The Endocrine Society has released clinical practice guidelines for evaluation and treatment of hirsutism in premenopausal women
Key recommendations
- Testing for elevated androgen levels is suggested for women with moderate/severe hirsutism or sudden-onset, rapidly progressive, or abnormality-associated hirsutism.
- Pharmacological therapy or direct hair removal methods are suggested for women with patient-important hirsutism despite cosmetic measures.
- For pharmacological therapy, oral contraceptives are suggested for the majority of women, with added antiandrogen after 6 months if the response is suboptimal.
- Antiandrogen monotherapy is recommended unless adequate contraception is used.
- Insulin-lowering drugs are not suggested.
- Laser/photoepilation is suggested for women who choose hair removal therapy.
The first update since 2008.Guidelines