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Hirsutism

Meaning

Hirsutism is a clinical and dermatological condition observed in women, characterized by the excessive growth of coarse, dark, and thick terminal hair in a male-like pattern, typically presenting on the face, chest, and lower back. This specific presentation is a key physical manifestation of underlying hyperandrogenism, which signifies an elevated or pathologically active level of circulating androgens, or male hormones. A thorough endocrine evaluation is critically necessary to identify the specific hormonal imbalance, as it can indicate conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or, less commonly, adrenal or ovarian tumors.