Hirsutism pathophysiology
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
Overview
Hirsutism is a common disorder of the endocrine system, which affects about 10% of women approximately in the United States. It may indicate a serious or unserious medical condition seen as a serious cosmetic problem. Androgens are required for sexual hair development. Hirsutism can arise from increased androgen production or from increased sensitivity of the hair follicles to circulating androgens. [1]
Pathophysiology
It is speculated that insulin, at high enough concentration, stimulates the ovarian theca cells to produce androgens. There may also be an effect of high levels of insulin to activate the insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1) receptor in those same cells. Again, the result is increased androgen production.
References
- ↑ Breckwoldt M, Zahradnik HP, Wieacker P (1989). "Hirsutism, its pathogenesis". Hum Reprod. 4 (6): 601–4. PMID 2674189.