glands and generally manifests in childhood in the form of virilization. In such cases, CAH can present with symptoms such as ambiguous genitals, obesity, hypertension etc. However, sometimes the manifestation of CAH is deferred to early adulthood and results in milder symptoms, hirsutism being one of them.

2. Tumors - Tumors in ovary or adrenal glands can again cause hirsutism due to excessive production of androgens

3. Medications

4. Idiopathic - the woman may be having hirsutism despite normal hormone levels

Treatments


There are essentially two lines of treatment for hirsutism - one is medical management and the other is a cosmetic treatment.

Medical treatments for hirsutism -

A. Birth control pills - It's possible to reduce the severity and intensity of hair growth using birth control pills- the most commonly prescribed medical intervention! The birth control pills help by decreasing the production of androgens by ovaries. Besides this, estrogen present in the pills also helps the liver to produce more of sex hormone binding protein- these proteins bind to circulating androgens, thereby reducing their action on the body. Both these actions help in reducing the growth of hair on the body.

B. Anti-androgen medications - There are three categories of anti-androgen medications, which are commonly used for the treatment of hirsutism.

 

  • I. Spironolactone - Spironolactone is a diuretic medicine, which blocks the effects of androgens on the hair follicles, thus controlling hair growth.
  • II. Finasteride - Finasteride works by blocking the conversion of body testosterone into its more potent chemical entity, thereby limiting the effect of testosterone on hair growth.
  • III. Flutamide - Flutamide is a potent anti-androgen, which blocks the actions of androgens and helps in controlling the hair growth.

However, we have to ensure that the woman is not pregnant when taking any of these three medications. These medicines are often combined with oral contraceptives, which also have a synergistic effect in reducing the severity of hirsutism. One should also seek an expert opinion before starting these medications as there can be serious side effects, especially on liver.

C. Steroids - Low dose dexamethasone can be used to control the overactive adrenal glands when used carefully. However, long-term steroid therapy has got its own side effects and this therapy should only be considered under expert care and guidance.

D. Insulin sensitizing medicines - Medicines such as Metformin and Pioglitazone (Basically these are anti-diabetic medications) help in reducing insulin resistance in the body, which, in turn, helps in controlling the effects of excessive circulating androgens.

Cosmetic treatment for hirsutism -

One very important aspect of cosmetic management of hirsutism is self-care. This can include shaving, waxing, use of depilators and bleaching creams. All these measures help to reduce the amount of visible hair in undesired parts of the body. But, this needs to be done very frequently for a sustained visible effect.

Permanent hair removal is also possible using electrolysis or LASER treatment. In electrolysis treatment, electric current is passed into the hair follicle using a needle, which damages the root of the hair permanently. Similarly, LASER treatment uses LASER to destroy the hair follicle. Both these are effective methods to get rid of the undesired hair. However, we do not yet know if there are any long-term complications or side effects of these methods and these methods are not yet approved by the US FDA. https://www.lybrate.com/doctor/dr-kaushal-kadam-gynaecologistIn case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

4028 people found this helpful

Excessive Hair Growth - Is Hirsutism The Cause?

Dr. Shruti Bhatia 91% (24 ratings)
DNB (Obstetrics and Gynecology), MD - Obstetrtics & Gynaecology, MBBS
Gynaecologist, Delhi
Excessive Hair Growth - Is Hirsutism The Cause?

There are women who feel their looks are spoilt because of the presence of excessive body hair. While hair on women's body is common, excessive body hair isn't a normal condition and must be taken seriously. Women are generally unaware that the condition is known as Hirsutism.

What is Hirsutism?
Hirsutism can be defined as growth of excessive facial and body hair in women. With the world obsessed with flawless skin, such changes from feminine hair pattern (soft, fine, vellus hair) to masculine hair pattern (hard, dark, terminal hair) in a woman is generally unwelcoming and, hence, very distressing for the woman.

Why do some women develop Hirsutism?
In order to understand the reasons for such excessive growth in some women, it is important to understand the differences in the physiology of men and women. The male or female appearance of one's body is dependent on a delicate balance between male and female sex hormones. There is a predominance of the hormone estrogen in a woman's body, whereas androgens (testosterone) are the predominant sex hormones among men. However, some amount of androgens is secreted by the ovaries and adrenal glands (located next to kidneys) in women also. But, an excessive production of these hormones results in Hirsutism. Hormonal imbalance is by far the most common cause of Hirsutism.

Causes of Hirsutism:
1. Endocrine causes

  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) - PCOS is a condition of hormonal imbalance in the body, which can result in an irregular menstrual cycle, enlarged ovaries with a cystic appearance on USG, infertility, obesity and hirsutism. For more information on the causes and management of PCOS.
  • Cushing's syndrome - Excessive production of hormone Cortisol by the adrenal glands can lead to symptoms such as high blood pressure, abdominal obesity, skin discoloration, muscle weakness, irregular menstruation, and hirsutism etc. This syndrome is known as Cushing's syndrome.
  • Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) - CAH is a condition of excessive production of hormones Androgens and Cortisol by the adrenal glands and generally manifests in childhood in the form of virilization. In such cases, CAH can present with symptoms such as ambiguous genitals, obesity, hypertension etc. However, sometimes the manifestation of CAH is deferred to early adulthood and results in milder symptoms, hirsutism being one of them.

2. Tumors - Tumors in ovary or adrenal glands can again cause hirsutism due to excessive production of androgens

3. Medications

4. Idiopathic - The woman may be having hirsutism despite normal hormone levels


Treatments:
There are essentially two lines of treatment for hirsutism - one is medical management and the other is a cosmetic treatment.

Medical treatments for Hirsutism -
A. Birth control pills - It's possible to reduce the severity and intensity of hair growth using birth control pills- the most commonly prescribed medical intervention! The birth control pills help by decreasing the production of androgens by ovaries. Besides this, estrogen present in the pills also helps the liver to produce more of sex hormone binding protein- these proteins bind to circulating androgens, thereby reducing their action on the body. Both these actions help in reducing the growth of hair on the body.

B. Anti-androgen medications - There are three categories of anti-androgen medications, which are commonly used for the treatment of hirsutism.

  • I. Spironolactone - Spironolactone is a diuretic medicine, which blocks the effects of androgens on the hair follicles, thus controlling hair growth.
  • II. Finasteride - Finasteride works by blocking the conversion of body testosterone into its more potent chemical entity, thereby limiting the effect of testosterone on hair growth.
  • III. Flutamide - Flutamide is a potent anti-androgen, which blocks the actions of androgens and helps in controlling the hair growth.

However, we have to ensure that the woman is not pregnant when taking any of these three medications. These medicines are often combined with oral contraceptives, which also have a synergistic effect in reducing the severity of hirsutism. One should also seek an expert opinion before starting these medications as there can be serious side effects, especially on liver.

C. Steroids - Low dose dexamethasone can be used to control the overactive adrenal glands when used carefully. However, long-term steroid therapy has got its own side effects and this therapy should only be considered under expert care and guidance.

D. Insulin sensitizing medicines - Medicines such as Metformin and Pioglitazone (Basically these are anti-diabetic medications) help in reducing insulin resistance in the body, which, in turn, helps in controlling the effects of excessive circulating androgens.

Cosmetic treatment for Hirsutism -
One very important aspect of cosmetic management of hirsutism is self-care. This can include shaving, waxing, use of depilators and bleaching creams. All these measures help to reduce the amount of visible hair in undesired parts of the body. But, this needs to be done very frequently for a sustained visible effect.

Permanent hair removal is also possible using electrolysis or LASER treatment. In electrolysis treatment, electric current is passed into the hair follicle using a needle, which damages the root of the hair permanently. Similarly, LASER treatment uses LASER to destroy the hair follicle. Both these are effective methods to get rid of the undesired hair. However, we do not yet know if there are any long-term complications or side effects of these methods and these methods are not yet approved by the US FDA. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Gynaecologist.

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